Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Story Inspiration

Isn't this a gorgeous cover? Sheriff Boone Harrison is pretty nice, too.
I'm on deadline this week with another Precinct book.  I'm traveling to the Kansas City area for a booksigning June 30th at Dog Eared Books in Independence, MO. And, I'm celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary.  So, of course, I signed up to blog this week. <insert crazy grin here>  At any rate, I thought instead of writing a blog, I'd share some pictures with you of images and ideas that helped inspire my August release, KANSAS CITY COWBOY.








Here's a shot of beautiful downtown KC, where my Precinct stories are set













The Missouri River and bluffs, near where my folks live--My hero, Sheriff Boone Harrison, has a view like this


Rocheport, MO--the inspiration for the small town where Boone serves as the county sheriff

Here's where I get my cowboy inspiration





Boone and his brothers











Love THE CLOSER. Love the trench coat. Guess what my heroine, Dr. Kate Kilpatrick, police psychologist and profiler for KCPD wears?




I hope you'll stop by the booksigning if you're in the KC area this weekend.  And you can share whatever questions or comments you'd like today.  I'll check in through the day to respond, and give away a copy of KANSAS CITY COWBOY to one lucky poster. I'll choose the winner here sometime tomorrow.

Best,
Julie Miller
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29 comments:

  1. TAMMYJune 27, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    JULIE
    I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF THE PRECINCT BOOKS FOR ALONG TIME I LOVE THE WAY YOU WRITE THEM PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING AND CONGRADS ON EVERY THING GOING ON THIS MONTH THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE YOUR FAN .
    TAMMYJACKSON75@YAHOO.COM

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    1. Julie MillerJune 27, 2012 at 11:44 AM

      Thanks for stopping by, Tammy. I always appreciate hearing from readers, especially when they love my books! I'll do my best to keep 'em coming.

      Delete
  2. JaneJune 27, 2012 at 1:45 AM

    Good luck with the writing and Happy Anniversary, Julie.

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  3. Avi JJune 27, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    Happy anniversary Julie. I like how in every Precinct book you can find linked characters through the series. I look forward to this one as well, love the cover. Magnificent Seven was one of my favorite TV shows too bad it was such a short run. Hope you stay stress free juggling commitments.

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    1. Julie MillerJune 27, 2012 at 11:47 AM

      Thanks, AviJ! I know, The Magnificent Seven was one of my favorite tv shows, too. There was a hero for every taste. Of course, I've always loved that idea of a group of individuals--each with his own skills and experiences to bring to the game--coming together and complementing each other to get the job done.

      That's how I think of my Precinct and Task Force characters--they're like the Magnificent Seven. Of course, there's more than 7 overall, but you get the idea.

      Delete
  4. Laney4June 27, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    My thoughts? Hmmm.
    First of all, Happy Anniversary! 25 is no easy feat (said by someone who celebrated her 30th last year)! I'm raising my glass (of water) and saluting you, wishing you many more years of good times!
    Second of all, I like your inspirations! Little Joe was always one of my faves, although his big brother became one of my faves when he was Trapper John, oh so many years later. Ahem....
    Finally, good luck with your deadline!

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    1. Julie MillerJune 27, 2012 at 11:50 AM

      Thanks, Laney4--and Happy Anniversary to you, too! 30 is quite an accomplishment.

      I remember watching BONANZA with my dad and brothers when I was little. We'd get to eat on TV trays in the living room. We'd sit on the sofa together and "ride in" when the Cartwrights did. I had a crush on Little Joe, too, at first. But then I fell in love with Hoss. And I've always loved a smart hero, so Adam was cool, too. Okay, I guess, depending on my young pre-teen mood, I had crushes on all the Cartwrights!

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  5. AnonymousJune 27, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    Kansas City looks absolutely gorgeous. Drove through it on the way to Oklahoma one year. Sadly couldn't really stop, had to get to basic training graduation for my nephew. The bluff picture is wonderful. I loved watching the Magnificent Seven and also The Closer, sad to see the last episodes coming for The Closer.

    Hope you have a great anniversary. My parents celebrated 58 years this year. Keep those Precinct books coming. :-)

    DeniseB

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    1. Julie MillerJune 27, 2012 at 11:52 AM

      Congratulations to your parents, Denise! 58 years...now that's an accomplishment!

