Comments on: Creating Bad Blood

By: Jordan

Jordan — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:58:00 +0000

You bring up two very interesting points.

Unfortunately, I can’t do anything about writers writing on auto-pilot other than watch my own writing. It’s up to each writer to take responsibility for their work.

As for disparity in the industry, I believe most ‘romance’ readers and writers know it exists. Could RWA be doing more to help with awareness? I’m sure they could. Are they the ones controlling the situation? No, they’re not. The publishers determine how books are marketed, what covers they receive, and where they’re shelved. Of course, they can’t completely control the bookstores. They will do what they want to do. In my local B & N store, ALL romances are shelved in the same place. I know that’s not the case in all stores.

There are no easy answers to this problem. There never have been. And I doubt there ever will be.:sad:

By: Where were You? « Reading While Black

Where were You? « Reading While Black — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:13:06 +0000

[...] What I think is the most shameful about this subject is that the “PTB” (authors and the RWA and sometimes readers) will work themselves into a lather over idiotic stuff like defining romance, or griping and gossiping about how the RWA and its inner entities no longer work for you, or debating the usefulness of the HEA (while simultaneously never bringing up the fact that a lot of authors new and veteran are writing on auto-pilot), anonymous commenters, et al, but the second the treatment of the genre’s black authors are exposed, lips(or fingers, for that matter) zip quicker than George Michael’s pants. [...]

By: Jordan

Jordan — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:19:17 +0000

Ursula, Good point about validating internally first. I think a lot of people forget that. External validation ’should’ give you more confidence in your abilities.

By: Ursula

Ursula — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 03:18:18 +0000

I hear you Jordan. Fighting on list is nothing more than poor form. It doesn’t lead to constructive dialogue. And, groups have the right to set parameters, and you can use those as career benchmarks.

I think it’s important for writers to validate their own goals internally first, before seeking external validation, but I also know sometimes getting that external validation at one level helps keep you going and moves you onto that next level.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:54:32 +0000

Donna, I know. I’d have to combine two of my ebooks to reach that amount.

I don’t know what the answer is either, but fighting about it on lists doesn’t work. *g*

By: Donna Alward

Donna Alward — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:34:07 +0000

Yes, they did…it’s just that to make 10 k you’re already into royalties, you know? And as we all know it takes a while to actually GET those royalties.

I’m just not sure making it more exclusive is the answer.

But the truth is people will find information and support in all sorts of places and what works for them.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:07:02 +0000

Donna, I think someone mentioned 10K in total earnings as another possible option.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:05:25 +0000

Alison, Yeah, the loop situation is a tad wacky. I stopped receiving most of them in my inbox, when they shook things up the last time.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:03:27 +0000

Sarah, I think you have some very valid points. It might very well be too late for PAN to catch up given the other options available for published authors these days.

Kalen’s observation about RWA’s focus compared to other writing groups is also spot on. I never realized that all other writer’s groups are focused on the published author. RWA is unique in that respect…thank goodness. But, and this is a big BUT, I wonder if that should become its sole focus. Instead of trying to be all things to all writers, which thus far hasn’t succeeded.:roll:

By: Donna Alward

Donna Alward — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:52:28 +0000

Sarah I agree with your last and wanted to respond to Rae.

I actually think there should be no monetary limit on PAN for a couple of reasons. Unless your first contract gives you an advance over 10k(your stated limit), an author will wait a LONG time to be PAN eligible. As long as 2 years….and that’s just on a H/S contract. I sold last summer, my book was just out, and I won’t see any royalties until May as far as I know.

Also, for those starting out with royalty based publishers who do or do not pay a “token” advance…they too are excluded. And IMO the most crucial time for an author to gain information is when they are starting out, not 2 years and several contracts later.

I like the industry info I get from RWA and I do enjoy my local chapter. As far as the loops? I don’t find them particularly helpful.