E784 - Thomas Goodman - The Last Man - A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Cisco, Texas
From Living The Next Chapter: Candid Conversations with Authors and Writers for Readers Searching for a New Read · 49:44
Show by Dave Campbell,
Episode 784 - Thomas Goodman - The Last Man - A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Cisco, TexasAuthor Thomas Goodman joins the conversation to share the fascinating journey behind his historical fiction novel, The Last Man, a story inspired by one of Texas’ most infamous crimes, the Santa Claus Bank Robbery of 1927.A pastor for more than two decades in Austin, Texas, Thomas has always had a passion for history, storytelling, and exploring the lives of real people. His connection to this story began while serving as a pastor in Eastland, Texas, where he first heard the local legend of a bank robbery involving a man dressed as Santa Claus. While many versions of the story focused on the dramatic deaths of three of the four bandits, Thomas became fascinated by the missing piece of the story: what happened to the fourth man?Through years of research, Thomas uncovered a story of transformation, second chances, and redemption. The Last Man explores the life of the surviving bandit, who experienced a dramatic change while serving a life sentence and eventually rebuilt his life after receiving a second chance outside prison.During the conversation, Thomas discusses the path of independent publishing and why aspiring authors should understand that traditional publishing is not the only route available. While pursuing an agent and a traditional publishing deal can be worthwhile, he encourages writers not to view rejection as the end of their journey. Independent publishing has created new opportunities for authors to share their stories directly with readers.Thomas also explains the difference between writing sermons and writing fiction. While both require creativity and understanding of human nature, he believes fiction must begin with an engaging story rather than a message. Readers connect with believable characters, meaningful choices, and compelling journeys. Any deeper message should naturally emerge from the story rather than feeling like a lesson being delivered.The conversation explores the research behind The Last Man, including newspaper archives, local stories, eyewitness connections, and the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with fictional storytelling. Thomas shares how some of the most unbelievable moments in the book are actually based on documented events, while other elements were created to fill gaps in history and bring the characters’ experiences to life.Beyond the crime itself, Thomas highlights the deeper themes woven throughout the novel: fatherhood, forgiveness, missed opportunities, and the possibility of personal transformation. What began as a story about a notorious crime became a story about a man’s search for belonging, purpose, and redemption.Thomas also shares his experience as an independent author, including the surprise of winning the Spur Award for Best Debut Novel from the Western Writers of America. For him, moments like these provided encouragement and confirmation that the long and often isolated writing journey was worth the effort.Looking ahead, Thomas discusses his next historical fiction project, continuing his Texas Tales series with another true crime inspired story that explores a different chapter of Texas history.Great stories are often found in the overlooked details of history. Thomas Goodman’s journey shows that writers do not need to wait for permission to share their stories. With research, persistence, and a willingness to explore the human side of history, authors can uncover powerful stories of struggle, change, and hope.When Santa Claus enters a Texas bank just before Christmas in 1927, no one expects him to pull a gun.The fake white beard hides his identity from his neighbors while he and three others take everything. But their easy heist goes sideways fast when armed lawmen and citizens assemble to claim a new reward for dead bank robbers.Taking hostages, the gang forces a path through a frenzied and bloody shootout, setting the whole Lone Star state on their trail.One bandit dies in the getaway. One is executed in the electric chair. One swings from a rope in a mob lynching. The last man finds a life he always hoped for … if only he can keep it.Closely based on a true crime, The Last Man is a gritty Prohibition-era Western novel filled with flawed characters and second chances.https://mainsailbooks.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca
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