 April - June 2003
Reflections Of Romance Slam Jam 2003
by Nathasha Brooks-Harris
I had every intent on attending this year’s Romance Slam Jam, I know within myself that this is one big jam session that I didn’t want to miss. Little did I know that my elation would soon be short-lived and that decisions would have to be made. My daddy always said that a bad start makes a great finish and doggone if he wasn't right! My friend and traveling companion asked me if I would mind taking a bus because we could get a special deal for the fare and that would free up some cash for her to take her son to Disney World later this year. The things that you’re willing to do for the sake of friendship, sometimes should be put in the category of a 20-20 periphery to really study hindsight! I agreed because how bad could it be, I thought. Well, I soon found out!
Bad doesn't even begin to describe our experience. The bus broke down twice and we had to change from one bus to the other with waiting time in between--hours, not minutes. Then, there was this hardheaded little boy riding with his potty-mouthed mama who gave drama a new meaning. It never seems to amaze me how some mothers define parenting. He terrorized everyone for the entire ride and not once did she take a switch to his behind. I would've gladly done the honors! Then there were other sights and sounds that reminded me that this was NOT my preferred mode of travel. How could I forget the half crazy/half sick ‘Bama woman who snorted, coughed and made animal-like noises all night long. Finally, we arrived in Atlanta after all that drama – albeit, well over four hours late. You know a sista wasn't trying to hear anything but the right thing during check-in time. The desk clerk tried to talk some smack about our splitting the payment three ways as we were awaiting the arrival of our roommate, who might've gotten stuck at the airport because of an impromptu snow, hail and ice storm in New York.
Boy, could I use anything that could ease my frayed nerves, and utter frustration. After a hot shower and a change of clothes, I set out to the registration area again, having already missed Felicia Mason's class on Creating Literary Plots. Registration went smoothly this time, and the friendly staff made me feel at home with their brand of southern comfort. I began to relax.
I ran into Tracee Garner ( what positive inspiration to me!), and she told me about the forthcoming volunteer meeting that would be convening in just a few moments. I was impressed when I got to the meeting because Tracee is very organized and is a taskmistress, despite the challenges she face on a daily basis. Give that sista a job and it gets done -- well! Her thoroughness stood out. That so impressed me because anyone who knows me knows that I detest disorganization and mediocrity. Her handouts about moderating a workshop and pitching a novel to editors were awesome.
I was sitting down in the lobby looking at my booklet contemplating my next move, and to see what was on the agenda for that evening, when I was approached by a tall, handsome man. The fact that from all outward appearances where grooming and auspices of a gentleman lurked, I was all attentive. He beckoned to me…and I answered. When a cutie calls, I answer. Anyway, I had no idea who he was until I looked at his nametag. It was Alvin C. Romer from “The Romer Review” website, one of only a few men present at the whole conference. We gave each other a big hug because we'd been trying to talk business for months, and between my move and real life getting in the way, we kept missing each other. I was happy to meet him because finally, because I now could attach a face to all of the abstract e-mails we’ve shared! I had promised to introduce him to some romance authors. But with RSJ 2003 going on, and the nature of this conference, I knew he'd have access to all sorts of romance authors, and questions on how it feels to be in such splendid company.
Romance Slam Jam is like attending a family reunion without the drama. The readers make the authors feel like queens with their suitcases of books to be signed. This year, I saw less of the suitcases because of the weight restrictions decreed by the airlines. Instead, they created bound loose-leaf binders with pages for each author to sign. That was a great idea and certainly not as heavy as the suitcases and large plastic bins. Still, there were some diehard readers who kept to the tradition of bringing the suitcases filled with books and some even had filing systems. I even saw some of them with their books sandwiched in plastic bags. These ladies are ingenious, take their books serious, and I would bet someone would get hurt if the regular routine was misappropriated in any way! These ladies take time to talk to the authors and get to know them as well as their work. I always imagine the feeling that carouses within the fans when speaking to and taking photos with authors. Being an author myself and a part of this wonderful circus, I can truly say that it brings euphoria to a new level
The first Town Hall meeting was nothing more than a mudslinging brouhaha that forced various publishing house representatives to defend their respective policy and procedure. Some of the people acted like writing is an easy automatic process. They were real quick and vocal to say what they didn't like, as opposed to bring order and decorum to situations that weren’t readily understood. Chandra Sparks-Taylor, Nyani Colom, and Monique Patterson (to name a few) handled the attacks with poise and grace pointing up the professionalism for which each is known. The funny thing about that Town Hall meeting was that it was no different from last year's with the same issues voiced.
