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| Stacie Monroe, freelance journalist |
My contemporary romantic suspense novel, Caught by a Clown, scheduled for release in January, opens at a nudist resort outside Phoenix, Arizona. I recently had another opportunity to travel there, to the city not the fictitious resort. I’m too introverted to bare all in front of others. However, the area’s popularity for nudists and naturalists suggests I might be missing out on a unique experience; one that Caught by a Clown’s female protagonist, Stacie Monroe, opted to customize to her comfort level by wearing a champagne lace demi bra and panties during her brief visit.
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| Valley of the Sun |
In any case, October is a beautiful time of the year to visit Phoenix. Summer’s intense sun has mellowed; snowbirds haven’t migrated in yet; and one can enjoy all the Valley of the Sun has to offer in the Sonoran Desert’s northeastern expanse.
During the 1300 and 1400’s, the Hohokam peoples created about 135 miles of irrigation canals. Their knowledge of the land and its promise proved valuable in some of those same canal paths being used for the current Arizona Canal, Central Arizona Project Canal (which diverts water from the Colorado River, hence my interest), and Hayden-Rhodes Aqueduct water projects.
Phoenix was founded in the 1850s by Jack Swilling, a Civil War veteran, who, like the Hohokam, saw potential in the Salt River Valley at the foot of the White Tank Mountains. He, too, had a series of canals built. The broader availability of water encouraged development of a small community called Pumpkinville. Named for the bumper crops grown alongside the man-made water sources, it lay about four miles east and several name changes from the eventual home 150 years later to 1.6 million people gathered within 475 square miles. Amazing!
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| David Graham |
With that many people, and water at a premium, natural landscaping is popular. Who can blame the residents? The stark, fragile beauty of the Sonoran Desert is breath catching. If you don't believe me, go to the Desert Botanical Gardens and walk through some of its 145 acres. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes. I also prefer long pants. Caught by a Clown’s male protagonist, David Graham, observed at one point after arriving at the nudist resort that sharp edges and needle points dug into him at every turn. Everything around him, including Stacie, seemed to camouflage some form of torture. What else did the undercover agent expect?Maybe the pampering of a spa? Phoenix boasts about three dozen world class spas. I'm not a fan, but many indulge! And, if you like southwest food, take your pick of famous restaurants. I could eat my weight in quacamole. Try it topped with sun dried cranberries--yummy!
I hope this post tempts you to read my romantic suspense, Caught by a Clown, when The Wild Rose Press releases it in January, and that you’ll seize an opportunity or create one to visit Phoenix. It’s one of my favorite places under wide open western skies. BTW, Thanksgiving will be here soon. I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful day.
Resource: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix,_Arizona
