It’s been forever since I went on a RWA rant but after receiving my RWR yesterday (on the heels of the most contrived proxy ever created), I just can’t remain quiet.  Yeah, yeah, I know all about the old adage that you should work within an organization for change, but that isn’t possible with RWA.  It would be if they ever realized that the Executive Director should be running the show – she’s the greatest asset the organization has going.  The elected board members mean well and try hard but RWA is just too big an organization to be micro-managed like a coffee clutch.  (Hey – this isn’t even the rant part).

On the fly free aspect . . . there’s a well-written, well thought out article in the RWR (The Romance Writer’s Report) on porn/erotica/erotic romance.  If nothing else, it gives some good definitions of how erotic writers and publishers define their product.  The article further remarks on the strength and success of erotic fiction.  I think that’s great.  According to the author, erotic fiction continues to gain market share and industry insiders forecast a continuation in that trend for the foreseeable future.  I think that’s a great thing.  What I don’t get is why they want to stand under the umbrella of romance fiction.  To me it’s no different than someone writing a vampire romance and expecting recognition from the Science Fiction Fantasy Writers with a shiny Hugo; or me writing a romance set in the west and expecting the Western Writers to award me a Spur. 

Erotic fiction has not only blossomed, it has flourished as its own genre.  So I say fly free – step out of RWA and celebrate your genre by forming your own organization.  Create recognition for the sub-genres that reflect the diversity and talent of the authors and their offerings. 

Money, money, money . . . (Disclaimer – this is a personal pet peeve of mine).  It is none of my business how much money another author makes.  So, I read with extreme discomfort the RWA proposal to link PAN status to an author’s income.  I consider myself a working writer.  I’ve supported myself since 1994 on income earned from writing.  In an attempt to do something (not sure what), RWA is proposing to require an author to prove income (advance, royalties and/or a combination of the two) of at least $2,000.00 in order to belong to PAN (the Published Authors Network).  Sorry, but I find having to reveal personal finances offensive.  None of my business, nor should it be.  The only person who has to be satisfied with the money they earn is the individual getting the check.  Sadly, I’m not surprised that this proposal bubbled up.  RWA does a lot of wrong things for right reasons.  I’m assuming that the proposed PAN standards are part of the continuing attempt to parent members.  RWA has struggled with the wasp’s nest of publisher recognition standards since the day they voted them in to policy.  RWA was simply trying to assist members in avoiding questionable publishers and/or scam publishers – a good thing.  The problem came about when the publisher recognition standards became an impediment to members enjoying benefits of belonging to the organization.  Providing information is a good and valuable service.  The infantilizing comes into play when RWA punishes members for making bad deals.  I call that live and learn.  While I’m sorry for those writers who get caught up in a scam and/or make a bad deal – bottom line is – it was their deal.  Live with it.  Own your mistakes and try not to repeat them.  But reveal your income to RWA?  I don’t think that’s the solution.  (BTW, I don’t think there is a solution other than RWA should get out of the validation business).  If you sell a manuscript for $500.00 you aren’t less published than a person who sold a manuscript for $500,000.00 – you’re just poorer.  Setting the $2000.00 bar is only going to make those who realized their dream but for a sum below the two grand feel like failures instead of successes.

Have a great day!

Rhonda, please send this entire blog post to the RWA Board! They need to hear this. BTW, it's in line with what I think and I'm crafting an email to the Board tonight. Thanks!