Happy Anniversary to the Romance Slam Jam family
I am jumping with joy to bring you this month’s interviews. Our first, Ms Emma Rogers, needs no introduction. And if you dare say you don’t know her….well…I have a vampire who’ll come and tell you just who she is. Ms. Emma, thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Will you share your memories of the first RSJ, please?
Ms. Emma: Francis Ray, author and RSJ Co-Founder, had the bright idea to “do something” for the black authors who were coming to the DFW area to attend a Romantic Times Convention in March of 1995. These black authors did not generally draw fans at this mainstream romance conference in the nineties.
Ashira Tosihwe, and I, as co-founders, planned the first RSJ in 1995 at Black Images Book Bazaar in Dallas, Texas. Our original purpose was to bring readers of black romance together with black romance writers. The theme was the “Power and Pain of Black Love,” something Ashira Tosihwe borrowed from a Nikki Giovanni poem.
Francis, Ashira, and I launched an event that was momentous for the authors and readers. Donna Hill, Gwynne Forster and a few other authors were thrilled to be the headliners for the evening and to get so much attention from admiring fans. It was a love fest, which laid the groundwork for subsequent RSJ’s - an even bigger RSJ at Black Images in 1996 and a very successful cruise to and conference in the Bahamas in 1997. The baby that was birthed in Dallas, Texas has grown up and left home in the capable hands of committed teams of authors and book club volunteers.
Dyanne: I know we have the history of how RSJ started on the website. But there’s a little more to it than that. Would you mind telling the rest of the RSJ Family a little about how the entire idea
took life?
Ms. Emma: - R E S E P C T - We thought the publishers of these highly successful black romance novels were not respectful of the authors of this genre. From our vantage point, we did not see the publisher with marketing and promotion plans for this popular line of literature. Booksellers were not offered any coop advertising contracts from publishers for this money making genre as were offered other genres. Black Images was having complete sale through with books orders. We ordered titles by the dozens to carton quantities. We had a very high regard for the authors in this genre. They were filling a need for literature with positive black images. Therefore, as a result of our high regard for the authors, we decided to market and promote them using our own dollars. We did not get one cent from any publisher for our events in the mid-nineties. Due to our efforts and black romance popularity, publishers eventually began to become financially involved in RSJ. In 2000 they helped to underwrite luncheons, dinners and other planned events.
Dyanne: Ms. Emma, what area would you like to see the conference moving into?
Ms. Emma: I’d love for it to continue to grow by attracting more black authors and black romance readers. Continue to try something new such as publicizing the genre in traditional creative writing programs. Continue to have a community service component connected to each event. Continue to keep us all connected via social networking on the Internet, texting, and through other forms of new technology. Look for a university to maintain a data base of authors and books since the genre is relatively new. Graduate students can obtain at least a Masters Degree documenting the growth.
Dyanne: Well, at least part of your dream has come true in a small way. One AA chose to do her thesis on African American romances. She traveled to Mississippi to visit Genesis Press and to Bolingbrook to visit me.
Sorry about that little detour. We’re back on track with RSJ now. For me going to the RSJ is like going to a big family reunion. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much love even in my biological family. What about you?
Ms. Emma: A. We Are Family - Family Reunion - It is so wonderful to witness the love and camaraderie at a Romance Slam Jam. I love to observe the connections reader:reader; reader: writer….. For some, the RSJ is the only time we might communicate. I am still in touch with readers and authors I met at RSJ’s over the years.
Dyanne: How does it feel to have an award that is so treasured by the writers named after you?
Ms. Emma: What an honor to have The Emma Awards named after me. Brenda Woodbury (avid reader), Brenda Jackson (author), and Jackie Perkins (Montsho Books store owner) unanimously decide on it. I can still hear and visualize Jackie Perkins at the 2001 RSJ in Orlando, Florida as she presented me with a special award. Jackie stated that “the motion pictures has the Oscars, Broadway has the Tonys, television has the Emmys, and Romance Slam Jam has The Emmas. I had no idea that my dedication to making things happen for the authors would be regarded so highly. What a blessing and honor. I am so grateful.
