Larry B. Gildersleeve Shares His Journey from Hospitality Executive to Award-Winning Novelist
Crafting Stories of Faith, Love, and Second Chances
Larry B. Gildersleeve discusses his writing journey, faith-driven storytelling, and the themes of second chances in his novels, particularly Blue by You, while reflecting on mentorship and real-life inspirations.
Larry B. Gildersleeve, an acclaimed novelist known for his heartfelt and inspirational storytelling, has carved a unique space in contemporary literature. His journey from a thriving career in the hospitality industry to fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an author is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of second chances.
Gildersleeve masterfully weaves faith, resilience, and heartfelt storytelling, captivating readers with rich characters, compelling dialogue, and emotionally resonant narratives of hope.
From Corporate Success to Literary Pursuit
A native Southerner with deep roots in Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky, Gildersleeve spent years navigating the dynamic world of resort and hospitality management. Yet, amid the ever-changing industry, his passion for writing never waned. When he returned to Kentucky, he embraced his long-held aspiration, ultimately publishing a collection of novels that have touched readers worldwide.
His works, including Dancing Alone Without Music, Follow Your Dreams, The Girl on the Bench, and the poignant Blue by You, exemplify his mastery of dialogue-driven prose and character development. His ability to weave faith-based themes with universal narratives has drawn comparisons to Nicholas Sparks, while maintaining a distinctive style that resonates across audiences.
The Inspiration Behind Blue by You
Gildersleeve’s novel Blue by You explores themes of rediscovery and second chances. Inspired by his admiration for singer Linda Ronstadt, the novel’s title plays on her famous rendition of Roy Orbison’s Blue Bayou. The story follows two lovers who reunite decades after a brief yet powerful connection, only to find themselves navigating the complexities of memory loss and rekindled love.
“I was fascinated by the idea of two people being together for less than a week, falling in love, and then meeting again decades later when illness robbed one of them of her memory of their time together, allowing them to fall in love all over again in a different time and place,” Gildersleeve shares.
Crafting Authentic Settings and Characters
One of Gildersleeve’s strengths lies in creating immersive settings that feel alive. Whether it’s the serene Colorado mountains, the bustling streets of Washington, D.C., or the music-rich culture of Nashville, his storytelling is rooted in real-world experience. “Readers have said that they get a real sense of the setting because of the detail in my work,” he notes.
His characters, often defined by faith and resilience, are crafted with authenticity. Gildersleeve attributes much of his growth as a writer to his collaboration with Lynda McDaniel, a seasoned author and writing coach. “Lynda helped me find my voice and expertly guided me from novice to award-winning novelist,” he says.
A Light Touch on Faith and Inspiration
Gildersleeve’s novels carry Christian themes, but with a “light touch” that appeals to a broad audience. “One or more of the characters in each of my novels is ‘of faith,’ and it both defines them and guides them in their life’s journey. However, faith is never presented in a judgmental way,” he explains. His approach ensures that his stories remain relatable and engaging for both faith-driven and secular readers alike.
“The ‘light touch’ can best be described as characters being more faithful than religious, a distinction intended to create appeal to a broader secular audience.” – Larry B. Gildersleeve
The Evolution of His Writing Style
Over the years, Gildersleeve has honed a writing style that embraces shorter, fast-paced chapters and engaging dialogue. His method of character development relies on natural, conversational exchanges that reveal personalities and emotions in an organic way. “I endeavor to write like people speak, giving each character a unique voice, and reading their words aloud many times to assure authenticity,” he says.
As he continues his literary journey, Gildersleeve remains committed to inspiring readers through stories of hope, perseverance, and new beginnings. His ability to craft compelling narratives with emotional depth solidifies his place among today’s most engaging authors.
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
