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Debra is a country gal at heart.
A line of my author bio reads: Although she's a country gal at heart, she lives in a suburb of Chicago with her husband, who is her real life hero.
Despite my geographic location, I really am a wannabe country girl. I love driving our pick up truck. Taking the John Deere out for a spin while on vacation is one of my favorite things to do. I met my hubby at a country bar, and we learned to two step together. My preferred choice of music is country, and I rarely stray from it. I own three cowboy hats. I've seen Kenny, Carrie, Toby, and Brad live in concert many, many times. And Kenny for sure has it right: I do think tractors are sexy.
No surprise then, that most of my books are set in the country or in small towns. My Corral Series is all about the interaction of friends at a country bar. Except for Wild Wedding Weekend and Family Secrets, all of my stories have a small town or western theme. The first book in a new series I'm brainstorming has a country music star as the hero.
Going along with that, most of my heroes drive pick ups, wear boots, jeans, & hats, and say things like "Y'all" and "Yes, ma'am." It makes my knees go quivery just imagining their soft, southern drawls.
Many a time, inspiration comes from a country song, or even a single line in a song. Music provides my muse and my inspiration, and it's hard for me to separate music from writing. When I listen, my brain conjures images of how the story would go if it were written out.
Will I ever really live in the country or on a farm or in a small town someday? Probably not. Which is why it's so fun to live vicariously when I write.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
As a non-American I wouldn't have a clue where to start with a country or western novel, but your love of country puts you in a great position to write about it. What first made you love country/westerns?
ReplyDeleteI think it was the music that did it for me. When I started listening to country music back in the early 90s it all snowballed from there. And then my hubby rode bulls a couple of times, so I fell in love with the whole cowboy aspect of things...and with him!
DeleteI love country music, although there are certain city comforts that I just can't live without.
ReplyDeleteI will agree with that as well. That's why it's so fun to 'pretend'!
DeleteI was born in the city and moved to the country, where I've lived for over forty years. There are drawbacks to living in a really rural area-- my husband and I are still considered outsiders, but our kids are considered local (I guess because they went to school here). Our hospital is more an aid station. Winter produce is old and limited. But we have a 440 acre back yard and leave keys in our vehicles.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome backyard!
DeleteDefinitely challenges with things no matter where you are...