Writer + Geologist = A great story

Image Description: My failed attempt at finding an active lava fissure in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, USA. Lesson learned: go when there is little sunlight so you can see the steam vent OR, hike with someone who knows where it is.

Every rock has a story to tell.

After years of hiking, climbing, geological study, and teaching geology I've learned a couple of things: every rock has a great story and every photo a geologist takes has a backstory. Take this photo for instance. My Dad and I failed miserably at finding the active volcanic vent in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Consider for a moment my elation, as a geologist, at the potential of walking near lava. Hot, steaming, perilous lava could be just feet away! After hours of hiking on "fields" of basalt flows . . . they were amazing by the way, we missed the mark. No active lava fissure for me. BUT . . .

I did pick up the best rock outside the national park (never take rocks from inside a national park!) and now I have a great story to share and I have SEEN where and how my newly acquired piece of basalt (scoria) formed. Look at that gorgeous sheen! Thank you Kilauea!

Did I mention I walked along active steam vents?

My main character in Book 1 now has some experiences and a story to share. And that my friends, is the inspiration for my books.

Rock On!

~Dr. JAK