I came up with the idea for Steele and Stone while hiking the Bristlecone Trail at Mt.
Charleston near Las Vegas, NV. Hiking gives me lots of time to think, as I’m not distracted by
my child or dogs, or the ever present cell phone/modern technology that I know I use too much.
While hiking, it’s just one foot in front of the other, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and lots of
quiet time to think.
I wish I was a better hiker, one that went more often and was in better shape, like Elle is
in the story. I began thinking about Elle as a character, and wondered what her reaction would be
if she had to, kind of, be a tour guide for a man that wasn’t as used to being in the mountains.
Then, I remembered a scene from my own childhood, when I was about 3 or 4, hiking
with my father when we came upon a mountain lion. When my dad tells the story, he usually
points out all the wrinkles he now has and blames most of them on that day. Being an Army
medic fresh back from Vietnam, he went right into soldier mode, picked me up, and we
hightailed it out of the enemy’s vicinity. In hindsight, running from a predator isn’t the best thing
to do. But, we’re still here, intact. The cat didn’t chase us.
Funny enough, the only thing I remember of the incident was thinking “Oooo, pretty
kitty”.
Thus, the opening scene of my book was born that day, hiking the Bristlecone Trail, and
everything else was the character’s faults. They took the reins, which was fine by me. I
provided their setting.
Come to think of it… it’s time to go on another hike!
Charleston near Las Vegas, NV. Hiking gives me lots of time to think, as I’m not distracted by
my child or dogs, or the ever present cell phone/modern technology that I know I use too much.
While hiking, it’s just one foot in front of the other, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and lots of
quiet time to think.
I wish I was a better hiker, one that went more often and was in better shape, like Elle is
in the story. I began thinking about Elle as a character, and wondered what her reaction would be
if she had to, kind of, be a tour guide for a man that wasn’t as used to being in the mountains.
Then, I remembered a scene from my own childhood, when I was about 3 or 4, hiking
with my father when we came upon a mountain lion. When my dad tells the story, he usually
points out all the wrinkles he now has and blames most of them on that day. Being an Army
medic fresh back from Vietnam, he went right into soldier mode, picked me up, and we
hightailed it out of the enemy’s vicinity. In hindsight, running from a predator isn’t the best thing
to do. But, we’re still here, intact. The cat didn’t chase us.
Funny enough, the only thing I remember of the incident was thinking “Oooo, pretty
kitty”.
Thus, the opening scene of my book was born that day, hiking the Bristlecone Trail, and
everything else was the character’s faults. They took the reins, which was fine by me. I
provided their setting.
Come to think of it… it’s time to go on another hike!
Ms. Phoenix is a rare bird herself...a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. She belongs to Las
Vegas Romance Writers and has served on the board for several years. She is also a member of
Romance Writers of America with PAN status.
Prior to writing, Kay was a Graphic Artist for fifteen years in the casino industry and holds
degrees in both Graphic Arts and Psychology. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling and
photography. She is also involved in several Las Vegas non-profits, and is the current Chairman
of a popular, long-running, local art show.
Kay has been blessed to be able to travel many places, which inspired her to host a weekly
author spotlight called "Midweek Escapes," on her blog. It features guest author’s favorite
vacation destinations, their travel tips, and, of course, information about their book releases and
occasional giveaways.
Please visit her website at www.kayphoenix.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorKayPhoenix/
Twitter: twitter.com/KayPhoenix_
Blog: kayphoenix.blogspot.com/