BLOG TOUR – GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY: “There’s Something About Ari” by LB Gregg
Thanks for stopping by on the Bluewater Bay Virtual Book Tour and a quick thanks to our host for the invite. I’m L.B. Gregg and I write m/m contemporary romantic comedies. This week, the second book in Riptide’s multi-author series Bluewater Bay is my very own contribution—There’s Something About Ari.
I fear the unknown, so when the good people at Riptide asked me to participate in the Bluewater Bay series, my gut reaction was to say ‘no’. Writing about a place I’ve never seen? That just wasn’t in my wheelhouse.
Drawing inspiration from the familiar surroundings of my hometown, I set most of my books in New England. The town of Smithfield has become a hallmark of my writing career and I’m comfortable there. I travel often, and far, and when I go away, I bring that vision of small town life in New England with me when ever and where ever I’m working.
Honestly, you don’t really have to do a lot of research when you’re writing about home.
So, I was afraid to say yes to this project because I have no connection to the Pacific Northwest. Not only that, I’d never been there. I didn’t know if my view of Bluewater Bay— which was pretty murky—would fit in with the series. I didn’t know if a story idea would come.
When I sat down to write—I drew a blank.
The number one question I get from readers (other than when is the next Romano and Albright book coming out?) is where do you get your ideas? Like there’s this mythical Idea Store, where writers purchase inspiration. I’m here to tell you, ideas can’t be bought. I may be inspired by music, or daily living, or conversation, or lurking on the internet, or life in Smithfield, but ideas only germinate into stories through the actual process of writing. Pounding out words, one at a time.
As a writer, when I don’t know what I need, I research. And if I can’t find what I needed, I make it up. I’m not a teacher or a nurse or a caterer, or a vet. I can’t sing, and I’ve never had sex in an airport bathroom or run a Bed and Breakfast. I don’t know shit about gardening. And while I’ve never been to Bluewater Bay, or seen the Pacific Northwest, I can write characters who have. I have always believed in my characters, and by listening to them, I’ve been able to tell their stories.
I had to trust that process. I feel like every single time I write, I have to remind myself of that simple truth.
Because, no lie, that’s where real ideas come from. Trusting your process.
I let Buck Ellis tell his story. He knew Bluewater Bay better than I ever would. He’d been born there. So, I sat down and put one word after the other, and my vision of Bluewater Bay emerged, growing as real to me as it was to Buck. And now, it’s just another place I’m comfortable calling home.
When not working from her home in the rolling hills of Northwestern Connecticut, author L.B. Gregg can be spotted in coffee shops from Berlin to Singapore to Panama–sipping lattes and writing sweet, hot, often funny, stories about men who love men. http://www.lbgregg.com
GIVEAWAY
Every comment on this blog tour enters you in a drawing for a $10 Riptide Publishing store credit. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 16th, and winners will be announced on November 17th. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries.
I always enjoy Ms. Gregg’s stories. Looking forward to read this one. :)
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Thanks Dtorini–I’m very happy with how this book turned out. Hope you enjoy this one as well.
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I love the sense of humour in LB Gregg’s books. Some of the scenes in Romano and Albright are simply hilarious. I’m so looking forward to reading this one… ;)
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I’ll be working on the next Romano and Albright book this January. That’s both daunting and exciting.
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Loved both Bluewater Bay stories so far – looking forward to the rest. And to the next R&A book:)
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I think the line up of authors is terrific. So thrilled to be part of the series. Thanks Sandy. :)
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I haven’t L.B. Gregg before but am looking forward to this book after reading the first in the series.
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Welcome aboard!
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I need to re-read Men of Smithfield, one of my first mm series… =) Thanks for the giveaway.
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Those books have had such great legs! Bluewater Bay reminds me of Smithfield, so once I settled in, it was fun to write the book.
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Great post. Loved what you said.
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Thanks Debby. :)
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I really adored this book. I want to give Buck the BIGGEST hug! :)
LB, do you think you might revisit these characters in a surprise short story or something along those lines? *nudge*
**do not include me in the giveaway (part of the blog team!)
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I am entertaining the idea. I have a pretty full schedule coming up, but I wouldn’t mind returning to Bluewater Bay. I love these guys.
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I already read this and I really liked it.
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Thanks so much Kim!
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I really enjoyed the Romano and Albright series and I’ll be starting How I Met Your Father shortly :) Thank you for the giveaway!
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How I Met Your Father is a good time–and you get to support a great cause when you purchase it. Thanks Christina. :)
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I’ve enjoyed reading The Men in Smithfield books. And I mean who doesn’t enjoy Romano and Albright. So I look forward to reading There’s Something About Ari
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It thrills me that everyone loves Ce and Dan. <3
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I’m looking forward to meeting Buck :-)
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The feeling is mutual.
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I’m really looking forwards to reading this, its being rec’ced to me from all over the place!
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Yay! Enjoy–I’m super happy with how this book turned out. :)
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Thanks for sharing about your writing process. It is interesting to me to learn about how writers create the books we are all so crazy about. :-)
Your new book and the entire series sound great!
jen.f {at} mac {dot} com
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I love writing, but only after the first draft. It’s hell!
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I love everything you write LB! And yes, I am dying to read the next Romano and Albright book. Thanks for sharing that lovely tidbit.
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Thanks so much Jody. I had this break through about the R&A book the other day. I’ve been waiting a long time for that moment. I know everyone has been waiting an equally long time for the book.
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Great post & giveaway! Love LB!
rockybatt@mail.com
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I love the quirky characters that seem to appear so often in LB Gregg’s books. Please enter me!
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Quirky makes life fun. :D
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Looking forward to reading this! Thanks for the post!
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This one looks really good. Thanks for the givaway.
kleverman@yahoo.com
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I have not read any of the books in the series but this sounds like the perfect place to start!
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Series like these are my catnip. Can’t wait to read this one in particular!
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I loved There’s Something About Ari. Now I’m patiently waiting for the Christmas book. Thanks! :-)
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I’m writing as fast as I can! Thanks Barbra.
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I’m really looking forward to this book and the rest of the series. Thanks for the post and giveaway.
jczlapin(at)gmail(dot)com
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It sounds awesome.I’m looking forward to giving it a read.
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I look forward to this book and the series.
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Loved your process comments – and I’m one of the ones chasing for the next Romano & Albright!
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It’s been a few years–I just hope everyone remembers Ce and Dan. As soon as the ink is dry, I’ll announce publication date in my newsletter.
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This series sounds fun! So many great authors participating. Can’t wait to read Ari’s book. I’m another big fan of your R&A books :)
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Thanks so much Lisa–Hope you enjoy the book. :D I love these two guys.
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Can’t wait to read this new series!
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