Author Name:
Roseanne Chambers
Book Title:
The Monumental Andes – Geology, Geography, and Ancient Cultures in the Peruvian Andes
Website URL:
Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/r.chambers.geo
https://www.facebook.com/r.chambers.geo
Link to book page on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Monumental-Andes-Geography-Cultures-Peruvian/dp/1647691729/
What is your book about and when was it published?
I am a geologist with a strong interest in archaeology. My book is intended for general audiences. The book explores many interconnected aspects of ancient Andean life, beginning with the first explorers who reached South America to the Inca Empire. Topics covered include climate, topography, agricultural methods, natural hazards, the construction of monumental structures, the creation of sophisticated art objects, and the plant-based hallucinogens and narcotics used in religious rituals. The book is published by the University of Utah Press and became available on December 6, 2024. (So far, >220 copies sold!)
What inspired you to write your book?
When I first visited Peru, I was fascinated by both the landscape (the tectonic setting is similar to that of the west coast of North America) and the indigenous societies who flourished for millennia in that difficult environment. The influence of the environment on societies intrigues me. Many of the achievements of the Incas rested on the accomplishments of their ancestors. I also looked for a general geology book about Peru, and not finding one, joked with a Peruvian guide about writing such a book myself – and so I did!
What success did you achieve with your book that you’d like to share?
Learn everything you can about the book business from knowledgeable writers and editors! From reading about the book business, attending workshops and conferences, and listening to presentations by organizations including NFAA, I learned valuable information. Without gaining this knowledge, I wouldn’t have been able to finish my book, write a book proposal, nor find a publisher.
How long did this take to achieve? What steps did you take that helped?
Patience was necessary for me! I hatched the idea to write the book around 2007, but didn’t start seriously writing until 2016. Then, I needed to learn how to write for general audiences, since during my career as a geologist, my technical writing was directed only at business and legal types (very dry, and lots of passive voice!). I had help with “readability” from a couple of developmental editors and from friends who read my drafts. Plus, I started to write blog posts for my website, and the more casual style of writing I used for those posts helped to improve my writing style for the book. Information about publishing that I learned over several years helped me to write a book proposal that snagged a publisher (I sent proposals to three academic presses; the one to the University of Utah Press brought a contract to me!) However, between the edits required by the Utah Press, and their lengthy internal review and production processes, it took three years to finally hold the book in my hands. Fortunately, I wasn’t in any hurry!
Was there anything about the process that didn’t help?
It was a learning experience, so everything was helpful. However, IF I had known more about where I would find a publisher, I would have been more careful about reference endnotes (the academic press required that I add this info for virtually all facts, including page numbers – took an extra 3 or 4 months of work). Also, I found out late in the process that Wikipedia open access figures are best, b/c otherwise it can get quite expensive to buy permission to use graphics.
If the NFAA and/or our community was instrumental in helping you achieve this success, how?
I learned almost EVERYTHING I know about writing and publishing a non-fiction book from NFAA, the SF Writers Conference, and other sources within the writing/editing community! This information was ESSENTIAL!
What’s next for you?
I’m continuing to write blog posts for my website and enjoying lots of hiking and traveling! I’ve thought about writing another book, but it was a huge effort that I’m not willing to commit to yet (and probably never).
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