My Brothers are Heroes

I've always loved brothers as heroes in a series of connected stories. Probably because I've been terrifically blessed to have two wonderful brothers of my own.

I'm the middle child with an older brother who truly is a big brother to me. Back in high school and college, he looked out for me--I was shy and on the naive side for a while, and he was the rebel who saw a lot more of the world than I even knew about. Now that we're both adults with families of our own, I still see the protective big brother come out from time to time. He's a successful businessman who is supersmart about things about which I'm continually learning. For example, when I incorporated my writing business, we talked at length about positives and pitfalls and proper planning. I think my business life is a success due in great part to him.

My younger "baby" brother is the military man I often talk about. Like our father, he became a Marine, and after fulfilling his obligation, retired to start his family and work in civilian life. After 911, he returned to the military--this time in the army. He recently deployed for a second time (this war) and we are all so proud of him and pray for him and his troops and their families daily. Beyond the obvious heroic qualities of a man in uniform, I think my younger brother is even more heroic for a much more down to home reason. He's a fabulous father of 4 beautiful children (my big brother's no slouch in the dad department, either--I think their success is due to the fine example my father is)--and I'm amazed at how, even when he's overseas and away from home for 10-18 months at a time, he keeps in close contact with his kids and their lives. My sister-in-law runs that household as efficiently as any military commander when my brother is away, but it's so cool to see how he finds ways to listen, advise, support and be a part of his family, no matter where he is in the world.

Both brothers have a great sense of humor and strong sense of family. I love them both and am super proud of them. When my editor suggested I write a series about brothers, I said yes without hesitation, and my Precinct: Brotherhood of the Badge mini-series for Intrigue was born. After all, I don't have to look any further than my own family to find inspiration for brothers who are heroes. The Kincaid boys may be fictional, but there's a lot of my two brothers in those stories.

What are some of your favorite stories or series that feature brothers as heroes?

Julie Miller

PROTECTIVE INSTINCTS / ARMED AND DEVASTATING--The Precinct: Brotherhood of the Badge mini-series--Intrigue, June/July 08--Both are a Romantic Times Top Pick!
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