Dream On, Ramona Riley
An Interview with Ashley Herring Blake
Ashley Herring Blake is here this week to dive into her new rom-com, Dream On, Ramona Riley, in which a small-town waitress falls for a Hollywood star.
We discuss building the world of this brand-new series, the importance of writing queer romances in this political moment, advice for aspiring rom-com writiers, which character’s love story we might get next, and much more.
"The book is steamy while also being a sweet and sensitive look at the complex feelings of the characters, exploring how difficult it can be to trust others when you don't trust yourself. It's a fantastic start to Herring Blake's Clover Lake queer-romcom series."—Booklist, starred review
I love books where the town is almost another character and that is certainly the case with Dream On, Ramona Riley. What was the inspiration for Clover Lake?
I love small town romances, so really, I just thought about my favorite small towns in stories—fiction or movies or TV—and created my own that had similar vibes. I dug into this one a little deeper than Bright Falls, creating a few more quirky town characters than my first series, and I really enjoyed making Clover Lake a fun, nosy, cozy place!
Since this is the first book in a new series for you, what is your creative process like when beginning a series and are you able to share anything yet about book 2?
At the start of the series, I really have to think about the subsequent books and characters. I really take one book at a time, so this can be a challenge! Book two is about April, who is Ramona’s best friend, and she was quite tricky to figure out for me! A series is a lot different than a standalone in terms of processes, even when they are more loosely connected. Each character in that first book has to have a journey of their own, and I have to make sure I can develop them as a main character in the next books.
In this political moment, I think reading (and writing!) can be an act of resistance. What does it mean to you to be putting a joyful queer rom-com out into the world right now?
Reading is absolutely political, and queer joy is resistance. That’s really how I look at these books I’m putting into the world, and have even before this time. Queer people of all genders, races, ethnicities, and abilities have always been here, we always will be, and romance is a reminder of that. These stories are reminders that we will persevere and we will have joy and love.
What advice would you give to an aspiring romance writer?
A community is paramount. Find other writers who are at the same stage as you as well as different stages. These people are integral to commiseration and support. As far as craft goes, reading and writing! A lot. Do it badly, read books you don’t like as well as ones you adore. Soak up the knowledge of those who have gone before you.
The novel centers around a page-to-screen adaptation. Is there a recent adaptation that you loved as much as the book?
I really loved all three To All the Boys I Loved Before movies, as well as those books.
About the Author: Ashley Herring Blake is an award-winning author. She loves coffee, cats, melancholy songs, and happy books. She is the author of the romance novels Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date, and the forthcoming Make the Season Bright. She’s also the coeditor on the young adult romance anthology Fools in Love. She lives on a very tiny island off the coast of Georgia with her family.
Love this! I have the Bright Fall series on special edition on my shelves and love it!