Launching a Book Tour

If you've been following this blog over the last few years then you may remember my ongoing project of digitizing and archiving the aerial photographs of Brawley native Harry Casey.  The project  was not just about an archival collection for the Imperial Valley Desert Museum (IVDM), though obviously that was a huge part of it.  It was also about highlighting these unique images for everyone to see- not only researchers but visitors, teachers, and archaeology enthusiasts across the globe- in the form of a book.  When Harry donated his photographs to the museum, he asked me to edit his research manuscript and help him get it published.







I worked with Harry and Sunbelt Publications for several years to ensure the manuscript met their professional standards, was as accurate as possible, and get it published.  Finally, this spring, Harry's dream (and mine!) came true and Geoglyphs of the Desert Southwest: Earthen Art as Viewed from Above was officially released April 13, 2019!

with Harry Casey, photographer and co-author

I traveled back to California for a book launch tour and ended up presenting to six different groups in the San Diego/Imperial Valley region in the space of a week.  Harry came out the the IVDM for the official launch and signed books, but was very adamant that I would be the one doing any public speaking, as that has never been something he was comfortable with and his health makes it difficult now.  

Being back at the IVDM and sharing the excitement of this project in its final, published form, was amazing.  The support shown by the staff, my colleagues, and board members, museum members, visitors, and friends, was one of the first times I really felt that the book was really finish and ready to go out into the world.  Besides a wonderful launch at the IVDM I presented to the San Diego Natural History Museum's Family Day, the San Diego Rock Art Association, the San Diego Association of Geologists, and the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  Sunbelt Publications also set up an interview for me with KPBS Midday Edition radio host Maureen Cavanaugh.

With Maureen Cavanaugh doing an interview for KPBS Midday Edition

A week touring and promoting the book, helping spread the word about how amazing the deserts and people of Southern California are, was an incredible experience.  And more addicting than I expected: I'm already looking for my next research project to write about!

Interested in buying a copy of Geoglyphs of the Desert Southwest? It's available through Amazon.com, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, or contacting me through email, Twitter, or this blog. Copies bought through me will be signed and I can personalize them if you'd like.

Next Step: Publishing

Getting the book on geoglyphs published will be my first publication available in bookstores, museums gift shops, and online- a lasting work that I hope will inspire a whole new generation of archaeologists, ethnographic research, and interest in the desert Southwest and the people who have lived there for thousands of years.  I'm working not only with Harry Casey, the photographer and author of the manuscript, but with Sunbelt Publications.

Sunbelt Publications produces "well-crafted, award-winning books" that "celebrate the relationship of the land and its people."  Their books help "to discover and conserve the natural, historical and cultural heritage of unique regions" and focus on California, the Southwest, and Baja California, Mexico.

What does that mean? It means I'm very lucky that they are interested in working with me to get this book published!

Now that the manuscript is ready, the photographs have been digitized, all that's left is to raise the money for publishing.  The entire process will cost $10,600.  I need to have the first half ($5,300) to Sunbelt by October 30.

So as a true 21st century, social media answer, I've started a GOFUNDME campaign! Any help you can give is amazing, whether that's donations or sharing the campaign with others who can help. Anyone who donates will be thanked in the book. 

Part of the famous 'Blythe Giants' complex 

Thank you all for your support as I work to make this dream a reality!