Lifelong Santa Cruz County resident Buzz Anderson has been fascinated by the Ohlone tribe’s history since he was a young lad.
Buzz Anderson
Now Anderon, who lives in Live Oak, is the author of “Five Hundred Moons,” a 778-page historical novel about the Ohlone people starting in 1747 and the Franciscans on a mission to baptize them into Catholicism.
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How did you write this epic?
My most creative time has always been in the AM, especially when I was working.
When I retired it was easier to treat my writing as a job and the mornings were naturally better for me.
I’d say a 80/20 split between AM’s and other parts of the day. There were some times when my writing bogged.
To break out of it, I’d pour a glass of wine in the evening and re-read my latest chapter, then take some notes and outline what was next.
How did you decide to add Gypsies to the story?
I wanted first and foremost the book to be a story, not just history, so I looked to introduce some interesting characters that I could totally make up.
The gypsies filled that need. It was helpful that in 1749 (basically the start of my time frame) the Great Gypsy Roundup took place in Spain.
I could draw parallels with the indigenous people of the New World in regards to both groups being persecuted under the yoke of Church and State.
You put the murder of the padre at the mission in this story although it didn’t happen until 1812, years later. Any objections from historians or native Americans?
I wanted include the story of of the Padre’s murder but my page count was getting out of hand.
I thought 800 pages was about enough, so I combined the murder with the attempted burning of the Santa Cruz Mission which took place 21 years prior. It was the biggest literary license I took in the book. I don’t profess the novel to be a scholarly work.
It’s a work of fiction. I haven’t heard of any objections from other groups, although they are certainly welcome to have their opinions.
What’s the reaction been from native Americans?
I did offer five free copies to the local Amah-Mutsun tribe.
I haven’t heard back from them. I should re-contact them for sure.
This does read like a TV mini-series. Any interest from producers?
It’s flattering to think my book could be a mini-series. There are a couple of websites that claim to have connections with producers.
My editor, Sheila Setter, suggested I contact them, but I’m not holding my breath for any big Hollywood deal! n
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The book is available locally at Bookshop Santa Cruz, Two Birds Books in Pleasure Point and Kelly’s Books in Watsonville. Retail price is $23.49. A Kindle version is available on Amazon for $9.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited.