E. Floyd Phelps, author of the mythic novel “Obsidian Serpent,” was at the SMU bookstore Wednesday night to autograph copies of his newest work. Phelps, fire safety coordinator at SMU, expressed his enthusiasm about his new book.

“I put a lot of time into the book and it is well written,” he said. “I think it is different than from anything that is out there right now.”

Phelps’ book is a narrative thriller that takes place in Miami Beach, Fla. It is about an ancient Mexican god who is mistakenly awakened by a homeless person.

“Obsidian Serpent” was inspired by an actual pre-historic mystery site discovered in Miami Beach. Archeologists examined the site and concluded that the site had pillars that unexplainably allowed them to determine the weather. The site is similar to natural sites that existed two thousand years ago outside of the United States and is the only one of its kind that still exists.

“The killer is a 2,000 year-old Mesoamerican deity,” Phelps explained.

As a child, Phelps found horror movies with old-time monsters the most entertaining, and compares his novel to other thrillers, but he says it is not as extreme as Stephen King.

He has had a lengthy writing career that includes over 30 articles published in international magazines. Phelps also co-authored a play, scripted a short movie and contributed several sections to technical books.

While promoting his book, the author desires that his success will give him an opportunity to further his career as a writer. Phelps enjoys writing so much that he plans to keep writing well after he retires.

“Obsidian Serpent” can be purchased at the SMU bookstore in paperback for $14.95 and the hard copy is $27.95.