Interview with Founder Ashira Tosihwe

Next up we have Ashira Tosihwe, another founder of Romance Slam Jam, Ashira will be our bookseller for the cruise, so please show her lots of love and support. (Buy all the stock she brings, that would be great) Ashira, I’ve really enjoyed talking with you. Thank you for allowing me to interview you for this anniversary addition. Can you share your own personal memories of the first conference?

Ashira: That night, back in 1995, everybody was tingling with excitement. Emma Rodgers, Francis Ray and I had been watching the African American Romance genre grow by leaps and bounds. There were approximately fifteen African American romance writers who were in town(Dallas, Texas), for the Romance Writers Conference, who had agreed to come by Black Images Book Bazaar, to meet and greet the readers. Our store was filled with readers who were ecstatic to meet their favorite romance author. The popularity of this genre grew so rapidly, that a special section of the store was dedicated exclusively for the romance genre.

Dyanne: Did you envision fifteen years ago that what you all started would still be going on?

Ashira: Well, it was like birthing a baby, and having hopes and aspirations for its growth and success. As this genre grew, so did the bond that connected the readers and writers. Many of the writers in later years maintained contact with their readers via the internet. The fact that RJS has endured over the years can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of the writers, conference planners, and the loyalty of the readers.

Dyanne: As a book seller how do you see the romance genre in terms of its popularity

Ashira: This genre is very popular. New writers are continuing to appear on the scene. There are also readers, believe it or not, who have not been reached. So, the opportunities for future growth is vast. The continuation of future RJS events will contribute to this growth.

Dyanne: What's on the horizon for you?

Ashira: After Black Images closed in 2007, the final chapter of its 30 year history, I decided to take some time to rest, reflect and renew. I then moved to South Florida. I hope to eventually begin connecting our community, especially the youth, with the vast amount of knowledge of our history, culture and the sheer literary genus our people possess. It is my hope that this 15 year old project will continue to grow and reach new vista with new readers, writers, and inspiration for young people to learn the craft.

Dyanne: I am going to miss not being on the cruise but I’m really going to miss not seeing all of the founders together for the 15th anniversary. I hope this SJ is as memorable for you as the very first one.

Dyanne Davis
www.dyannedavis.com
davisdyanne@aol.com