Dyanne: Can you tell us a little about how your life is the eleven months before each RSJ?
Ms. Emma: Hallelujah! – In the beginning, we were in constant contact with the authors, publishers and fans – marketing and promoting the big event. When the RSJ transitioned to the planning model of author, readers (via a book club), and bookstore in 2000, it relieved Francis Ray, Ashira Tosihwe and myself of a great deal of planning and coordination. Now I help market and promote the RSJ by word of mouth and email. I encourage everyone I encounter to visit www.romanceslamjamconference.com. This new model with an author(s) at the helm of the RSJ provided an opportunity for new leadership, growth and expansion. When the authors took charge of the event, they introduced writing workshops, and pitched appointments with agents and publishers. These days as a founder, I look forward to writing the Message to Attendees that always includes a little American history.
Dyanne: Any last words you’d like to leave the RSJ family with on this the 15th anniversary?
Ms. Emma: I am truly thankful that RSJ is now a 501 ©3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization under leadership of the very capable and dedicated hands of Deatri King-Bey and committee members Dyanne Davis and Barbara Keaton
Continue to support the legacy of the RSJ. It is my hope that years from now there will be students completing master thesis and doctoral dissertations on the black romance genre. We need to let future generations know that black love was in the beginning, Continue to be the authentic voice of our stories.
“For in the end, we will only conserve what we love.
We will love only what we understand.
We will understand only what we are taught.”
Baba Dioum, Senegalese environmentalist from 1968 speech.
One Love, One God, One Aim, One Destiny,
Emma
esrodgers@aol.com
Co-founder and Stakeholder for a sustainable future of black romance literature
Thursday, April 1, 2010
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
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
Book Talk
I think I'm going to call this segment Book Talk. We're going to start it off with a bang by saying a big, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! t0, BRENDA JACKSON, ON MAKING NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY. Way to go. We're all very proud of you.
That great news takes us into our book discussion. I've been asking authors and readers to send the titles of new books, especially ones written by members of the family. But if you happen to hear of a book that you think RSJ would like to know about, let us know.
This month I appealed to Marlive, some one most of you probably know as she does author promotions and reviews for Grits.com. She's going to give us the scoop on new books she's read.
So Marlive, tell the RSJ Family a little about you.
Marlive: I'm fondly known among literary circles (online and offline) as -thegrits.com, an acronym for "the girl reading in the south.com!" I'm an online Book Marketer/Promoter and my fascination with technology (the Internet in particular)and love of literature (emphasis on African American Literature) is the reason TheGRITS.com exist today!
Before becoming a full time online book marketer,I was a classroom teacher and school librarian for eight years in North Texas.While working as a librarian, I launched TheG.R.I.T.S. Online Reading Club, a leading online reading and book promotion community for adult readers and writers on New Year's Day in 2000. Then the award winning G.R.I.T.S. Kidz Book Club, an online book club for kids, parents and adult care-givers of children who desire to discuss and learn more about African American literature (and other multicultural literature) written for young people came next in 2001. The success of those two online reading communities and my desire to meet the unique web publicity needs of authors and self-publishers is the reason I launched TheGRITS COM Literary Service full-time in 2003. So for the last 8 years TheGRITS.com with its reading groups, online book campaigns, virtual book tours, and podcast network have become a place where books, readers, literary professionals and the Internet connect!
When I am not working with online book promotions, I'm a part-time Continuing Education Program Manager over Adult Basic Education (ESL/ESOL and GED) and Arts & Leisure programs at Lone Star College-Kingwood. I also teach their eBusiness Basics class for business owners interested in doing business on the World Wide Web.
