Lake County >> In his 35 years of writing for fun and profit, Gene Paleno has penned 15 fiction and non-fiction novels, from sci-fi to Civil War History, plus hundreds of short stories. But he’s never taken on anything quite like his new book, “Lake County History.”
The inspiration behind his latest non-fiction work was simple enough: Paleno is a Lake County resident and as such, he wanted to share the place he calls home with the world.
Writing “Lake County History” took three years, intensive research and dozens of interviews. He read every old record book and all the files he could find from around Lake County, interpreting hand-written notes from bygone years and scouring Pomo records. He also spoke with experts from the Lake County Museums, the Ely Stage Stop, the local colleges and genealogists. He wanted to be sure the entire book would be as well-researched and accurate as possible.
It might sound like a daunting task, but Paleno loved every minute of it, so much so that he didn’t have a favorite part of the process. “The whole story is fascinating, wonderful and amazing,” Paleno said.
And he’s not the only one who appears to feel that way. Paleno’s daughter, a Redwood Valley resident, gained a new perspective on the area after reading her father’s book. “She said, ‘Now I think about Lake County in an entirely different light. It’s a fascinating place,’” Paleno recalled.
As the title suggests, “Lake County History” details millions of years of the area’s history, from the formation of Mt. Konocti and Clear Lake were to the present day. Paleno tackles historic events like World War I and Women’s Suffrage, examining how they affected Lake County. But it’s not a typical history. As an experienced storyteller, Paleno approached writing his book as he would any subject: he wrote stories and created conversations, based upon the record.
“Lake County History” features over 100 stories, in chronological order, such as Lake County’s Bloody Island Massacre, the happy highwaymen of Lake County and monstrous crimes and heroes of Lake County. It even contains three spooky ghost stories. Though the book is aimed at adults, it’s accessible enough for children to read and enjoy. “I’m a story teller, I’ve been for 35 years since I started to write,” Paleno said. “People like to read them, I like to tell them.”
“Lake County History” is unique, Paleno said. He isn’t aware of another book like this one.
Paleno found creative writing simply. One day, while working in a graphics department, he just decided to give it a try. “I started writing on my own and one thing lead to another,” Paleno said.
Now, he writes for ten hours a day. “I’ve had half a dozen professions in my life,” he added. “Here I am, close to 91, this is what I was born for.”
Paleno believes his love of writing stems from an innate inventive impulse possessed by all people. “We have that creative urge in all of us and I’m as much susceptible to it as anyone else,” he said. “That’s why we’re on this earth partly, to create new things and make things more beautiful and leave a little bit of ourselves. If people enjoy my writing, that makes me happy.”
“Lake County History” comes in at 450 pages and contains 120 photographs. To purchase a copy, visit genepaleno.com, email Paleno at genepaleno@gmail.com or call him at 275-2777. Books will also be available at Paleno’s upcoming signings around Lake County and in Ukiah.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
