I’m waiting on information about starting a new chapter of RWA. I’ve been discussing this for months and never got on it. Finally, I bit the bullet. With the current climate, I’m not sure how well the idea of an erotic romance writer’s chapter would go over, but it’s worth looking into. There’s an inspirational chapter, but nothing to build recognition and advocacy for erotic romance authors.
I’ll keep you posted. If you’d be interested in joining such a chapter, perhaps volunteering for a board position, or some other contribution lemme know. I’m seriously in over my head and any help at all would be greatly appreciated. There is so much involved in running a chapter–contests, site updates, board elections, representation in the RWA, etc. etc. It’s definitely more than a one gal job so spread the word. If there’s not enough interest I won’t expend the effort. 
Update:
The RWA Chapter Liaison is sending me everything I need next week. So put a checkmark next to step 1.
You might be able to contact somebody with the Chick Lit chapter. They went through this, what…two years ago? The name I can think of off the top of my head is Marley Gibson. I think Diana Peterfreund may have been involved in the inception, as well. I’m not sure.
And I’m there. :beer:
by Shannon May 19th, 2005 at 5:31 pm[...] Erotic romance chapter, anyone? Taking a few minutes away from edits for a message from Sylvia— I’m waiting on information about starting a new chapt [...]
by Shannon Stacey » Blog Archive » Erotic romance chapter, anyone? May 19th, 2005 at 5:36 pm:beer: OOOoo he’s drinking BEER. Just saying hello and I signed on.
by kate -- again??dang. My tag doesn’t seem to work. Maybe I need another smiley.:whip::pirate:
It’ll be interesting to see what the group decides its goals are. I’m looking forward to it!
by kateMe too, Kate.
by SylviaOne goal should be educating the RWA organization and the public about the difference between erotica, porn, and erotic romance. I think Chey or Sage Grayson may have the best definition I’ve ever read.
by Jordan May 20th, 2005 at 9:49 ameducating the RWA organization and the public about the difference between erotica, porn, and erotic romance.
Yes, but who decides this? This is no more clear cut than RWA trying to define romance!! There may be authors who agree with the definitions of others, then there may be authors who don’t! Way too tricky, imo, LOL!
by Alison Kent May 20th, 2005 at 10:49 amThe objective of an erotic romance/romantica group is interesting, but I would be leery of those aforementioned desperate authors out there joining it, assuming that the group would be a “how-to” guide! :whip:
Plus, what about the whole hoopla concerning RWA approved publishers–most erotic romance is published by e-publishers. :scratch:
by Evangeline May 21st, 2005 at 12:18 amOn second thought, I’d hope that an erotic romance group wouldn’t be seen as being formed for an “us vs. them” purpose by other, closeminded, short-sightened assuming folks. :brow:
by Evangeline May 21st, 2005 at 12:20 amPerceptions vary. There is no doubt that erotic romance authors are not fairly represented. And we should be and need to be.
by SylviaWhat do you mean by fairly represented? For what purpose? Erotic romance is the hottest selling thing at the moment. Publishers are starting up imprints left and right. If you mean fairly represented within RWA, again, for what purpose? So RITA judges who don’t like erotic romance will change their mind? Uh, I don’t see that happening ever, LOL!
The RITA and RWA are not why we write. Writing is about readers. The readers are what matter. And sales numbers are speaking loudly about what readers want. That’s the only thing that matters in the end.
by Alison Kent May 21st, 2005 at 7:04 amI was pointed to your blog by a friend. I’m happy to help answer any questions about starting a new RWA chapter…it’s not easy, a lot of hard work, but well worth it. You can e-mail me at marley_gibson @ yahoo.com (no spaces.)
by Marley Gibson May 21st, 2005 at 7:58 pm