Dyanne: I'd say you're not only one busy lady but one that writers need to become familiar with. So tell us about some books you'd recommend to the family.
Marlive: I've read some great new romances out by some excellent writers I have read over the years:
MIAMI ATTRACTION by Elaine Overton
As Miami's most celebrated vet, Dusty Warren can have his pick of any woman.But growing up on the road still makes him feel like an outsider in the city's elite circles. Then Mikayla Shroeder shows up at his ranch with her mangy mutt,and Dusty feels the white-hot spark of attraction. He knows Mikayla feels it,too, but the bestselling author is determined to stay aloof….
Mikayla left her traumatic past behind to start over in a new town. She isn't prepared for the charismatic and compassionate animal doctor…or the untamed passion that takes them both by surprise. Animal attraction is one thing. But to allow this man into her heart as her protector, her lover, her soul mate? That's a wild sanctuary she never thought was possible—until now.
KISSED BY A CARRINGTON by Linda Hudson-Smith
Pro-basketball star Houston Carrington likes his life just the way it is: fame, fortune and freedom. But Kelly Charleston tempts the foot loose playboy to break his number-one rule—flings without strings. The time he spent in the sexy sports doctor's company is forever seared in his memory…and now she's just signed with his team!
Wary of love, Kelly has managed to steer clear of romantic entanglements. But how could she forget the passionate encounter she shared with this seductive, irresistible Carrington brother? And now that she's under contract with the Texas Cyclones,she's in danger of losing something she swore she'd never give up—her heart. Especially when Houston awakens her fantasy of a fabulous future together.
DREAM KEEPER by Gail McFarland
This compelling sequel to "Dream Runner" follows a young couple desperately trying to start a family, facing countless setbacks and struggling to keep their marriage together.
CHOCOLATE GOODIES by Jacquelin Thomas
Coco Stanley can't believe the way her high-end chocolate specialty shop has taken off. But her own exotic appetite isaroused when the most mouthwatering confection she's ever seen walks through the door. He's Ransom Winters, self-made millionaire and compassionate youth counselor to the troubled kids in their L.A. neighborhood.
Ransom's proud of his program for at-risk teens. And once he meets the owner of Coco's Chocolat, the Grammy-winning songwriter gets another brainstorm. But jobs for his boys aren't the only thing Ransom wants from Coco. Now if only he can get the relationship-wary chocolatier to say yes to a lifetime of sweet bliss…starting on Valentine's Day! Because chocolate can be fleeting, but love is forever.
Thank you Marlive. Where can readers read more about you?
Again I issue the invitation....No, make that a plea. Authors send us a brief blurb of your next book. Readers, if you've read a good AA romance and we haven't mentioned it here, send me the info please.
On that note I'll do what I'm asking you to do. I have a new book myself, Lest Ye Be Judged written by my F.D. Davis persona, the third in my vampire series. (And yes, I know the family's feelings on vampires) But I'm willing to do what I've asked the rest of you to do.
Until n
ext month, happy reading.
Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
F.D.Davis
http://www.adamomega.com/
That great news takes us into our book discussion. I've been asking authors and readers to send the titles of new books, especially ones written by members of the family. But if you happen to hear of a book that you think RSJ would like to know about, let us know.
This month I appealed to Marlive, some one most of you probably know as she does author promotions and reviews for Grits.com. She's going to give us the scoop on new books she's read.
So Marlive, tell the RSJ Family a little about you.
Marlive: I'm fondly known among literary circles (online and offline) as -thegrits.com, an acronym for "the girl reading in the south.com!" I'm an online Book Marketer/Promoter and my fascination with technology (the Internet in particular)and love of literature (emphasis on African American Literature) is the reason TheGRITS.com exist today!
