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Missy Vixen

(16,207 posts)
24. Some of you may find this interesting
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 03:36 PM
Feb 2012

I belong to an organization called Romance Writers of America. It's considered the romance authors' guild. We offer training and information to those choosing to work in the romance industry. There are 10,000 members around the United States, with RWA chapters in most major American cities. (Seattle has three chapters, for instance.)

RWA chapters fundraise to cover meeting expenses. One of the things most chapters do is offer contests. In other words, one pays an entry fee. If you win (or "final",) your work will be seen by agents and editors that volunteer to judge the finalist entries. Over the weekend, a chapter in Oklahoma decided they would not allow LGBT entries in their contest. In other words, anyone entering a same-sex romance (which are gaining popularity in the genre,) would be excluded.

Imagine my surprise to learn that RWA does not feature the typical anti-discrimination verbiage in their bylaws at both a national and local level.

Romance Writers of America is being SHELLED today by angry members. If you're curious to read some of the fallout, please click on the following.

http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/blog/romance-writers-ink-contest-an-exercise-in-discrimination

Suzanne Brockmann is a multi-NYT bestselling author. She writes romantic suspense. She has featured same-sex relationships in her novels. To say she's outraged is an understatement.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/suzanne-brockmann/thoughts-on-the-discomfort-of-discrimination-my-books-are-not-welcome-at-mtm/270910816310433

Obviously, most of ASAH isn't affected by this, but again - another brand is falling on their sword, instead of taking steps to remedy an obviously unacceptable situation.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Okay, Rick, where are you? [View all] Missy Vixen Feb 2012 OP
Heck I can't follow everything Ricochet21 Feb 2012 #1
I think the Republicans falling apart is gigantic, too Missy Vixen Feb 2012 #7
I was just musing on this astoundingly fast brand meltdown Melissa G Feb 2012 #2
non-profits and brands OneGrassRoot Feb 2012 #3
Monsanto Why Syzygy Feb 2012 #25
On a positive note, Komen Just Caved! Melissa G Feb 2012 #4
WOW!!!!! Roan Robbins of Starcodes hit a bullseye with this one Milissa G!!!! Howler Feb 2012 #5
The big deal is in A FEW HOURS Ricochet21 Feb 2012 #8
OMG Sanity Claws Feb 2012 #9
That's it Ricochet21 Feb 2012 #10
Rutt Row!!!! Howler Feb 2012 #11
OK Howler Ricochet21 Feb 2012 #15
Oh Bloody hell..... Howler Feb 2012 #17
I got back late. Is it happening now? kimmerspixelated Feb 2012 #12
Yes Ricochet21 Feb 2012 #14
Ugh, that must explain it. GardeningGal Feb 2012 #23
Definitely nailed it! Melissa G Feb 2012 #21
I'm predicting a few other 'unassailable' brand names caving in (not based on astrology, though.) BlueIris Feb 2012 #6
One thing that needs to be exposed with Komen kimmerspixelated Feb 2012 #13
Thanks for saying this. Delphinus Feb 2012 #16
Crap week Kookaburra Feb 2012 #18
Oh my goodness!!! Tumbulu Feb 2012 #19
Neptune, water: Ricochet21 Feb 2012 #20
Thursday was my meltdown day. davsand Feb 2012 #22
Some of you may find this interesting Missy Vixen Feb 2012 #24
I find it very interesting! Melissa G Feb 2012 #26
Authors Missy Vixen Feb 2012 #27
Lately, I've been on a Robyn Carr binge Melissa G Feb 2012 #28
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Astrology, Spirituality & Alternative Healing»Okay, Rick, where are you...»Reply #24