Now here’s the latest news on the 2011 RSJ conference. Here’s AC Authur.
AC: Celebrating all things Baltimore, from the charming to the alarming. We are so excited and can’t wait to see you. A trip to Baltimore means many different things to many different visitors. It can be thrilling, energetic, tasty, cultural and even educational.
Baltimore's art museums, cultural centers and historic attractions have much to teach visitors that come to explore the rich history of our city. With a slew of contemporary museums, diverse architecture and multicultural attractions located in and around Baltimore and the Inner Harbor, there is sure to be something of interest for each and every one of you.
The Inner Harbor is one of the most photographed and visited areas of the city. It has been one of the major seaports in the United States since the 1700s and started blossoming into the cultural center of Baltimore in the 1970s.
From breath-taking panoramic views of the skyline from the Observation Level of the World Trade Center to the up-close and personal experiences of street performances happening spontaneously at the waterfront, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers more to see and do than you might imagine.
We are working hard to ensure your trip to Baltimore will be rewarding.
Dyanne: Thanks AC, I don’t know about anyone else at this stage of the game but you have me all pumped up. I can’t wait to see what progress you have to tell us next month.
Once again AUTHORS AND READERS, DON’T FORGET TO SEND US A LIST OF BOOKS SO WE CAN LET EVEYONE KNOW WHAT’S NEW.
Also, as always I’m looking for warm subjects to interview. Tell you what, any and all that email me to do an interview during the month of July will be entered to win an autographed copy of my August 3rd re-release of Let’s Get it On from Genesis Press. davisdyanne@aol.com Have a safe and happy holiday
Namaste
Dyanne
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Interview with author Debra Phillips
Hello RSJ family,
I hope all of you had a safe and happy holiday. Our prayers as always are with the veterans and their families. I don't know about the rest of you, but I was sooooo proud of the way our President handled the placing of the wreath in Illinois.
As always our intent is to bring you writers in the family that you might want to check out. Some you know some you don't. Hope you enjoy this month's interview with Debra. We will be bringing you updates from AC Arthur and her team on RSJ 2011. Keep watching for that.
Dyanne: D.Y. Phillips is the alter ego of Debra Phillips who is the author of four books. She considers herself the author without a 'genre', and lives with her husband, Reggie, in the high desert of California. Currently, Debra Phillips is working on her next novel.
H
ello Debra. Welcome to the RSJ family. Why don't you start off by telling us about your latest book.
Debra: Love Trumps Game by d.y. phillips is the latest. It's safe to say that it's a combination of Urban street lit and mainstream, with a pinch of mystery.
Dyanne: Hmm, sounds interesting. How did you get started as a writer?
Debra: I've always loved to read, but writing books wasn't something I thought I would do. I used to write songs because as a child I wanted to be a famous and glamorous singer like Diana Ross. I had two best friends back then, Franxine Bobo and Jackie Wrider, and they were my personal Supremes.
Dyanne: So if we're looking for entertainment that means we cna come to you right. Debra, what does a typical day look like for you?
I hope all of you had a safe and happy holiday. Our prayers as always are with the veterans and their families. I don't know about the rest of you, but I was sooooo proud of the way our President handled the placing of the wreath in Illinois.
As always our intent is to bring you writers in the family that you might want to check out. Some you know some you don't. Hope you enjoy this month's interview with Debra. We will be bringing you updates from AC Arthur and her team on RSJ 2011. Keep watching for that.
Dyanne: D.Y. Phillips is the alter ego of Debra Phillips who is the author of four books. She considers herself the author without a 'genre', and lives with her husband, Reggie, in the high desert of California. Currently, Debra Phillips is working on her next novel.
H
ello Debra. Welcome to the RSJ family. Why don't you start off by telling us about your latest book.Debra: Love Trumps Game by d.y. phillips is the latest. It's safe to say that it's a combination of Urban street lit and mainstream, with a pinch of mystery.
Dyanne: Hmm, sounds interesting. How did you get started as a writer?
