NOVEMBER  2008 Newsletter
Romance Slam Jam 2009 Cancelled

Due to the uncertain economy and the looming recession,  Romance Slam Jam 2009 will not be held this coming year. As much as we hate to cancel, we cannot proceed at this time. Everyone is tightening their belts and preparing for the worst.

The Romance Slam Jam has been an honored tradition and celebration for readers and writers alike, and to have to make this decision was extremely hard. The Slam Jam 2009 Committee has talked all week about ways to continue and cut costs and found it impossible to do so.

Those of you who have registered for the conference and/or purchased ad space in the program will receive a full refund, which will be mailed out by Nov, 3, 2008

Reading is food for the soul, and we know people won’t stop reading. We urge you all to remember the commitment Slam Jam has to readers and writers alike and to consider this year off a bonus to save money for the Romance Slam Jam Anniversary Cruise in 2010.

See you in Miami!

The 2009 Slam Jam Committee
Kelley Vitollo
Miriam Pace
Jacqueline Hamilton
Shae Williams
Passion 4 Reading

Talkin' eBooks with Tina Burns

Twenty years ago, we couldn’t imagine the impact the cell phone would have on our lives, yet today our cell phones have become our livelihood, the connection to our families and friends, our “go everywhere with the internet” device, and a new way to read books. What? You can read books on your cell phone?

That’s right! Like cell phones twenty years ago, books today are on the verge of change. Bye, bye bulky paper books … hello eco-friendly eBooks.

What does that mean for the voracious reader? Continue Reading


RSJ Aspiring Author Contest

 

How many in the closet aspiring authors do we have in our RSJ Family? How many of you know of aspiring authors who write Black romance or women’s fiction? How many of you know how difficult it is to have your manuscript reviewed by a major publishing house for publication?

This years RSJ Aspiring Author contest calls for aspiring authors of Black romance and women’s fiction to take a big step toward being published. Even if you don’t win, you’ll receive invaluable insight on how to improve your manuscript.

Winners Receive:
1st Place: This winner’s manuscript will be reviewed by Editor Esi Sogah from AVON/HarperCollins for possible publication

2nd Place: This winner’s manuscript will be reviewed by Editor Hilary Sares from Kensington Books for possible publication.

3rd Place: This winner’s manuscript will be reviewed by Editor Theresa Stevens from Red Sage publishing for possible publication.

Submissions are open. All submissions must be received by   1 March, 2009.

The winners will be contacted 17 April, 2009 and their names posted to this site 20 April, 2009.

For full details, review the RSJ Aspiring Author Page

Spread the word


In This Issue...

Romance Slam Jam 2009 Cancelled
Talkin' eBooks with Tina Burns
 RSJ Aspiring Author Contest
Interviews, Interviews and More Interviews 
Wha'cha Readin'
Romance Slam Jam Cruise
Last Words
Interviews, Interviews and More Interviews

You didn't think with the cancelation of RSJ 2009 we'd actually go sit out butts down somewhere and be quiet did you? LOL.

We love to read too much and enjoy talking with authors and readers too much to stop doing what we do--connect readers and authors of Black romance and women's fiction.

 With that said, Dyanne is at it again with two more of her off the wall interviews. This month she has Miriam Pace and AC Arthur under the spot light. Go on over to the RSJ BlogSpot and check them out

Again, please leave comments for the authors so we know you've been there. Even if it's just to say HI.

Romance Slam Jam BlogSpot

Also, if there is someone you'd like for Dyanne to interview, send your suggestions to her at dyanne@romanceslamjam.org.

Wha'cha Readin'

Love of Black romance and women's fiction has brought us all together. The majority of us are proud to call ourselves read-a-holics.

There are those of us who like to talk books almost as much as we love reading them. Welllll, you know we aim to please.

The Black Romance Book Club has been set up over at Shelfari.com where we discuss topics of Black romance and women's fiction and we discuss a particular books from time from time.

When we have a book discussion, the group has two months to read the novel, then we discuss it. Presently, I choose the novel. Believe me, I've asked others, but usually receive a list of titles and am told to pick one. I think it's because there are just too many good Black romance and women's fiction books out there and no one wants to make the decision. No problem. We read them all anyway SMILE.

To join the book club, you'll first need to create a Shelfari account.

Now come on over and let's talk books. The next novel we start reading will be A Special Summer by Victoria Wells. Many of you may remember Victoria from the 2008 Slam Jam.


Romance Slam Jam Cruise

We’re Gonna Rock the Boat on our Fifteenth Anniversary Romance Slam Jam Cruise! Nineteen months before we set sail, and we’ve already exceeded our attendance goal!

Just a friendly reminder that another $25 per person deposit is due by November 20th, 2008. So for those of you that haven’t already paid a deposit totaling $50, please get your second payment of $25 in by the due date.

Island Adventures! Entertainment! Food and Drinks! Fun in the Sun! And Romance! Now that's the makings of a Great Time!

If you need help arranging a roommate, contact deatri@romanceslamjam.org. For other RSJ Cruise questions, contact angelique@romanceslamjam.org
 

Stay tuned
RSJ Crystal Anniversary Cruise!

angelique@romanceslamjam.org

Last Words

I know many of you feel as I do and are saddened by the cancellation of RSJ2009. I want to give serious props out to Kelley Vitollo and the rest of the 2009 Committee. They made a difficult decision. One that followed months of hard work. They deserve a standing ovation.

RSJ Family Update: LaConnie Taylor Jones, winner of last year's Emma for Favorite New Author, touched us with her acceptance speech. Please keep LaConnie and her family in your prayers. Her husband is battling cancer and she could use our strength to support her though these difficult times.

That's it for now. If you have questions, I'm here deatri@romanceslamjam.org

Deatri King-Bey
http://www.romanceslamjamconference.com
 
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