Mauled is the first of a planned series.  Previous writing credits, not counting a couple of books that are as yet not published, include a number of years of newspaper, including a weekly column  at present, TV News, and Public Relations that was only occasionally non-fiction, and several magazine articles, mostly national.

      Until recently, I lived on the Oregon and Washington coasts for the past thirty years and this yarn incorporates much of the flavor of the area and it's denizens.  I have lived in the retired, or maybe just tired, moldy old motels described and have spent the past five years and most of my money, rebuilding an old forty foot trawler, vintage nineteen twenty one.

      In summer it's the land of the Pukers, the name hung on the tourists by the locals.  In winter it's the place where people live in the old motel cabins that were designed for summer use and have no insulation.  They are cold, cramped, and usually moldy because of the damp climate.  Their single redeeming feature, they are cheap.The people shivver and eke out a living, but none would consider moving back to the city.

      Most of the traditional logging and fishing industries have disappeared and tourists don't like the rain so in winter they stay away in droves.  There is very little cultural activity because there are no tourists to support it, so many try to cover it all with alcohol.  It is a place where few lock their doors, but some of the same social ills as the city has creep in.  Serious crime happens seldom enough that it usually draws a crowd.

      The flavor of this I try to convey in my writing.  It's a hell of a place to exist, but I agree with those who wouldn't think of leaving.