Crux by Julie Reece

Julie Reece

When As You Wish invited me to appear on their blog, (thanks ya’ll) they suggested I share what inspired me to write Crux in the first place. New writers (that’s me) tend to write from inspirations and ideas closest to their hearts. The emotion is usually raw, the descriptions vivid, and the angst, well, it’s often something we’ve experienced or empathized with as someone we knew suffered. We might be living an unattainable dream through our character or creating the person we wish we were. The details are, of course all make believe, but the strength of character and plot comes from deep within each writer.

Here’s how Crux came about …
Atlanta, like plenty of other big cities, has a homeless population and that unfortunately includes its share of runaways and prostitution. My family has spent time working in a soup kitchen downtown, handing out clothing and trying to serve people who’ve had a hard time. Some of those people are teens. I have two teen daughters myself.

So I’m sitting on the asphalt at a downtown shelter, across from a young woman who appears mentally ill. She’s pretty. The girl rambles incoherently, but I hardly hear her, because as she picks at her cornbread and nibbles her chili, I’m thinking: Who are you? How did you get here? I wonder about her parents, and how her mind became so broken.

Cold seeps from the ground penetrating my jeans and numbing my butt. I’m not saying anything though, this girl might sleep out here and who am I anyway? She lets me brush her hair, and I feel the honor keenly. I hand her a coat that’s been donated, a bag of toiletries and a bottle of water. All I want to do is wrap my arms around her, rescue her, cry with her and offer her hope. Who knows what her wounds are, what she’s been through? I feel the hopelessness leaking from every pore of her body, the emotion is palpable, and there’s nothing I can do. The day ends, but I’m thinking of her, and hundreds like her.

Quite a while later, I had a dream. A blonde, barefoot teen in a nightgown was running through the wet streets of Paris after a man with a suitcase. When she caught up to him, he stopped to open his case and I woke up. I wanted to know what was in that case, dang it, and whatever it was, I wanted it to help the girl on the street.

So I wrote Birdie’s story. Did I think I was writing an ending for the girl’s life I met at the shelter? I wouldn’t presume. But I can’t deny life’s experiences all mesh together to make us who we are. They do, and who says that’s a bad thing? whether or not you write it down, everyone has a story inside them. So, now I’m wondering about you. What in life has affected or inspired you?

Crux Review

I've had Crux on my to-read list for quite a while. Why did I wait so long? Crux is an excellent book, so if you haven't read it, please go get it! Julie Reese has brought to life wonderful characters that have heart. Birdie, my favorite character, is homeless. One day a mysterious man throws money in the air and Birdie grabs some. This changes her life forever. She is chased by Thugs who want her dead. She meets the very sexy (love him) Grey Matthews who she can't help but find herself drawn to. Birdie has a kind heart and is loyal to the ones she cares for and even to strangers. This book is full of action, romance and adventure. I want to say more, but I am afraid I will spoil the journey. Loved it!

Author Bio

Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.

I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.

Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess... or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.

Then I thought I’d write one down…

Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!

Crux Book Trailer

Author Links

J Taylor Publishing

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

Book Trailer

a Rafflecopter giveaway