Debra: I've always loved to read, but writing books wasn't something I thought I would do. I used to write songs because as a child I wanted to be a famous and glamorous singer like Diana Ross. I had two best friends back then, Franxine Bobo and Jackie Wrider, and they were my personal Supremes.
Dyanne: So if we're looking for entertainment that means we cna come to you right. Debra, what does a typical day look like for you?
Debara: I'm no early bird, I will admit to that. I often suffer from insomnia, so I'm up late at night, so I write. Once morning comes, I try to get up and exercise. I said I try. I 
shower, have something to eat, some coffee, then get back in bed to try to get at least three or four pages of writing done. Suffice to say, I'm a slow writer.
Dyanne: There's a great quote about being slow and winning the race though I can't think of it at the moment. I think it has something to do with the tortoise and the hare. Since I can’t remember I’ll ask you a different question. Describe your desk/workspace.
Debra: Well...I've made the mistake of putting my laptop computer next to my bed. It's hooked up to my DSL, so I don't consider moving it. I do a lot of laying in the bed writing, sitting on the edge of the bed, writing, laying across the bed writing, falling asleep and waking up and writing some more. One day, I plan to move my laptop to my desk. Once I'm tired of laying around, writing, of course, I get up and do what needs to be done.
Dyanne: I love the way you work. I would be scared to death my laptop would fall on the floor as I was sleeping. LOL. Can you tell me what your favorite books are? (especially for writers)
Debra: It would be hard to say because I love so many books. I really enjoyed the book: The Upper Room by Mary Monroe. If I had to pick a non-fiction book that would be good for aspiring writers, I would have to say the book: Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon. Actually, I think all writers should have this book in their arsenal of creative writing instruction.
Dyanne: Great books. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you.
shower, have something to eat, some coffee, then get back in bed to try to get at least three or four pages of writing done. Suffice to say, I'm a slow writer.Dyanne: There's a great quote about being slow and winning the race though I can't think of it at the moment. I think it has something to do with the tortoise and the hare. Since I can’t remember I’ll ask you a different question. Describe your desk/workspace.
Debra: Well...I've made the mistake of putting my laptop computer next to my bed. It's hooked up to my DSL, so I don't consider moving it. I do a lot of laying in the bed writing, sitting on the edge of the bed, writing, laying across the bed writing, falling asleep and waking up and writing some more. One day, I plan to move my laptop to my desk. Once I'm tired of laying around, writing, of course, I get up and do what needs to be done.
Dyanne: I love the way you work. I would be scared to death my laptop would fall on the floor as I was sleeping. LOL. Can you tell me what your favorite books are? (especially for writers)
Debra: It would be hard to say because I love so many books. I really enjoyed the book: The Upper Room by Mary Monroe. If I had to pick a non-fiction book that would be good for aspiring writers, I would have to say the book: Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon. Actually, I think all writers should have this book in their arsenal of creative writing instruction.
Dyanne: Great books. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you.
Debra: 1) I suffer from chronic gossipitis (yeah, I know, it's sad, but it happens). I'm trying to get better though, but it's hard. 2) I do dirty dancing when I'm at home alone (hey, go figure on this one. I don't understand it myself) 3) I love horror stories and want to write a horror novel one day
Dyanne: I'm loving your answers. You're a great interview. You're making me laugh. Okay, Debra, tell us, what is your favorite quote?
Debra: If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
Dyanne: I also love that quote. So far what have you found to be the best and worst part of being a writer?
Dyanne: I'm loving your answers. You're a great interview. You're making me laugh. Okay, Debra, tell us, what is your favorite quote?
Debra: If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
Dyanne: I also love that quote. So far what have you found to be the best and worst part of being a writer?
Debra: The best is seeing your name on books when you go to a book store, or seeing someone sitting in an office with your book in their hands. It sends flutters through me. The worst part of being a writer is when someone don't like you or your book and they go out of their way to post nasty comments all over the place. When I don't like a book, I simply put it down and move to the next book. I just don't have the time to drag a writer's name and book through the mud.
