So, the list of RITA finallists is out now. For those of who don’t know what that is, it’s the BIG contest that Romance Writers of America does every year. It’s judged by other romance writers – your peers so to speak.
Today, I’m noticing that while RWA accepted Passionate Ink into it’s fold, (The Erotic Romance chapter) and they happily accept our dues, and our contest fees, and even workshops for their confrences, they’re not truly accepting of us. Sure erotic romance is the fastest selling sub-genre right now, and has been for a couple of years, but we’re not really romance writers. They won’t give us our own category in the contest, so a lot of us, and I mean a lot entered our books anyway…after all there is a category called Novel with strong romantic elements. And erotic romance is definitely that. Yet, reading the list of finalists I see that not one bookpublished under an erotic romance imprint made the finals.
Sure there is a Brava, and Sensation, which are considered sensual romance. But No books from Ellora’s Cave, Berkley Heat, Kensington Aphrodisia, or even Black Lace.
Yes, contests are subjective. And yes, I admit I’m disappointed I didn’t final (I entered 2 of my stories) but more than me not finalling, I’m completely let down that not one erotic romance story finalled. It didn’t need to be mine, but it sure would’ve been nice to see at least ONE in there somewhere.
I noticed the same thing. I mean I was happy to see the Blazes and Bravas in there, but I was surprised nothing else made it.
Yup. For a few years there none of the Blazes made it, so I guess it is a step in the right direction. Although … the fact that a lot of Blazes have the samee heat factor as a lot of erotic imprints begs the question..is it just the lines that are LABLED Erotic romance that are getting pre-judged before the covers are even opened…maybe?? :unsure:
It all depends on the judges they are getting. More authors that read erotic should be volunteering to judge, then I’m sure you’ll see a shift. Having all the books get a fair shake.
But it’s all subjective, isn’t it?
I guarantee you if I’d been judging there’d be a lot different books in the finals. But that’s not saying those books that are in the finals aren’t deserving, they are.
I only recently joined the RWA, so I didn’t enter this year’s contest, but I have to say that I was a little disappointed when I received my welcome package. Inside was information on the RITA Awards for 2005. That’s right, I had paperwork sent to me that was at least two, probably closer to 3 years old. Which leads me to wonder if the web addresses and phone numbers provided are even any good. I that what I paid 100.00 to join? I have to wonder if it was money well spent.
I volunteered to judge, and they didn’t send me anything. :unsure:
But I’m also not sure that would matter because you can’t judge the same category you enter.
And With so many enteries, half a point could keep a book out of the finals.
There are a lot of factors, and I’m NOT trying to take anything away from the books that did final. All I’m saying is I’m disappointed to see that Not One Story from an erotic imprint finalled. Especially since RWA accepted Passionate Ink last almost two years ago…
Hopefully though, there were still enough entries to show that an erotic category is a valid thing.
Michelle, Someon in the office was having a bad day huh? LOL
I’ve always striggled with a should I or shouldn’t I join RWA thing. Mostly because where I live, there is no chapter, so for me, the only thing I get out of it is the magazine, and the confernce. This year I’m not going to the conference. LOL
However, if there is a local chapter near you, I suggest checking it out. From all I’ve heard, they are the creme of this crop. To have others to chat with and hang out with. I say give it a chance, you never know.
Sasha, they didn’t send you books to judge? I’m farther away and I got a package. :confused:
Initially, I had no plans of joining RWA, but the main reasons I decided to join were Romance Sells and Passionate Ink.
Nope, I didn’t get anything to judge. Which is okay with me. LOL As long as they weren’t short on judges who will read erotic content..LOL
Somehow I wasn’t surprised.
Wonder what that says about me. :unsure:
Sasha I was looking too and sadly, I’m not surprised there weren’t any.
FWIW I’ve heard good things about some of the online chapters. Even though I know it’s not the same–heck my local chapter is the main reason I stay in RWA
Pingback: Wednesday Web Wanderer « Milady Insanity
This is, and has been a big complaint of mine about the RWA in general. I don’t have a problem with the books that were nominated – congratulations to you one and all because it’s a fabulous honor.
Our dues, our sales numbers – all go to making the RWA rise but we’re still going through a side door and that frustrates me greatly. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that we’re represented in the RITAs.
I know. I keep hearing, “be patient, it’ll come, look where we were even just a few years ago” and sure, we’ve made strides and yes, I do think as a whole, RWA is more accepting of erotic romance than it was three years ago. But so what? I’m a member, they should be.
Lauren…I don’t think the RWA is accepting of change as a whole.
Amie – yeah, I think so too. Most large organizations are that way to be honest.
I’m with you, Lauren. I understand change can be slow…but at the same time, it’s like…”C’mon, get with the program!” :blush:
:fight:
This is something you really should fight for. If their willing to take your dues and list you as members they should have a category for you, if their not willing to fit you in the current one. I have read most of the authors that right erotica and I have to say your all just as good and even better writers in some cases. You all are worthy of these awards, I say push the point! :duell:
Thank You, Scarlet! I know myself, I’m leaning towards not renewing my membership. But who knows, I change my mind about that every couple of days. LOL