Features

You wouldn’t think a steampunk, fantasy novel would be based off of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” but that’s exactly how the “The Charismatics” author, Ashley R. Carlson came up with the idea for her first novel, which will be released on Dec. 13.  She applied the same themes of troubled marriage and restraint she saw in the reality show into a young adult scenario.

Carlson has always loved writing, but she would lose interest in the story and put down the pen without finishing the end. But that changed a year ago when she participated in National Novel Writing Month. She completed the challenge to...

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JACK MILLER

General Manager at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 

"I am so fortunate to have a life filled with a close, engaged family at home and a creative, committed family at work. By nature, I’m a fun guy, so my daily pattern is to take care of the detailed, tactical work in the morning and spend the afternoon enjoying more creative and strategic activities. Each and every day, I am...

I’ve truly come to realize, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans.  A large percentage of the population would view my idea of a “normal day” as a bit insane. Yet, I would prefer the term “organized chaos.” Being a modern day nomad and a Jane-of-all-trades, my agenda ranges from scheduling events through my nonprofit, Everyday Heroes Like You, to hoping on a plane and riding the Southwest “bus” to Los Angeles for a photo shoot or a hosting gig. I think it’s important to view every day as an ideal day. It’s all about maintaining a...

AN AWARD-WINNING MIXOLOGIST. ONE OF TOP LOCAL SINGING TALENTS. A WELL-RESPECTED RESTAURATEUR. THESE 10 VALLEY VIPS ARE AT THE TOP OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONAL TURFS (AND SOME ARE LOOKING TO OVERTAKE OTHER FIELDS, AS WELL). SO, HOW DID THEY GET TO WHERE THEY ARE TODAY?

STORY BY MELISSA LARSEN

PHOTOS BY JASON BLACK

“Since graduating high school, I've been in the beauty industry. First, as a model, then as the owner of a modeling agency and now as a makeup artist and photographer. It’s...