Dyanne: Debra, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Debra: Your manuscript keeps getting rejected, over and over again. You feel like giving up. Don't. Keep reading on how to improve your skill. Keep reading to get better. Keep sending your manuscript out. No matter what, never give up
Dyanne: Excellent advice. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
Debra: When my first book came out I had big hopes and dreams that I would make enough money to help my mother get into her own house. You see, all her sisters and brothers owned their homes, and my mother, Daisy Mae, was never able to do that. She was a woman who had helped so many people to receive so little back while on earth. To me, she deserved her own house. It didn't have to be big, as long as it had her name on the Deed. Unfortunately, she passed away before this could happen.
I had a big misconception about writing back then. I know now that most writers rarely make enough money to live off in this business. Many will never have that "break out" book and the financial gain that goes with it. With this in mind, it makes little sense to write thinking of getting rich from it. I write because I love writing.
Dyanne: But wouldn’t it be nice if we could buy that home for someone we love, or whatever. I guess loving what we do had better be part of the process because that’s all we can be sure of.
Debra, thank you so much for the interview. It was really great. Can you tell the RSJ family where they can find you and your books?
Debra: Books by Debra Phillips and D.Y. Phillips can be found on line, at Black Expressions Book Club, and at most major book stores. Thanks Dyanne and RSJ
My new website is under construction at: www.debraphillips.net, and I can be found on Myspace (author debra phillips), Twitter, and Facebook (author debra phillips).
Dyanne: Authors and readers remember to keep us informed of new releases. Thanks
Dyanne
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
http://www.adamomega.com/
Dyanne: Debra, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Debra: Your manuscript keeps getting rejected, over and over again. You feel like giving up. Don't. Keep reading on how to improve your skill. Keep reading to get better. Keep sending your manuscript out. No matter what, never give up
Dyanne: Excellent advice. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
Debra: When my first book came out I had big hopes and dreams that I would make enough money to help my mother get into her own house. You see, all her sisters and brothers owned their homes, and my mother, Daisy Mae, was never able to do that. She was a woman who had helped so many people to receive so little back while on earth. To me, she deserved her own house. It didn't have to be big, as long as it had her name on the Deed. Unfortunately, she passed away before this could happen.
I had a big misconception about writing back then. I know now that most writers rarely make enough money to live off in this business. Many will never have that "break out" book and the financial gain that goes with it. With this in mind, it makes little sense to write thinking of getting rich from it. I write because I love writing.
Dyanne: But wouldn’t it be nice if we could buy that home for someone we love, or whatever. I guess loving what we do had better be part of the process because that’s all we can be sure of.
Debra, thank you so much for the interview. It was really great. Can you tell the RSJ family where they can find you and your books?
Debra: Books by Debra Phillips and D.Y. Phillips can be found on line, at Black Expressions Book Club, and at most major book stores. Thanks Dyanne and RSJ
My new website is under construction at: www.debraphillips.net, and I can be found on Myspace (author debra phillips), Twitter, and Facebook (author debra phillips).
Dyanne: Authors and readers remember to keep us informed of new releases. Thanks
Dyanne
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
http://www.adamomega.com/
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Happy May!
Hello RSJ family,
It’s so hard to believe that the cruise is over and Dee has us all working hard again for 2011. No Breaks. LOL. I’d like to personally thank Savannah Frierson for posing her blog about the cruise. It helped to make me feel as though I had been on the cruise with the rest of you.
Now we’re focusing out sights on Baltimore and the Sweet Sixteen party that A.C. Author and her team is planning. We’ll do our best to keep you up to date with what’s going on. Of course we’ll get A.C. to tell us some of her plans without giving away too much.
Then of course we have the Emma awards. Authors if we don’t know you have new books out we can’t recommend them to the readers of RSJ and they won’t be able to nominate your books because they didn’t know of its existence. Please don’t be shy, send me a note about your upcoming release and I’ll post it. Email me and we’ll do an interview. If I fail to answer don’t read anything into it other than I misplaced it or forgot. Email me again. I really do try….but hey, I have my senior moments.
Now that we’ve gotten the preliminary out of the way let’s get down to our first interview that leads us into waiting for our next conference.
