Today’s guest post is by TB Markinson. Pssst, I’m the run who runs I Heart Lesfic.
You may be wondering why I’m guest posting on my own website. Simply put, it’s to share stories about The Village Romance series. I was fortunate to take part in this trilogy with Clare Lydon and Harper Bliss, and I wanted to give readers glimpses behind the scenes.
Now, here’s the guest post.
Clare Lydon Lays Down the Kissing Law!
To research our Village Romance series, Clare Lydon, Harper Bliss, and I traveled to a few villages in the Cotswolds. The wonderful and patient Mrs. Bliss drove the minivan.
It allowed us to wander through quaint village squares and side streets. We sampled beers and gin and tonics in a handful of charming pubs. I have to admit this was the best kind of research trip I’ve been on.
Each of us had an idea about our novels in the trilogy, but the individual story arcs were still forming since none of us had started writing yet.
In Lower Slaughter (actual village name), as we ambled along a river, taking in the rolling green countryside and cute bridges, Clare announced that her characters would share a kiss on one of the bridges. Then she spun around (it’s possible she added a finger waggle) and declared that neither Harper nor I could have our couples share a kiss on a bridge. She’d called it. If memory serves, she said, “Back off, bitches.”
I have to admit I found her passionate declaration funny.
It also spurred an idea in my mind.
Her characters could kiss on the bridge, but I was going to make one of the bridges in my story paramount to the plot. It’s possible that I can be a little bit (read: a lot) contrarian. For those of you who listen to Lesbians Who Write, the podcast Clare and I cohost, you may have noticed while we’re great friends, we don’t agree on many things. But we encourage each other with a healthy amount of good-natured teasing.
I will admit, Clare’s declaration helped me shape a pivotal aspect of my novel for which I’m truly grateful. Even when she doesn’t realize it, she has my back.
Her bridge scenes in A Taste of Love are phenomenal. One of them had me laughing out loud. Actually, there are many scenes in her book that gave me much-needed chuckles.
I love this post and I can’t wait to read these stories after being given this background. Thanks T.B.!
You never know when or where true inspiration will come from.
These bts snippets always make me go (in my head only): “Hurry up, I want to read the book already!” …and yeah, laughed out loud at “Back off, bitches!”
I got a good laugh as well. Clare can be passionate and when you mix that with her charming British accent it’s a fab thing to witness.
Sounds like a fun collaboration!
It’s been an amazing experience.
I love seeing pictures of the village makes reading your book nice to imagine the place.
I’m glad they help.
I’m going to the Cotswolds next week and I can’t wait to explore some of the places you mention.
I hope you enjoy!
No wonder you all got inspiration from those beautiful locations. Am really looking forward to reading the books.
It such a beautiful place and the villages are so quaint. Would love to go back.
I loved the book and the pictures help visualize more and solidify the world you created. From listening to the podcast, I can totally hear Clare with her lovely accent saying, “back off, britches” I cackle. Thank you for sharing and I am really looking forward to the other two books in the series!
I really dislike auto correct. I really can spell bitches, I promise.
Ha! I once had a group text that was autocorrected inviting everyone to an orgy instead of the restaurant around the corner.
I am excited about this series! Your photos serve to make the addition of the Cotswolds to my travel bucket list a must!!! Absolutely beautiful.
It’s a beautiful place to visit. I hope you get the chance to go.
All my favorite lesfic authors is in a group love fest! Ha!
That really is Christmas in July!
YES! Whoot! Yee haw!
Love the excitement!
I’ve read your story and loved it. Getting ready to read Clare’s story today.
Aw, thanks!
Enjoy A Taste of Love!
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