Descry is currently nearing completion of his most recent history-mystery, ILLUSIONS SURVIVE, set in Northwest Alaska, above the arctic circle. He is currently researching the Inupiaq Eskimos, the Denbeigh culture, and the archaeology of the region. The book explores the effects of a cataclysm on a group of people stranded in the small village of Whitefish.
Their survival, and perhaps the survival of the last humans, depends upon archaeologist Carl Denoyer's understanding of the ancient cultures and how they adapted to the harsh land. ILLUSIONS SURVIVE is planned for release next year.
In the near future, Descry plans to release his Spy Trilogy. The books: THE DAUGHTERS OF ONOTO, THE BROTHERS SHIKOKU, and THE FALLOUT SOLUTION, are set in the early 1970s and range from Hawaii through the Far East, India, and Europe. The Trilogy is the result of extensive travel and research in twenty-two countries.
LOCAL AUTHOR UNVEILS THE MYSTERIES IN THREE NEW BOOKS
by Sandy Moss
From The Prescott Daily Courier
Not only is C. Descry a mystery writer, he's a mysterious writer, too. C. Descry is not his real name. It's a psuedonym. "C is for conundrum and descry is a French word for ‘to unravel' – to unravel a conundrum," Descry says with obvious glee. One assumes that his definition of conundrum is a "puzzle or problem which is usually intricate and difficult of solution." Though there are other definitions, it's the one that seems to neatly describe his mysteries.
Okay, Descry grudgingly confessed. His real name is Ed Berger – educator, husband, father, and now, author. He likes writing under a pen name for "all those wonderful advantages…of playing around with mystery writing…and gaining a fresh interface that's just about C. Descry and what he's doing," Berger said. And, of course, no one recognizes him this way. Not that he's hiding out, it's just that Berger retired from a very visible and successful career as a well-known educator, so, with a different name, "no one's afraid to step on my toes or anything," he said. "It's helpful," he adds. Then, with eyes twinkling, adds, "And a bit schizophrenic, too, you think?" But no matter. Berger is having "an awful lot of fun" writing books.
Three books from C. Descry were just published by Author House Library. Author House Library claims to be "the world's leading publisher of original full-length electronic and print-on-demand books." A reader may download a book for about $6 onto a computer screen and read it there, or alternatively, for about twice that price, have Author House print up a copy and mail it. Descry's books are also available at more than 25,000 bookstores worldwide such as Barnes & Noble and leading online retailers Amazon.com, BN.com, and Borders.com.
His new three-book series includes "The Spirit of the Sycamore," "The Spirits in the Ruins," and, "The Spirit of the Estuary." The books aren't necessarily related to each other in subject, but they do have the Southwest in common. Berger's fascination with everything Southwest began as a child in Denver where Berger had the freedom to explore far and wide. He rode horses along old roads and explored homesteads, picked up potsherds and arrowheads and fell in love with archaeology, anthropology and all things Indian. Descry considers the Southwest, "one of the most exciting and mysterious regions on the planet."
The first in his book series is "The Spirits in the Ruins," an historical mystery about the illegal trade in Anasazi grave goods and a previously untold history of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian people. "This book is for people who like to learn as they read," Descry said. "People will come away with a greater understanding of people and of the past."
Next comes "The Spirit of the Sycamore," a novel about Sedona, where Berger, his wife, Jo, and their two sons lived for a number of years before moving to Prescott permanently last year. The 588-page mystery contains a lot of information, he said. "It's everything you wanted to know about Sedona but wouldn't ask," Berger joked. Seriously though, "I tried to capture all the dynamics of Sedona – which is an amazing place," he said, full of all sorts of folks: people on spiritual quests (Buddhists, metaphysicians, UFO enthusiasts and gurus), tourists (about 11,000 to 15,000 a day during the height of visiting season), he said, retired (often angry) corporate executives, and developers bent on getting rich at any cost. "I would sit and listen to people and I wanted to tell their stories," Berger said. Author House President Timothy E. Jacobs says this Descry book "has some fresh, insightful things to say and we believe it's well worth the reader's attention."
Lastly, "The Spirit of the Estuary" is also an historical mystery as told through the life of a murdered Seri Indian woman. Set in 1930's Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) and the Delta Indian region of northern Mexico, the plot line encompasses the true life story of CEDO, the Center for Studies of Deserts and Oceans. The names have been changed to disguise the modestly embarrassed, he said.
Berger will write other books on other subjects as he goes along. Not just mysteries, he said. "My dread is being pegged in one genre." Which is not surprising. Much like popular author Michael Creighton, Berger is interested in many subjects and immerses himself thoroughly in each one before writing an imitation-of-life fiction.