Dyanne Davis
It’s so hard to believe that the cruise is over and Dee has us all working hard again for 2011. No Breaks. LOL. I’d like to personally thank Savannah Frierson for posing her blog about the cruise. It helped to make me feel as though I had been on the cruise with the rest of you.
Now we’re focusing out sights on Baltimore and the Sweet Sixteen party that A.C. Author and her team is planning. We’ll do our best to keep you up to date with what’s going on. Of course we’ll get A.C. to tell us some of her plans without giving away too much.
Then of course we have the Emma awards. Authors if we don’t know you have new books out we can’t recommend them to the readers of RSJ and they won’t be able to nominate your books because they didn’t know of its existence. Please don’t be shy, send me a note about your upcoming release and I’ll post it. Email me and we’ll do an interview. If I fail to answer don’t read anything into it other than I misplaced it or forgot. Email me again. I really do try….but hey, I have my senior moments.
Now that we’ve gotten the preliminary out of the way let’s get down to our first interview that leads us into waiting for our next conference.
Dyanne Davis
Interview with Author Lissa Woodson/Naleighna Kai
Dyanne: Lissa Woodson/Naleighna Kai, Welcome to Romance Slam Jam. I know a lot of the members have heard of you and read your work. And you got to meet a lot of the family in person on the cruise. For the ones who weren’t able to make the cruise can you tell a little bit about you the person and the pseudonym you write under?Lissa: I’m a Chicago native, an inspirational speaker, a Mercedes Benz Mentor Award Nominee, the national bestselling author of Every Woman Needs a Wife, and co-author of Speak it into Existence with my minister, Rev. Renee Sesvalah Cobb-Dishman. I work for a major international law firm and I’m also the CEO of Macro Marketing & Promotions Group, as well as marketing consultant to several national bestselling authors and aspiring writers. I’m the mother of J. L. Woodson, the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literature for his book, Superwomanís Child: Son of a Single Mother I’m currently working on my next novels, Slaves of Heaven, Wife-in-Law, and Open Door Marriage.
I began writing under a pen name of Naleighna Kai to protect my son, who at the time was in grammar school. I didn't want him to experience any backlash because his mother wrote erotica. It didn't matter though. As soon as my first book came out, he told everyone who would listen, "that's my mama!" By then the name was set and I couldn't use my real name for writing. Well, unless I decide to write under a different genre. :)
Dyanne: Congrats on all of your past success. I love the titles of your upcoming books. So, tell us Lissa, how did you get started in the writing aspect of this business?
Lissa: I started writing in December of 1999, self-publishing my first three novels before landing a book deal with an imprint of Simon & Schuster. It all really started when someone challenged me to write because they were writing erotic things to me. Later my minister encouraged me to use writing as a form of therapy. My minister is also a sexual abuse counselor with a licensed private practice. I've been writing ever since, but it was the novel that I threw together at the last minute, trying to get a book deal that put me out there. I had never aspired to be a writer, and it still amazes me to this day how much I have to say and how much I enjoy writing.
Dyanne: Lissa, something in me wants me to ask you to elaborate on a couple of things….but this one time I’m not going there. (G) You're a busy woman. Is that why your son titled his book Superman's Mother?
Lissa: You know, I have to say yes to that. Just today, March 11, my son had to have a little "Come to Jesus" meeting with me, taking me to task for expecting him to be like me--able to multi-task, hold down a regular job, consult for other people trying to get their books down, editing for other authors, marketing for other authors, and writing my own books, doing interior layout for books, etc. He says, "Mom, I have to do projects one at a time so that nothing gets missed." And the kicker is that I just sent my new novel, The Pleasure's All Mine, up to be printed recently--and he said, "I don't know how you do it." Me either. It's just that I'm driven by something I can't name. I love the end result of finally reaching a goal, but it's the journey of getting there that I appreciate most.
Dyanne: Well said. You're one of the P.R. reps along with Barbara Keaton for L.A. Banks in the Chicago area, and you put together the Cavalcade. Can you tell us just a tiny bit about each of those jobs?