      And thanks to your nephew for serving. I remembered being amazed in the change of my little brother from before and after basic--physically and mentally.

      And yes! I'm going to miss THE CLOSER, too! I don't want to miss any of the last episodes.

      Delete
  6. AnonymousJune 27, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    Hi Julie,

    Happy Anniversary. I am so looking forward to your new book. Does Maggie take bribes?? Today is my birthday and your book would be the best present ever.

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    1. Julie MillerJune 27, 2012 at 11:53 AM

      Thanks, Tammy. Happy Birthday!!

      Yes, Maggie does enjoy treats and tummy rubs. Hmm... maybe we'll have 2 winners today. One randomly drawn by the dog and one birthday surprise?

      Delete
  7. AnonymousJune 27, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    Love reading your book, Julie because I love knowing the settings many that I have viewed personally. Thanks for sharing!!

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  8. Julie MillerJune 27, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    Thanks, Lilsis. You must be a Missourian--or lived there in the past. Enjoy!

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  9. Colleen C.June 27, 2012 at 3:18 PM

    That is a mighty fine looking book cover! :) Happy Happy Anniversary!

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  10. AnonymousJune 27, 2012 at 3:42 PM

    Oh wow, I love the scenic view Boone has.

    I love The Closer too! I think this summer is the end of it.

    Thanks for sharing the pics.

    MarcieR

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  11. ValriJune 27, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    Thanks for all the pics, Julie! You always seem to be so busy yet your posts are fantastic! I drove through Kansas City one year in the 80's but sadly wasn't able to stop (except for dinner!) I was on my way to my brother's college graduation in St. Louis. I remember it was pretty though! Looking forward to another Precinct book as you know, I've read them all!

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    1. Julie MillerJune 27, 2012 at 9:08 PM

      Thanks, Valri! Hope you get to KC again someday, and have the time to stop for a while to check out all the beautiful sites, history, restaurants, activities, etc.

      Delete
  12. bn100June 27, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    Happy Anniversary and Congratulations!

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  13. Loves 2 Read Romance - LauraJune 27, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    I am really enjoying all your KC books! I am really looking forward to finding out more about the Red Rose Rapist. Happy 25th Anniversary. My parents celebrated their 30th last year. This year is my boss and his wife's 30th anniversary. I wish I was closer to KC so I could stop by however I have an Aunt who is a flight attendant. I just sent her a text to find out where she is flying this weekend. If she ends up in KC with a decent layover I am going to see if she can stop by for me.

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  14. Julie MillerJune 27, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Thanks, Laura! And congratulations to your parents and boss!

    Wow, you're doing quite a bit of thinking there ;) I hope it works out that your aunt can get to the signing. If not, hopefully there will be another time to connect. Awesome aunt, too! Take care.

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  15. Loves 2 Read Romance - LauraJune 28, 2012 at 8:11 AM

    I took a look and the book store is a 30 min drive from the airport so I don't think she will be able to go even if she does end up at KC. She would have to rent a car or take a cab. Either would be to much. Maybe next time!

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  16. Julie MillerJune 28, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Yeah, unless she's got a layover, it'll be a distance. Independence and the airport are on opposite sides of KC.

    Hopefully, there will be another opportunity to meet somewhere. The possibility was fun to check, though.

    Safe travels to your aunt!

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  17. Julie MillerJune 28, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    And the winner is... Valri!

    Congratulations, Valri--Maggie nosed your name out of the pile and selected you as the winner. All you need to do is email me your snail mail addy, and I'll get the book in the mail to you ASAP.

    Thanks to all my online friends who stopped by to blog with me!

    Best,
    Julie Miller

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  18. Julie MillerJune 28, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    And Tammy... send me an email with your snail mail addy, too. Maggie agreed that since you've been such a loyal follower both here and on the eHarlequin boards, (and since you always ask about Maggie ;)) that we should send you a birthday present!

    Stay cool, everyone! We're frying here in Nebraska.

    Best,
    Julie Miller

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  19. RuthJune 30, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    Julie, so sorry I missed this blog on the 27th. Not that I need the book as Maggie had nudged my name from an earlier blog and I am waiting patiently for you to get your author copies. The pictures of KC are great. Hope you and the DH had a special time on your anniversary. Wish I was closer to KC, would have come to your book signing.

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