Wow. The storm clouds are roiling in Romanceland in the last few days. Drama everywhere! Most of it author related. As many who hang in Romanceland know, Harlequin decided to start a vanity press called Harlequin Horizons. They promptly lost their particular status with Romance Writers of America, and have decided to rename this enterprise to deaffiliate it with Harlequin.First, I'm a reader, and am truly ignorant about the publishing business. I wasn't completely clear about what the big deal was, until I read the thread over at Smart Bitches. And wow, what a thread! Over 800 comments, by some seriously big deal authors, self-published authors and others. And the conversation stayed mostly cogent and respectful, with the exception of one person who just couldn't stop bickering with NFR (Nora-Fucking-Roberts, for those who don't know). Anyway, it's quite a kerfuffle, and one that I'm sure will have long-standing ripples throughout the author community. I don't have a particular opinion on it. More, it's one of those internet trainwreck thingies that I love to be a spectator for.
The second drama stems from a letter that Jane Litte, who is the publisher of the Dear Author blog, received from Romance Writers of America letting her know that she would no longer be eligible for membership in RWA. The reasons cited were that Jane has publically stated that she has no intention of ever publishing a romance, also because of several critical posts on Dear Author, and for #ROMFAIL, which is a feed she does on Twitter after she's read a particularly wretched romance. The point is that RWA has elected not to allow Jane to renew her membership because she has taken actions that are not supportive of the genre.
Mmmkay, I call bullshit on that. First, I will say that I have probably interacted with Jane about three times in my life. Once when I about mowed her down to say hello to author, LB Gregg, at RWA last year. But I visit Dear Author at least 3-4 times a day. I rely on the reviews posted there for recommendations, I avidly read commentary there, as I've always found it to be though provoking and many of the threads honestly teach me a ton about critical reading. I would consider Jane to be a tremendous advocate for the genre. Now, I will say this, I would *never, ever* want to be an author on the receiving end of one of Jane's F reviews. They are painful, and often hilarious to read. And I participated in all of one #ROMFAIL because I find them to be a lot like the American Idol tryout shows -- just painful to witness.
In my teeny-tiny reader's opinion, I think Jane is being disinvited from being a member of RWA because of #ROMFAIL. I think that enough of the membership is aggravated by it that RWA had to take a stand. Do I think they did the right thing? No I don't. I think what they did smacks of McCarthyism. I think they're telling Jane that if she can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. I think it's a dangerous step to take by RWA, particularly because the letter to Jane did not cite specific examples as to why she was being asked to leave. It has a few vague references.
Part of what is amazing about this genre is the generally intelligent discourse that I've found on the internet regarding what many "outsiders" consider to be a joke. Jane is, in my opinion, a leader in that area. The truth is that RWA needs minds like Jane's, minds that can call a turkey a turkey, helping the genre to improve.
I'm not a member of RWA, nor will I ever be. But having been to last year's conference, I see the value. I understand what makes the organization a tool to many authors.
Like I said, I believe that Romanceland is enhanced by Jane Litte and bloggers like her. And to imply that she in not an advocate for the genre is just bullshit. Was RWA within their rights? Yes. Were they right? I don't think so.
7 Comments:
Who knows the true reason for RWA sending the, "we don't want you as a part of our group."
They had to know Jane would post the letter on her blog. And the drama keeps on hitting.
And to think today I posted about my viewing experience with New Moon this weekend!
I really don't agree with RWA and their decision regarding Jane. I guess I understand the part where she says she doesn't want to be a writer, but I am sure it has a lot more to do with romfail. Are they watching and censuring what people say on Twitter? That is just uncalled for.
Just thinking about Horizons still makes my blood boil. If Harlequin wanted to buy a share in a vanity press, fine. It's the attaching their 60 year old brand name to it that pissed me right off (that and calling it HH which equals Harlequin Historical!) Also saying vanity publishing is the "wave of the future" is just mind-boggling. It would be like me paying my employer for the privilege of them letting me work for them. Um yeah. I love my job, but I'm NOT about to do that.
As for the Jane/RWA thing - it hasn't been cited, but I suspect last year's Rogue Digital Workshop at conference may have stepped on some toes. I think romfail is a big factor, but I don't think it's the only factor. I also don't think this has anything to do with critical reviews - unless you consider romfail "reviewing." I don't, but certainly that's just my wee lil' opinion.
That all being said, I want to reiterate to people that you do NOT have to be a member to attend RWA's annual conference. You pay a higher registration fee, but the difference in cost is usually only equal to what the yearly membership dues are.
Whatever the real reason was for not allowing Jane to retain her membership, it was handled poorly with that letter. The explanation sounded to me more about jealousy than any valid reason. Regardless of the negativity #romfail imparts (and I admit I'm not a fan of #romfail) Jane has still done a HELL of a lot more for the romance community than some could say RWA has. Jane has always shown her strong love of romances, and so what if she has higher standards? Taste is subjective, but she's also had some very valid points in her discourse.
I'm sorry she's had to go through this, but I think it's been amazing how strongly the community has rallied around her. Love her or hate you, you cannot deny the impact she and Dear Author have made on readers and writers alike.
I was shocked at this, too! DA is like the mothership, in a way, with all that great content, and the way Jane and her cohorts raise the level of discussion.
I've obviously had my head in the sand lately as this has all passed me by... So, I'm heading to SB and DA to do some reading...
I agree with you 100% about Jane being refused renewal by RWA--total BS. I know romfail can be painful, but you know... just because we make fun of a book doesn't mean we aren't enjoying it.
Anyway, I think it was a bad move on RWA's part, too. And the irony is, Jane wasn't planning on renewing her membership with RWA anyway. So if they'd just decided to take the high road, whatever problem they have with her would have solved itself.
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