Before becoming a full time online book marketer,I was a classroom teacher and school librarian for eight years in North Texas.While working as a librarian, I launched TheG.R.I.T.S. Online Reading Club, a leading online reading and book promotion community for adult readers and writers on New Year's Day in 2000. Then the award winning G.R.I.T.S. Kidz Book Club, an online book club for kids, parents and adult care-givers of children who desire to discuss and learn more about African American literature (and other multicultural literature) written for young people came next in 2001. The success of those two online reading communities and my desire to meet the unique web publicity needs of authors and self-publishers is the reason I launched TheGRITS COM Literary Service full-time in 2003. So for the last 8 years TheGRITS.com with its reading groups, online book campaigns, virtual book tours, and podcast network have become a place where books, readers, literary professionals and the Internet connect!
When I am not working with online book promotions, I'm a part-time Continuing Education Program Manager over Adult Basic Education (ESL/ESOL and GED) and Arts & Leisure programs at Lone Star College-Kingwood. I also teach their eBusiness Basics class for business owners interested in doing business on the World Wide Web.
Dyanne: I'd say you're not only one busy lady but one that writers need to become familiar with. So tell us about some books you'd recommend to the family.
Marlive: I've read some great new romances out by some excellent writers I have read over the years:
MIAMI ATTRACTION by Elaine Overton
As Miami's most celebrated vet, Dusty Warren can have his pick of any woman.But growing up on the road still makes him feel like an outsider in the city's elite circles. Then Mikayla Shroeder shows up at his ranch with her mangy mutt,and Dusty feels the white-hot spark of attraction. He knows Mikayla feels it,too, but the bestselling author is determined to stay aloof….
Mikayla left her traumatic past behind to start over in a new town. She isn't prepared for the charismatic and compassionate animal doctor…or the untamed passion that takes them both by surprise. Animal attraction is one thing. But to allow this man into her heart as her protector, her lover, her soul mate? That's a wild sanctuary she never thought was possible—until now.
KISSED BY A CARRINGTON by Linda Hudson-Smith
Pro-basketball star Houston Carrington likes his life just the way it is: fame, fortune and freedom. But Kelly Charleston tempts the foot loose playboy to break his number-one rule—flings without strings. The time he spent in the sexy sports doctor's company is forever seared in his memory…and now she's just signed with his team!
Wary of love, Kelly has managed to steer clear of romantic entanglements. But how could she forget the passionate encounter she shared with this seductive, irresistible Carrington brother? And now that she's under contract with the Texas Cyclones,she's in danger of losing something she swore she'd never give up—her heart. Especially when Houston awakens her fantasy of a fabulous future together.
DREAM KEEPER by Gail McFarland
This compelling sequel to "Dream Runner" follows a young couple desperately trying to start a family, facing countless setbacks and struggling to keep their marriage together.
CHOCOLATE GOODIES by Jacquelin Thomas
Coco Stanley can't believe the way her high-end chocolate specialty shop has taken off. But her own exotic appetite isaroused when the most mouthwatering confection she's ever seen walks through the door. He's Ransom Winters, self-made millionaire and compassionate youth counselor to the troubled kids in their L.A. neighborhood.
Ransom's proud of his program for at-risk teens. And once he meets the owner of Coco's Chocolat, the Grammy-winning songwriter gets another brainstorm. But jobs for his boys aren't the only thing Ransom wants from Coco. Now if only he can get the relationship-wary chocolatier to say yes to a lifetime of sweet bliss…starting on Valentine's Day! Because chocolate can be fleeting, but love is forever.
Thank you Marlive. Where can readers read more about you?
Again I issue the invitation....No, make that a plea. Authors send us a brief blurb of your next book. Readers, if you've read a good AA romance and we haven't mentioned it here, send me the info please.
On that note I'll do what I'm asking you to do. I have a new book myself, Lest Ye Be Judged written by my F.D. Davis persona, the third in my vampire series. (And yes, I know the family's feelings on vampires) But I'm willing to do what I've asked the rest of you to do.
Until n
ext month, happy reading.Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
F.D.Davis
http://www.adamomega.com/
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