Lissa: Well, I'm not so much her public relations person as I am her marketing and promotions consultant. I LOVE L.A. Banks and all the books she's written--in every genre!! I have a connection here in Chicago to several book clubs and avid readers and I host events that keeps my name out there while I'm in between books or book deals. It's not just L.A. who I have invited to be a part of the Cavalcade and other events; I've hosted ones for Mary B. Morrison, Karen E. Quinones Miller, Victoria Christopher Murray, Herb Kent "the Cool Gent," as well as several debut and self-published authors (who really carry the event. There would be NO event without all of the authors).
As a published author, I had to learn to think outside of selling books in stores. Creating a signature destination event where people can mix, mingle, eat fantastic food and have a great time is key. The Cavalcade was a happy accident. I was contacted by someone at the City of Chicago and they encouraged me to do the first one. With the marketing and promotion support the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Library and Chicago Park District puts behind my event--it has become one of the best experiences I've had.
Dyanne: Lissa, up to now I've kept your questions straight, no craziness. Are you ready? The last space ship is leaving earth for an unknown planet. (Yes, you have to leave. And I don't want to tell you why.)You can only take three personal items with you. What are they?
Lissa: Three things ... hmmm? Well, I have to take my Octavia Butler collection, because her books are "out of this world," I'd take cosmetics and personal care products (a sister has to be sure to look good and wash her possible and impossible no matter what planet she's on). They have to have some type of water, right? I'd also take my sex toys, just in case they don't do things quite our way here on earth. I can always find a reason to smile and feel good. LOL!!!
Dyanne: I should have known what your third thing would be. LOL.. Lissa, thank you for playing along. Since we're trying to let the family know about all of the books that are available to them can you tell us about the book you had that came out a few weeks ago?
Lissa: My new novel, The Pleasure's All Mine was released on April 9th at the Romance Slam Jam Event. I wasn't going to release it until BEA, but since I was going to be there--and then on a cruise (y'all just don't know---a sister can work a ship), and another event two days after the return that was honoring me with a luncheon, I decided to release the book earlier.
The novel is a spin-off of Every Woman Needs a Wife. Here's the synopsis which says it best,
Raven Armand’s son and agent are hell-bent on finding the perfect man for her—even if she kills them. The two unlikely matchmakers’ brilliant plan is to pair her up with Pierce Randall, a music industry mogul and the only man who’s ever piqued her interest. Just when it looks as if their plan is working, Raven risks everything for a one-night rendezvous at the Castle to discover where her fantasies will take her. Unfortunately, it could turn out to be the costliest experience of her life.
Meanwhile, Pierce has his hands full putting out fires as fast as his shady business partner starts them. He hasn’t been looking for love, but it finds him packaged in a voluptuous and fiery woman unlike any he’s ever known. It doesn’t bother him that Raven was tricked into meeting him, but when she lays down her relationship rules, then disappears on a mysterious trip she won’t explain, Pierce realizes Ms. Right might be all wrong.
Will sexual curiosity cost Raven the love of a lifetime?
Dyanne: Thanks Lissa. I heard that you can work a ship. Congratulations. Now tell us, where can readers reach you?
Lissa: On the following websites ....
http://www.naleighnakai.com/ {my son is updating it to include the new book)
http://www.macrompg.com/
lissawoodson@aol.com or 888.854.8823
Dyanne: Thanks Lissa. Just a gentle reminder to the readers and authors: Please keep us informed if you hear of any new books that the RSJ family would like to check out. Authors especially, drop us a line and tell us of your new releases. Until next month, stay well
Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
davisdyanne@aol.com
Dyanne: Thanks Lissa. I heard that you can work a ship. Congratulations. Now tell us, where can readers reach you?
Lissa: On the following websites ....
http://www.naleighnakai.com/ {my son is updating it to include the new book)
http://www.macrompg.com/
lissawoodson@aol.com or 888.854.8823
Dyanne: Thanks Lissa. Just a gentle reminder to the readers and authors: Please keep us informed if you hear of any new books that the RSJ family would like to check out. Authors especially, drop us a line and tell us of your new releases. Until next month, stay well
Dyanne Davis
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
davisdyanne@aol.com
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Interview With Founder Emma Rodgers
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
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
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
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