In 1993 the Southern California Municipal Water District began construction on the Diamond Valley Lake reservoir and damn project in Hemet, California. It was the largest earth excavation in United States history. Little did they know that they would discover a cache of Ice Age fossils that would rival those of Rancho La Brea, the tar pits. Two paleontologists were called in on the site and they found intact fossils of at least fifteen species. The press dubbed it "Valley of the Mastodons."There was such a proliferation of large Pleistocene mammals that no one could account for their presence so far inland. They showcased the largest mastodon found to date, and so dubbed him,"Max."
My book, written in journalistic/documentary style, is an exploration of this discovery from the very beginning excavations, to the final repository of these fascinating discoveries in the new museum that is currently under construction to house all of the artifacts. There will be several chapters donated to an overview and scientific description of the individual species including: habitat,
physiology, morphology, biological impact and other related topics.
Though the market is a general one for those fascinated with paleontology, the book has a very heavy regional flavor to it that includes all of California, and especially the Riverside county area, the city of Hemet, San Jacinto and Temecula areas. The mayor of Hemet, and the city counsel has assured me that the book will be sold at the new multi-million dollar museum complex specifically designed to house the vast collection. "Sue The Tyrannosaurus Rex", is a very similar documentary
style book that has soared to the top ten in it's niche. There are more than 55 publishers, including hosts of University presses, that have, and do publish titles dealing with this topic. The Major Dinosaur groups online: The Dinosaur Mailing List (6,000 professionals), Dinosaur and Fossil Digs,
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, and dozens of other large related groups, are all target markets for this title. The text will be written in such a manner as not to alienate young adults--many original photos, graphs, tables and line art will be included.
This book is different because the giant animals discovered were not entrapped, as in the case of the tar pits. They were free roaming, virtually inundating the landscape. Scientists admitted that they had no idea why they were found so far inland, nor why the specimens were so pristine.
The press and paleontologists dubbed "Valley of the Mastodons" the second largest find, possibly in the whole of the western United States.
I've had two non-fiction books published: "Garage Sale Mania" by Betterway Publications, Crozet, Virginia. "Auto Repair Shams and Scams" (with Ralph Nader) by Price Stern & Sloan, Los Angeles (1988 and 1990 respectively). Over twenty short stories in major genre magazines such as
Amazing Stories, Space & Time, and Doppelganger. Over 350 newspaper articles and profiles by
Sunset Publishing, Anaheim, California. Two horror radio scripts by Embassy Cassette Inc, Santa Ana.
I'm past member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and currently reside with several writing groups. My past agent was Richard Curtis Assoc.
I'm a 25-year self taught amateur in Vertebrate Paleontology, belonging to the most prestigious related groups on the web. My associates and friends have degrees in paleontology, and geology to
counsel my progress and provide introductions, forwards or dust jacket blurbs. Though science will be involved in the manuscript there will be no highbrow definitions or treatments to bore or confuse the reader.
This is a work in progress. I'm currently receiving information, photos, press kits, and all related resource material from: The Southern California Municipal Water District, San Bernardino County Museum of Paleontology, The Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology, and the Hemet City mayor's office. I should have a viable TOC and sample chapters soon.
I hope that this project might pique your interest. Feel free to email me.
(Suprise, this query nailed four agents in 20 hours!)