Lewiston doctor tackles his first historical novel

Before assisting on a brain surgery, Dr. Dan Miller stopped by the Lewiston Tribune to talk about his hobbies - writing and local history - and his newest book, a historical novel titled "Tin Cup Johnny."

"It's a job that has to be done," the longtime Lewiston doctor says about delving into someone's brain. "I like it, but in my free time I like this."

Miller has practiced medicine in Lewiston for 30 years, first as an ear, nose and throat doctor, and now as an assistant surgeon. His first book, 2007's "Little Patch of Idaho," was a non-fiction history of Craig Mountain and Lewiston. It sold about 1,500 copies locally.

"This should have a more regional appeal," he says of his first foray into fiction.

"Tin Cup Johnny" is about a U.S. soldier who survives the 1877 Nez Perce War to join forces with a local businessman determined to become the richest man in the territory. It follows them until 1920.

"The characters in that era were fairly obscure and not well known, but they are very colorful with a strong pioneering spirit," says Miller, 68.

While the characters are fictional, the setting and many of the events are based on fact.

Along with gunfights and romance, the novel offers colorful bits of little-known local history, like descriptions of the French cooks and French wineries of early Lewiston, and the creation of Clarkston and its first bridge. There are also stories of the Nez Perce as related by one of the main characters, a full-blooded Nez Perce scholar. Miller did his research at the Nez Perce County Historical Society, the Winchester Museum and historical societies in Craigmont and Grangeville.

The self-published book is $13.99 and available at Hasting's in Lewiston, where Miller will sign copies at 1 p.m. Saturday, and at And Books Too in Clarkston where he will sign at 2 p.m. Nov. 25.

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Bauer may be contacted at jkbauer@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2263.