A Multicultural Romance Chapter is Needed

Okay, in my search to learn all I can about RWA I’ve stumbled across something that disturbed me.  The RWA has more than 145 local, online, and special-interest chapters that offer members the opportunity to come together to discuss the industry and build connections with fellow romance writers.  The special-interest chapters are quite diverse and deal with different sub-genres of romance like: Chick lit, Regency period, Celtic, eBooks/Small Publishers, Non-traditional, Medical romance, Christian/Inspirational, Fantasy/Futuristic/Paranormal, Gothic, Historical, Mystery/Suspense, Erotic Romance,  Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender romance and romance script writing.  Did you notice that a group was missing?

Well I did.  You would think someone would have formed a Multicultural chapter by now.  Maybe forming a chapter is a difficult process, I mean I’m new to this RWA thing so what do I know about the chapter formation process.  Or maybe a chapter of color was poorly conceived in the past.  I guess that’s why http://www.romanceincolor.com/ was conceived by RWA author Wayne Jordan.  There is a need for support in this sub-genre.

If you take the time to read RWA author Gwynne Forster’s article “Culture and Ethnicity - The African-American Romance Novel” at http://www.affairedecoeur.com/articles_authors.php?path=GwynneForster you’ll see that many published Black and Latino authors have a wealth of knowledge to share.  And Patrick Huguenin’s Daily News article at http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2009/05/24/2009-05-24_africanamerican_romance_writers_come_into_their_own.html give a great snapshot of the popular 2009 beach reads from some of the hottest Black romance novelists.  So there just has to be a reason for this void. 

Maybe I’ll ask around to see if a Multicultural chapter is in the works.  It would be nice to see that come to pass.  Or maybe when I get a few books published I’ll be able to help get one off the ground. 

Well, before I go I want you to learn more about the releases of three of my favorite African American Romance novelists.  They offer great summer reads so give them a try.

Gwynne Forster’s “Private Lives” and the release of “Swept Away” are in bookstores now.  You can learn more about her at http://www.gwynneforster.com.  

Brenda Jackson's “Temperatures Rising” and a collection of her previous works entitled “Some Like It Hot” are in stores now. You can learn more about her works at http://www.brendajackson.net/.

Rochelle Alers’ “Secret Agenda” and “Man of Fate” of her Best Men trilogy are in stores now.  You can learn more about her at http://www.rochellealers.com/.