The spirit series are not his first published books, either. In 1993 he wrote a book called "Crow Canyon." It was not a murder mystery. Neither was it a mystery as to who wrote it. Look for it under Edward F. Berger, Ed.D. "Crow Canyon" was about an educational research project he did in southwestern Colorado in 1975. The supplemental education program for high school students, and eventually elementary students and Indian youth, too, tapped into children's natural eagerness to learn, even those who had been disillusioned along the way, he said. At Crow Canyon, the youngsters learned hands-on building, conservation, archaeology – "real things in their world," Berger said. His project eventually became a part of Northwestern University and blossomed with a department of archaeology, research labs and dorms.
Berger realized he had accomplished what he set out to do and retired in 1986. "You write about what you know," he shrugged.
Descry recently completed two novels: "Unscrewed: The Education of Annie," and "Raven's Chance."
LOCAL AUTHOR GAMBLES ON THE FUTURE OF e-BOOKS
From Yavapai Direct
C. Descry has lived in Yavapai County, Arizona for almost a decade, making his home in Sedona and Prescott. His three, "Spirit Series" history-mystery novels, explore the intriguing dynamics of Sedona, Arizona [The Spirit of the Sycamore]; grave robbing and the illegal antiquities trade and Ute Mountain Ute history [The Spirits in the Ruins]; and the frightening changes that have affected the Sea of Cortez and Pto. Penasco, (Rocky Point) Mexico [The Spirit of the Estuary].
Descry writes about the land and people he knows best. By combining history and mystery, his books appeal to a large audience. The challenge is, Descry has chosen to become one of the first "Published on Demand" (POD) authors.
"It's a lot about not killing trees," Descry states. "Starting now, concerned book buyers can buy books that are only published on demand. In the past, thousands of books were published and often 40% to 60% of those ended up being dumped. When you order a POD printed and bound book it is mailed directly to you. Individuals can order one copy, bookstores can order hundreds, it makes no difference. And if you really want to save paper and money, you can download the books as "Electronic Editions." That means it is downloaded to your computer. Then, you can read it on screen, print it out or, if you have a hand-held reader, you can carry it around as you would a paperback."
Descry worries that by moving ahead into the future of publishing, his books won't reach a large audience. "Actually, I'm also pioneering ways to market POD books," Descry says. "No one has developed an effective marketing strategy for these books. Steven King has introduced the world to e-Books. Ingram, the largest books distributer in the world, is helping me contact 25,000 book stores. However, my book sales still depend on reviews and word-of-mouth."
Lew Davis of Prescott, who has edited Descry's "Spirit Series" notes: "When I read I like to learn. Descry bases his works upon sound research, twists a fact or two, and creates books that make me say, "Wow! I wanted to know that!"
C. Descry's "Spirit Series" is available by phone, call 1-800-839-8640, or you can preview the books and order on line: www.AuthorHouse.com. In the AUTHOR box, type in "C. Descry." They should also be available at your favorite bookstore. Want to contact Descry? cdescry@cableone.net.
WRITE ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW!
"Boil down all the advice you get about writing and this remains: Write about what you know!" says Yavapai County author C. Descry, who has recently released three delightful new history-mystery novels centered on Sedona Arizona, Southwestern Colorado, and Rocky Point, Mexico.
I interviewed Descry in his Thumb Butte, Prescott hideaway.
Q: How do you make the settings and story lines of your books so real?
He smiled: "I do two things thoroughly: I hang in places where people are talking about local issues and I listen until I think I have captured the essence of their concerns. At the same time, I fly over, hike and explore the country I'm writing about until I understand its flora, fauna, geology and topography."
Q: A recent book in your "Spirit Series," THE SPIRIT OF THE SYCAMORE , is set in and around Sedona, Arizona. I understand that some local officials are upset about the book?
"They should be! I incorporated concerns that many people are talking about. Sedona is a strange and complex community. It took me more than a decade to sort out its dynamics and weave them into the mystery. The feedback I'm getting tells me I've touched the right nerves."
Q: I loved your latest book, THE SPIRIT OF THE ESTUARY . I've been deeply affected by Serina and her story… I can't get her out of my mind! Do you really believe that we can stop the destruction of the sea?
"It's happening! There is a Spirit of the Estuary, I've felt her presence. There are special people with dynamic Spirits who are changing things."
Q: In your history-mystery, THE SPIRITS IN THE RUINS , you present for the first time an accurate insight into the Ute Mountain Ute people. You also blow the lid off the illegal trade in Anasazi grave goods. You take on some of the most powerful people and agencies in America today. Aren't you afraid they'll get even?
"They've tried! I've already been through their barrages. In the face of facts, they fade away. The fun part was creating the fictitious characters and events that tell the story. RUINS , goes head-to-head with a lot of ‘so-called' experts. It's about time someone took them on, don't you think?"
I agree! You do it by combining history and mystery. That's why so many enjoy your writing. I'm giving them as holiday gifts to all my special friends. I urge you to get Descry's books and enjoy this exciting author.
C. Descry's books can be ordered directly: 1-800-839-8640 or www.AuthorHouse.com