.jpg)
I met my hubby at a country bar. A mutual friend introduced us and eventually we started to hang out in the same 'circle' there. We learned to two step together and eventually that grew into something more. The bar has been renamed now (several times in fact) and the dance hall is used as a banquet facility and for large parties. We rarely go there. But for me, the spot will always hold special memories. Not only is it the place where I found true love, but it's the place where many of my heroes and heroines have found love as well.
The real-life bar was the inspiration for The Corral, where I've set my series.
Let me take you on a tour:
As soon as you walk in, the entry hall will take you to do the restaurant/steak house. As you make your way to the hostess stand, you'll pass several doors off of the hall. One leads to Logan's office. You might find him in there going over schedules or looking at the books. Another leads to Sharlie's office. Or what used to be Sharlie's office when she was the manager of The Corral. Now she spends most of her time at home with the kids. Jessica often uses this office to work on updating The Corral's website.
Once you get to the hostess stand, she'll be glad to seat your party. Since Zach took over as head chef, customers flock to the steak house for a taste of his fabulous cuisine, so during peak dining hours, it's best to make a reservation. A long bar stretches across the back wall. Leather booths line the remaining walls in the room, and tables and chairs are scattered throughout the center. Waitresses (Amber might even be working a shift) scurry around taking orders and delivering food.
Upon exiting the steakhouse portion of The Corral, if you take an immediate right, you'll be in a small hallway leading to the bathrooms, locker area for employees, and the kitchen. Off of this hallway you'll also find the double doors leading downstairs into the bar proper. At the bottom of the steps you might run into Jake checking IDs. The large space boasts three bars: two side bars and the main island bar. A dance floor dominates one side of the room. High tables and chairs - usually filled to capacity - surround the parquet, where couples two step or line dancers whirl, stomp, spin, and turn in intricate patterns. A stage sits in the corner of the dance floor. For those not in the mood for dancing, pool tables can be found in the back. Cowboy paraphernalia (boots, hats, chaps, spurs, rope) hang from the raftered ceiling, and one wall even sports a moose head.
For Sharlie, Logan, Zach, Jessica, Jake, and Amber, The Corral is a home-away-from-home. It's a warm, welcoming, friendly type of place, and I hope my readers grow to love it as much as they do.
When I finished my three-book series, I found I wasn't ready to leave The Corral behind, so I've started a spin-off series (Holidays at The Corral) so I can go back and visit. The first story, Christmas at The Corral, will be released November 4.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
The Corral Series: A small town where good friends gather and rugged cowboys fall in love.
What a wonderful description, Debra. I could envisage the whole thing as you walked us through it. I almost wish I was there.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Margaret. That's exactly what I was going for. I hope readers will feel the same through my descriptions in the books.
DeleteWould love to visit the Corral - especially as our 'country' pubs aren't anything like this!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit 'stereotypical', but I've made it my ideal country bar! :)
DeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen!
DeleteExcellent description of the Corral...I could easily visualize the scene. Good luck with the spin-off series. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne,
DeleteThanks! It was really fun 'visiting' again, so I hope to have at least four more holiday titles to add to the series.
Very cool to be able to use a real life place that is so special to you in your books. Best of wishes with the new series!
ReplyDeleteHi Angelina, Thanks! It's so much easier for me to write based on places I've actually been. And this has the added bonus of keeping a real-life memory alive. :)
DeleteThe Corral sounds like a great place. I wonder how many people have fallen in love there?
ReplyDeleteHopefully lots and lots. :)
DeleteWhen the real-life counterpart closed, at the good-bye party they had all of the couples who had met there come out to the dance floor for a special dance. It was pretty full!