Interview with Hep Aldridge, Author of The Secret in the Grand Canyon

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Secret in the Grand Canyon: The Search for Kincaid’s Cave?

Another one of those urban legends that poses an interesting hypothesis—one that has neither been proven nor disproven—concerns out-of-place Egyptian artifacts and a sarcophagus in a cave in the Grand Canyon, supposedly discovered in 1909 by explorer G.E. Kincaid. It was reported as a front-page story in the Arizona Gazette. The Smithsonian was notified and supposedly sent a team to investigate. After that one article, nothing else was reported, and the Smithsonian denied any knowledge or involvement. Labeled a hoax over the years, I took the position: what if it wasn’t a hoax? What if there was some truth to it? What could the story possibly be behind it?

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Secret in the Grand Canyon: The Search for Kincaid’s Cave, what would they be?

Theme songs for the main characters: “Brothers in Arms” — Dire Straits; “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” (No, I Regret Nothing) — Édith Piaf, dedicated to the French Foreign Legion during the Algerian War; “The Edge of Glory” — Lady Gaga.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love to read and cut my teeth on H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and other science fiction and action-adventure writers. This is basically the same or a similar genre to what I write, but I add a lot of treasure hunting to my stories—archaeology, sunken treasure, lost treasure, or hidden treasure all play a part. Myths and legends are key components of my writing.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I have no books on my TBR pile at the moment. I am getting deep into the outline for my next book, which I hope will be out next year.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are a couple of scenes that I really enjoyed. Both involve unexpected revelations that Colt Burnett (the main character) and the Risky Business team are made aware of, including one that personally hits home for Tess Worthington, archaeologist, art historian, Colt’s love interest, and colleague. They actually tie into the story from my previous book, The Secret of Cleopatra’s Gold.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

The one writing habit I have is that I always write to music—new age, instrumental, and sometimes classical. Also, when I write, I see the story as a movie in my head. It helps me visualize details, settings, actions, emotions, and personal interactions before or as I put them down on paper. I build a world in which the story takes place and immerse myself in it. I often ask myself, “So, what would I do in a given situation or if faced with these circumstances?”

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Motto: The Risky Business motto — Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. “I will either find a way or make one.”
A Latin proverb most commonly attributed to Hannibal said in response to his generals who declared it impossible to cross the Alps with elephants.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Even though I write fiction, I want my readers to feel that my characters are real people — complete with strengths, flaws, and vulnerabilities like anyone else. They’re ordinary individuals with particular skill sets who find themselves called to action when circumstances demand it.

Hep Aldridge is the author of the new book The Secret in the Grand Canyon: The Search for Kincaid’s Cave

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