Dan Phalen authors fiction about women in Sumerian history. Married to a strong woman, he investigates feminist cultures from the distant past, particularly shifts between matricentric and patriarchal cultures. His Sumerian Chronicles books are the result.
He also writes adult thrillers under a pen name, and has written mysteries for middle grade readers.
Dan lives in the heart of California "Gold Country" where history lurks around every corner and sometimes under the local shopping center. When not cranking out fiction, he's either composing contemporary jazz on a keyboard synth, running Highway 49, or pumping iron at the local gym.Dan Phalen authors fiction about women in Sumerian history. Married to a strong woman, he investigates feminist cultures from the distant past, particularly shifts between matricentric and patriarchal cultures. His Sumerian Chronicles books are the result.
He also writes adult thrillers under a pen name, and has written mysteries for middle grade readers.
Dan lives in the heart of California "Gold Country" where history lurks around every corner and sometimes under the local shopping center. When not cranking out fiction, he's either composing contemporary jazz on a keyboard synth, running Highway 49, or pumping iron at the local gym....more
Daniel PhalenHi, Megan, and thanks for your question. The answer in a nutshell is found on my website, danielphalen dot com under "References/Sumerian Bibliography…moreHi, Megan, and thanks for your question. The answer in a nutshell is found on my website, danielphalen dot com under "References/Sumerian Bibliography." My own fascination developed 25 years ago. I read some or all of every book listed there, as it was pre-internet (1993-97). I included links to Amazon for each. Samuel Noah Kramer's books are particularly fascinating reads. The book that started it all was "When God Was A Woman" because it caused me to consider ancient matricentric societies as a possible theme. Gimbutas writes dry academics, but she was still an amazing scholar.
As a woman, you may find Eisler's perspective worth a read. Some of her goddess revelations may have crept into my work.
Certainly read about the Sumerian pantheon and their attitudes towards deities. To them, the divine was very personal and anthropomorphic.
I find the web an interesting combination of gold mines and dreck. The pseudo-anthropologists and religious fanatics have a fascination with any mystery unexplained and don't hesitate to spread blather. On the other hand, for example, one young man has undertaken to learn spoken Sumerian and videotaped two episodes on youtube. On my site you'll see several links to animated studies of Sumerian history, incredible graphics enlightening people like you and me.
I could go on, but it's really heart-warming to find you're another Sumerology fan--aficionada.
I'm wrapping up a prequel, "Eden's Promise," right now and plan to finish the trilogy during the next three months. Join my mailing list on the site if you haven't already. And welcome!(less)
Daniel PhalenIt's a myth. I've learned to push past ennui because the result invariably is positive. At this stage in my life the ideas spring forth faster than I …moreIt's a myth. I've learned to push past ennui because the result invariably is positive. At this stage in my life the ideas spring forth faster than I can write them down.(less)