Heard of The Emma Awards?
There’s been a lot of talk lately about racism and the romance industry. I thought about the subject again yesterday when I saw a bulletin from RWA. The bulletin highlighted the 2008 Romance Slam Jam and referenced the Emma Awards which, according to the bulletin, were “selected by readers and authors of black romance.” Here are the winners:
* Favorite Anthology: Cuffed by Candlelight by Beverly Jenkins, Gwyneth Bolton, Katherine D. Jones, and Simone Harlow (Parker Publishing)
* Favorite Hero: Reese Anthony from Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins (Avon)
* Favorite Heroine: Teresa July from Wild Sweet Love by Beverly Jenkins (Avon)
* Favorite Novel: Wild Sweet Love by Beverly Jenkins (Avon)
* Favorite Novella: “Prisoner” in Cuffed by Candlelight by Beverly Jenkins (Parker Publishing)
* Favorite Sequel: Only You by Francis Ray (St. Martin’s Press)
* Favorite Steamy: Whisper Something Sweet by Deatri King-Bey (Parker Publishing)
* Favorite Suspense: Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins (Avon)
* Cover of the Year: Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins (Avon)
* Debut Author of the Year: LaConnie Taylor-Jones
* Author of the Year: Beverly Jenkins
Here’s what I was wondering:
(1) How many of us knew about the Emma Awards?
(2) How many us have read these books?
(3) How many us have have read Beverly Jenkins, the woman who is up for, what, 10 awards?
I’m not saying RWA is racist or that readers are bad people or anything even like that. I’m just thinking we’re all missing out on a whole bunch of talent…and that’s a shame. Not sure what the answer to this problem is.
I’ve ordered Beverly Jenkins’ DEADLY SECRETS. That doesn’t make the situation right - of course - but I’m intrigued to try the book.
In case you’re wondering, here’s the copy:
Though her Lexus may be broken down on the California freeway, Jessi Teresa Blake is no damsel in distress. Rich, smart, and beautiful, JT, or “Lady Blake,” as she is called, is one of the toughest sports agents around. She’s negotiated megabucks contracts for every superstar in the business, and only the most confident of men can match wits with her. Men like Reese Anthony, the impossibly sexy trucker who gives her a lift back to Oakland.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:07 am
I’ve never read a black romance but I just won a copy of SWEETER THAN REVENGE by Ann Christopher. I’ve also heard Beverly Jenkins is very good. With all those wins, she must be doing something right!
May 16th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I had not heard of the Romance Slam Jam or of Beverly Jenkins. I just went to Amazon and got myself a Kindle copy of WINDS OF THE STORM, which sounded intriguing. She’s got a whole lot of books out there, btw.
Thanks for bringing Ms. Jenkins to our attention, HKD.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Beverly Jenkins is a very good author. Thanks for posting this. Its great to get the word out about new authors and about Slam Jam.
May 19th, 2008 at 3:42 am
I’d not heard of the Emma awards. I did enjoy Game of Love by Sharon Cullars and I do have a few books by Ann Christopher and I saw a lovely interview with Beverly Jenkins some time back and her books intrigued me but I haven’t decided which one to read. I have so many on my list, and so many books in my tbr pile that new-to-me authors tend to get pushed aside. I need to change my strategy.
June 16th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Helen. Thanks for the support. You rock!!! I do hope you enjoy Deadly/Sexy. B Jenkins