Larry B. Gildersleeve Shares His Journey from Hospitality Career to Award-Winning Novelist

Photo: Award-winning author Larry B. Gildersleeve, known for his authentic characters and transformative tales of love, resilience, and second chances.

An Inspiring Tale Of Perseverance, Second Chances, And Faith

Larry B. Gildersleeve, an award-winning author, shares his remarkable journey, unique storytelling process, and the faith-filled, emotionally resonant themes behind his novels, captivating readers with authentic characters and uplifting narratives.

Larry B. Gildersleeve, an award-winning author known for his heartfelt narratives and masterful storytelling, has carved out a remarkable career that began far from the world of publishing. Rooted deeply in the culture and warmth of Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky, Larry’s path from a corporate career in the resort and hospitality industry to becoming a bestselling novelist is as captivating as the stories he weaves. His journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the belief that it’s never too late to follow a dream.

With four acclaimed novels to his name, including Dancing Alone Without Music, Follow Your Dreams, The Girl on the Bench, and the touching, hope-filled Blue by You, Larry has mastered the art of crafting emotionally resonant tales. His works, often described as Christian with a “light touch,” explore universal themes of love, resilience, second chances, and faith without being overly preachy, allowing them to appeal to a diverse readership. Drawing comparisons to novelists like Nicholas Sparks, Larry has nonetheless established a distinct and memorable voice in the literary world.

Larry B. Gildersleeve blends masterful storytelling with heartfelt themes, creating vivid characters and inspiring narratives that captivate and uplift readers.

The inspiration behind his latest novel, Blue by You, stems from a fascination with the idea of enduring love and the power of second chances. At its core, the book tells the story of two individuals who fall in love over the course of less than a week, only to reunite decades later under unique circumstances. Addressing themes of memory and rediscovery, Larry combines intriguing concepts with his signature heartfelt storytelling to create a narrative that lingers long after the final page. The title of the book itself is a memorable wordplay, inspired by his admiration for singer Linda Ronstadt and her iconic cover of Roy Orbison’s Blue Bayou.

Larry’s ability to craft intricate, believable characters is one of his greatest strengths as a novelist. His stories delve deeply into the lives of flawed yet relatable individuals, drawing readers into their struggles, triumphs, and emotional growth. Through carefully constructed dialogue and richly detailed settings, Larry captures the humanity of his characters and brings their journeys to life. His knack for shaping vivid locales—from the serene mountain ranges of Colorado to bustling urban areas like Washington, D.C. and Nashville—adds dimension to his storytelling, transporting readers effortlessly into his fictional worlds.

“Regardless of how desperate a person’s situation appears to be in the moment, life goes on. There are do-overs in life, and new beginnings.” – Larry B. Gildersleeve

The setting of Blue by You plays a pivotal role in the story, particularly in the emotional journey of its protagonist, Daniel. For Larry, Colorado’s remote and tranquil mountains provided the perfect backdrop for Daniel to process his grief and rediscover hope after personal tragedy. Having traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally during his corporate career, Larry brings a deep familiarity and authenticity to the locations featured in his novels, allowing readers to feel as though they are part of the scenes he describes.

A significant element in the emotional core of Blue by You is the unique dynamic between Daniel and Paula, whose memory loss challenges their connection. Writing this aspect required meticulous research to ensure accuracy, but for Larry, the opportunity to explore such a compelling “new beginning” was deeply fulfilling. At its heart, the story carries a timeless message: no matter how daunting life’s obstacles may seem, new opportunities and fresh starts are possible.

Larry credits much of his evolution as a writer to his collaboration with writing coach and editor Lynda McDaniel, an award-winning author in her own right. Under her guidance, Larry discovered his unique voice and honed his craft, transitioning from a novice to an accomplished novelist with a growing fanbase. Their collaborative process, spanning years of manuscript revisions and thoughtful exchanges, exemplifies the value of mentorship and creative partnership.

Faith serves as a subtle yet powerful undercurrent in Larry’s stories. Instead of focusing on overt religiosity, his characters are portrayed as being guided by their faith in ways that feel organic and relatable. This delicate balance ensures that Larry’s work connects with readers from a variety of backgrounds, providing inspiration without alienation. As he describes it, his characters are “more faithful than religious,” a distinction that continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate his thoughtful storytelling.

Beyond thematic depth, Larry’s novels feature immersive pacing and engaging dialogue. His signature style—short, fast-moving chapters combined with authentic, conversation-driven narrative—keeps readers engrossed from beginning to end. Drawing influence from authors such as Robert B. Parker and Stuart Woods, Larry has refined his ability to craft dialogue that feels both natural and dynamic, a skill praised by readers and critics alike.

Larry’s fifth novel, currently completed but not yet published, promises to take readers to new and intriguing locations, including Seattle and Australia—places he knows well from his career travels. For now, fans of his work can continue to find joy and inspiration in the stories that have already captured their hearts.

Larry B. Gildersleeve’s journey from dreamer to award-winning novelist is a remarkable testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Through his novels, he invites readers to reflect on themes of perseverance, hope, and second chances, offering stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. His work reminds us of the beauty that lies in human connections and the redemptive power of love, making him a truly unforgettable voice in contemporary literature.