Where Are Oklahoma’s Black Romance Authors?
Young Bill Young, here. I’m working with the Oklahoma Center for the Book, arranging an event in Tulsa to celebrate Oklahoma’s romance writers. Obviously, we wanted to invite authors representing different genres within romance: i.e. Christian romance, romantic thrillers, historical love stories. It was interesting that our invitation list did not include any African American romance authors who call Oklahoma home.
During my search, I did come across some interesting information. For example, the incoming president of the Romance Writers of America is African American. In fact, RWA will have its second black president this decade. The news comes from Angela T and her blog, Saving Black Romance. Angela T is also a contributer to Romancing the Blog, and she offers this recent column on the marketing of African American romance novels. (Be sure and read Angela’s related posts and the comments to get a better gist of this issue.)
Love stories are universal, and they are relevant in all cultures and times. Michigan’s Beverly Jenkins (whose book “Captured” illustrates this post) specializes in African American romances set during the 19th Century — a time rife with all kinds of political, social and, er, lustful possibilities. And just think about the kinds of black romance novels that could use Oklahoma history as a backdrop, a history that includes black slaves coming to Indian Territory, the movement of black families into the Territories, the Green Corn Rebellion, the lunch counter sit-ins. No matter the times, places or situations, love finds a way.
So does this white boy want to read a steamy black romance? Maybe. I could always use a break from my sci-fi stories and geeky graphic novels. My Twitter friend Literary Nobody in Tulsa is a writer who’s always looking for different subjects and issues to address. Hey, LN: want to write us a love story? 
And, of course, if you’re a black romance author in Okieland, or you know one, I’m depending on you to set me straight!
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Comments
Well hello. Thanks for highlighting the cover of my newest release. Check’s in the mail! Seriously though, your great state is a dream come true for me. Such history. Have been to OK at least three times to do signings and an event for your state historical society. For you, I’d recommend TOPAZ. It’s set in IT and is a western. I’m warning you though, you may learn an awful lot of history about the great state of OK that you never knew but you’ll have a great time doing so. Hope you check me out. Make sure you check out the bib list in the author notes, too. As for OK romance writers, I’m sure you have a bunch, check with the local RWA. Once again, thanks! B
YBY, I’m so glad you blogged about romance. Love the stuff. Particularly “bad boy” romances. And there are so many sub-genres, go to Romantic Times for some themes. http://www.romantictimes.com/books_themes.php
My favorite blog title for romance lovers is Smart Bitches Trashy Books. I can remember the day when we tried to cover the romance novels in our purses with more “legitimate literature”. Oh Please…
No excuses for reading romance any longer.
And I’m sure I’m like most romance readers I have my favorites, no historical pioneer women in distress romance for me, I like them a little steamy and lean toward contemporary topics, but give me an Amanda Quick anyday. (or any other Jayne Ann Krentz)