Post by cyn on Jun 29, 2008 23:49:56 GMT -5
Molly Noble Bull won two awards sponsored by Romance Writers of America (RWA) chapters this year: the 2008 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence in the inspirational category, and (tied for1st in the 2008 Winter Rose contest in the inspirational category.
That's the good news. The bad news is that Molly and her publisher, Tsaba House, got put through the wringer by the RWA and many of its members, including some VERY well-known names. And, most of this was done publicly for the world to see.
I don't publish romance, so there's little chance that I would ever have reason to become involved with this organization. However, two things speak to me about this issue:
1. Molly deserves our support, as does her publisher. Voices need to be heard about this type of discrimination; what isn't needed is people smoothing over the waters and the suggestion that voices are unseemingly or un-Christian.
I, Sue, and a couple of RWA members tried to set the record straight in comments in a couple of forums. The most vocal supporters of and the most prolific comments about the RWA's actions can be found on a blog called "Smart Bitches Who Love Trashy Books."
It is difficult to respond to comments like this when one does not speak the same language. (Note: I didn't quote some of the more colourful language on that comment thread.)
If this is any indication of how the RWA runs its contests, and I would guess that it does considering a. the number of comments made (150+) by some pretty big names, and b. the number of comments made by members who DO question how comments are made, then I would not be supportive of this organization. In fact, I do discount awards given by the RWA (sorry Molly).
Furthermore, comments like below would be awfully hurtful to read. (This came from another site, but there's lots out there):
Well, Molly did fool this fellow.
2. There are prominent Christian publishing-affliated organizations out there who operate in much the same manner as the RWA (except, one would expect sans the colourful language). The ACFW awards, the Christys, the ECPA award, blog tours, the ECPA, CBA, etc. It's like an exclusive club with bouncers at the doors waving other Christian authors and industry people to move on. Take a look at the rules for the contests mentioned above and see for yourself.
Molly Noble Bull and Tsaba House should be supported. This nasty incident has been harmful to both. I asked myself whether I should take on the big dogs on a blog . . . on behalf of someone I've never met . . . about an award I will never enter. My answer was swift: substitute TWCP or one of my authors' names and a different venue, and this IS me. Yes, I should make my voice heard.
That's the good news. The bad news is that Molly and her publisher, Tsaba House, got put through the wringer by the RWA and many of its members, including some VERY well-known names. And, most of this was done publicly for the world to see.
I don't publish romance, so there's little chance that I would ever have reason to become involved with this organization. However, two things speak to me about this issue:
1. Molly deserves our support, as does her publisher. Voices need to be heard about this type of discrimination; what isn't needed is people smoothing over the waters and the suggestion that voices are unseemingly or un-Christian.
I, Sue, and a couple of RWA members tried to set the record straight in comments in a couple of forums. The most vocal supporters of and the most prolific comments about the RWA's actions can be found on a blog called "Smart Bitches Who Love Trashy Books."
I know there are some legitimate criticisms of the organization, and I definitely increase my brain cell function reading the discussions here and elsewhere about the RWA, but the “RWA discriminates against Christian publisher” crap? I raise a “Bitch, Please” against the publisher quoted. I’m still waiting for PW to update that article, because what was originally written sounds like punk ass whining when the facts are laid alongside the claims.
It is difficult to respond to comments like this when one does not speak the same language. (Note: I didn't quote some of the more colourful language on that comment thread.)
Note that nowhere in there does is say jackshit about the publisher being “RWA approved” or “RWA recognized”. All it says is “non–Subsidy, non-Vanity”.
If this is any indication of how the RWA runs its contests, and I would guess that it does considering a. the number of comments made (150+) by some pretty big names, and b. the number of comments made by members who DO question how comments are made, then I would not be supportive of this organization. In fact, I do discount awards given by the RWA (sorry Molly).
Furthermore, comments like below would be awfully hurtful to read. (This came from another site, but there's lots out there):
Now what's the fun in reading prude Christian fiction? If her writing is as uptight and morally acceptable as I suspect, she probably doesn't stand a chance of winning anyway.
If her writing is as uptight and morally acceptable as I suspect, she probably doesn't stand a chance of winning anyway. Well, Molly did fool this fellow.
2. There are prominent Christian publishing-affliated organizations out there who operate in much the same manner as the RWA (except, one would expect sans the colourful language). The ACFW awards, the Christys, the ECPA award, blog tours, the ECPA, CBA, etc. It's like an exclusive club with bouncers at the doors waving other Christian authors and industry people to move on. Take a look at the rules for the contests mentioned above and see for yourself.
Molly Noble Bull and Tsaba House should be supported. This nasty incident has been harmful to both. I asked myself whether I should take on the big dogs on a blog . . . on behalf of someone I've never met . . . about an award I will never enter. My answer was swift: substitute TWCP or one of my authors' names and a different venue, and this IS me. Yes, I should make my voice heard.