Evelyn Palfrey’s discussion was so different, and a breath of fresh air! Delivered with a sense of humor and witty interplay, she lent support to the aforementioned analysis by reading a scene that was cut out of The Price Of Passion as she artfully described two seniors understanding, and obviously not forgetting the art of intimacy! She asked the readers in the audience what kinds of issues they'd like to see in her upcoming books. She writes stories about mature protagonists. They said they wanted her to deal with aging elders, care taking, etc. It became depressing and hit way too close to home for me, but didn’t want to take anything away from Evelyn’s moment of magic. The workshops were varied, so there was something for everyone. The best workshop I attended was for authors only. Attorney Lauren Jones gave it. She taught us the basics of deciphering our contracts and gave us some knowledge to work with in the future. I know that if I have a legal issue, she will be the attorney I retain. She's tough and won't think twice about breaking the other side down. Plus, she's a Christian.
The person to watch/ a star on the rise was agent Sha-Shana Crichton. I took a mini-workshop with her in which she was explaining the way she works. Basically, she believes in helping an author to build a career, and gets them the deals that will help them achieve longevity, not be a one-book wonder. She truly has vision, and I believe that she is going to be revered in the literary world one day. The Emma Awards went smoothly and quickly. By Saturday night, most people were pooped and were happy they ended early. All my favorites won Emmas such as Brenda Jackson, Rochelle Alers, and Beverly Jenkins. However, it was wonderful to see my good friend, Leslie Esdaile, win an Emma. She has been working on her writing like a government mule all year and it's great to see her work recognized. It was equally good to see Tamara Sneed win as well. She looked shocked when she accepted the award.
Carmen Green is a bad sista to have pulled off such a stellar event, keeping it in the black. That, in and of itself, is an impressive accomplishment. If I ever become large, I just might look at her to keep my books because girlfriend knows how to work the ducats. Before I end, I must say a special thank you to Pat Byrdsong and Marcia Mahan, my two dear friends and editors of True Confessions and Black Confessions and Jive magazines respectively. I “outed” them as editors in one of the workshops when the Upscale magazine editors were no-shows. They didn't come to their first Slam Jam to talk about their magazines, so they weren't prepared to stand in front of the room and do so, but when called upon they did it with grace and the utmost professionalism. There was a room full of writers looking for magazine markets for which to write, and there was no way I could live with myself knowing they had what the writers wanted and they were looking for writers to write for them. They were put on the spot, but they handled it like troopers and the writers were happy to meet them as they made themselves very accessible to the anyone who wanted to speak with them. These two women underscored what Romance Slam Jam is all about: sharing and giving in the name of writing.
In retrospect, Romance Slam Jam 2003 was a resounding success and was the biggest gathering yet. If there were any disagreements or anything negative, they were kept away from the public as they should be. The entire weekend was done professionally with style and finesse. It was a wonderful experience being in a room with people that loved the romance genre, took it seriously, and were so passionate about it. I look forward to 2004 on my home turf – In New York!
About the Author
Nathasha Brooks-Harris is the winner of the 2002 Emma Award for Best New Author, hard at work on her second novel, In Perfect Harmony, a romance how-to book and two anthologies. She is also a freelance writer for several magazines, including a book reviewer for Romance In Color and QBR Magazine |
