The Creativity Files: Julie Brechbill

"The Creativity Files" series profiles Roswell artists who are using their talents to express their own creativity. This week we profile Julie Cambria, but you might know her by her real name: Julie Brechbill, community relations manager for the . Brechbill may have an office job handling public relations for the city by day, but after hours she delves into the gritty world of crime and justice.

For consideration in becoming part of the series, contact editor Christine Foster.

Q: How did you get your start as a writer?

A: I’ve been an avid reader all of my life. I’ve heard a lot of writers say they knew as a child that they wanted to write. I didn’t actually think about writing novels until I was in college. I was a journalism major and really enjoyed writing. Writing novels just seemed to be a natural evolution for me. I started writing novels in my early 30s once I had some life experience!  

Q: As a writer, what things inspire you?

A: When I am writing, the process itself is inspiring. The creative process has always been an enjoyable challenge for me. Creating characters and plot lines and then putting that down on paper and into a novel is extremely rewarding. I also really enjoy the editing process! You won’t hear too many writers say that! But that is where you polish the writing and make it the best it can be. Writing is all consuming when I’m doing it and I find a lot of joy in that.    

Q: Do you have a favorite story/book?

A: I have so many favorite books that I have read over the years from the classics to popular fiction that there are too many to mention. But one of my favorite authors is Anne Rice. Not only are her stories engrossing but the writing itself, her sentence composition, the words she uses, is almost lyrical. From a writer’s standpoint she is one of the most talented writers I have ever read.  

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the artistic community in Roswell?

A: Roswell is a great place to live for anyone! I love living here. There is a sense of community you don’t see in other cities around the metro area and that sense of community spills over into the artistic community. There is a lot of support for artists in Roswell, whether you are a writer, a painter or a performing artist. I think the city realizes that vibrant communities where people want to live all have very strong artistic communities.  

Q: Where can people view your work or buy it?

A: Folks can view and purchase my work on my website. There are buy links to my publisher’s page along with Amazon and Barnes & Noble.