The Continuing Legacy of Romance Slam Jam
© Alvin C. Romer of The Romer Review
The concept of having romance authors interact with the legion of fans that support the genre was more than a stroke of genius. It harkened back to days where vestiges of the arts where the humanities met progenies up close and personal were evident despite a few glitches, real or imagined.
As author and booksellers, three enterprising and clairvoyant people came together with an idea that mushroomed into an energetic weekend bringing all of the above to fruition. Under the aegis of Emma Rodgers, Francis Ray and Ashira Tosihwe a niche was carved and a revolution enhanced.
Why has this event thrived?
I asked myself this continuously, and after attending two of them, I now can say that I'm a part of this. Moreover, I can attest to why it's so special to the originators and the fans that fuel the fever.
There's always something special when you can bring under one roof, romance literature writers, their readers and one male Book Reviewer creating a synergetic effort. Yes, I stood in awe and gave gratitude to those who welcomed me and included me in their many discussions that they forgot to label 'for women only'. From the first event (March 1995) to the latest edition, we got the flavor that has allowed the legacy to proliferate.
We came far and wide, with only one thing in mind - bringing to fore the excitement of reading romance between the covers and the authors who can bridge foreplay with a good climax! The 2005 version of this party was brought to life by local author Cindi Louis http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0... and her book club crew. Save for a few snafus and weathering the storm of great expectations with it being the 10th anniversary, kudos should be given to Cindi and everyone else involved for pulling it off. We who are faithful shook off any annoyances and proceeded to enjoy what was at hand. It doesn't take much not to forget and forgive the authors who for various reasons couldn't attend, and we certainly appreciated the new authors who aspire to bask in romantic bliss with their literary offerings on display. Every night was a revelation as I learned and leaned in uncharted territory. I was able to interview a few of the new authors and conversed with those that were willing to give me an audience. Authors Kim Louise (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1... ), Melanie Schuster(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1... , Patricia Ann Phillips(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0... ), Ann Clay(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1... ), Evelyn Palfrey(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0... ), Maureen Smith(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1... ), Katherine D. Jones(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1... ), Alice Wootson(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1... ) and Yahrah St. John(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1... ) were especially accommodating.
