Yesterday I wrote to the President of the Romance Writers of America to express my dismay at the awarding of a VIVIAN™ award to an intensely problematic book in the Religious/Spiritual Elements category, and at the RWA’s response to it.
Earlier yesterday, the president, LaQuette, released a statement, which, although expressing remorse for any hurt caused and advising that processes would be reviewed, was significantly inadequate and even insulting both to readers and authors who write romances in which faith is an integral part by stating that only a very specific sub-set of Christian belief is relevant to that category, which is in fact contrary to the judging guidelines for that category.
I am a secular humanist and a historian as well as a novelist. I am willing to accept that it might be possible (in theory a least) for a person who has been an active participant in genocide to earn, through a lifetime of service, some kind of forgiveness or redemption – although that would take an exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable and sensitive author to write, and is unlikely to be possible within a romance framework, despite the genre’s love of redeeming bad boys.
However, in my view, in this particular book that idea of redemption is extreme, is presented within a clearly racist perspective, and without any comprehension of or sensitivity to the perspectives of indigenous people. In its opening pages the book relates an event in history that has created ongoing trauma for generations, and it does so without regard for historical accuracy or complexity, in order to center a white man’s story and his religion at the expense of indigenous people.
As authors, we have a responsibility to respect our readers and our communities. As authors of historical fiction, we must recognise that history is complex and layered with multiple perspectives, and that the dominant white perspectives of colonialism have been intensely problematic and must be interrogated.
I believe that particular book did neither, and it should not have finaled, let alone won a VIVIAN™ award. That it did so brings the RWA and the genre into disrepute. That the award has now been rescinded does not undo that damage.
I had high hopes for the VIVIAN™ award and the strategies for cultural change that the RWA Board have put in place over the past two years. I was pleased when my judging packets contained more diverse books than in the past, as evidence that authors of color and from diverse backgrounds were entering the contest. I did my best to judge all the books objectively and fairly, on their merits with regard to writing, characterisation, story-telling etc. My packet included several excellent books with diverse characters.
I had concerns when all four finalists in the long historical romance category (including my book) were white women writing heterosexual characters. The other finalists are skilled writers and authors I respect, but where were the great books by authors of colour? Where were the great books with diverse characters, settings, perspectives?
Now, given the awarding of the VIVIAN™ in the religious elements category to such a problematic book, I no longer have any faith that the judging process was fair and equitable across the historical categories either, and I fear that books from diverse authors or featuring diverse characters were not assessed without prejudice.
I acknowledge the hard work and commitment that the RWA Board members have put into rebuilding the organisation, and I recognise that the systemic issues that plague the RWA are a microcosm of the issues plaguing the USA – and I acknowledge that my own country, Australia, suffers similar issues. There are no easy answers, but I strongly feel that the VIVIAN™ award for that particular book was a major error on the part of the organisation, and points to the likelihood of continued systemic bias and racism across other categories as well.
I am saddened to say that I now regret entering the VIVIAN™ awards and I cannot feel that it is an honour to be a finalist this year. I will not be entering again in the future, unless or until characters of colour and diversity and their authors are recognised and celebrated fully and equally.
Although there is little to be done now about my entry, I have asked the President to ensure that my book and name are removed from the list of finalists on the RWA website. I will be deleting social media posts about being a finalist and will not reference it again with regard to my book.
I sincerely hope that these issues can be resolved and that the VIVIAN™ award can evolve to truly honour the influence of Vivian Stephens on the genre, and to represent and celebrate the diversity of romance fiction, and of its authors and readers.
Good on you, Bronwyn.
Thank you for your honest and detailed explanation.
Your decency and empathy seems to be just a rare thing these days! I applaud what you have done.
I’ve just written a Faction book: the back story has been very popular, but I fear ageism is against me.
Congratulations Bronwyn for you integrity and for calling out racism.
It takes courage and personal authenticity to call out systemic racism and bias when it appears. A task performed by some of the great writers of our time, you are definitely in their number. Thank you and well said.
Bravo Bronwyn xx
It’s a brave thing you did, pulling away from the contest. And I applaud you for sticking with your beliefs in humanity and diversity and that everyone is worthy. There is no place for racism, ever, and your letter is much appreciated.
Good for you Bronwyn. I am honoured to call you a friend. Your courage and honesty need to be applauded.
this just puts you in higher esteem Bronwyn, there are so many fantastic story tellers who know their own history that could be acknowledged. Well said
Well done, Bronwyn.
How brave you are Bronwyn. I applaud you for using your voice. Being authentic and being truthful says a lot. Throw it over your shoulder and move on. You are better then them.
NPR is quoting you as saying ALL of the Vivian finalists were white. I am certain she misquoted you, but you might want to set her straight. There were Black finalists and at least one finalist of East Indian descent. And a number of the finaling books had Black protagonists and gay protagonists. I realize that all news reporters find the all white / all straight story to be better press, but it isn’t the truth. And as for the finalists in the long historical category I will be interested to see the statistics on who actually entered the category. You cannot have finalists of color if they did not enter the category. It is my understanding there were not as many books by diverse authors and with diverse characters as was hoped. This is a work in progress and yes, RWA needs to do better. But 40 years of entrenched racism, homophobia, and ableism does not disappear overnight. Sad, but true. You have stated your position with insight, heart, and grace. I simply wanted to make you aware that NPR misquoted you.
Hi Louisa. Thanks for letting me know about the PR article misquoting me. I’ve sent in a correction. Yes, I’m hoping that the RWA review of the awards process looks at the proportion of diverse entries as well as the proportions of finalists in each category. However, there are many authors of color and diverse lives who write historicals, and given that entry was free and open to non-RWA members from the outset, my feeling in that there should have been a reasonable proportion of entries in the category – as I mention in my post, I certainly had a good percentage of diverse entries in my packets in other categories. And if they didn’t enter, then the question must be asked, why not? Did they not believe that their books would be judged fairly? It’s such a complex and difficult situation, and I’m so sorry that the controversy has marred the pleasure you should take in winning your category. Thinking of you.
Thank you, Bronwyn. I knew they had misquoted you. Have to love the press ! I know once the task force is done they intend to post the stats. Yes, there are some amazing diverse authors who write historical romance who should have entered but perhaps did not for that very reason. It will take time and proof to convince them otherwise. I will be interested to see the stats. Like you, I had a wonderfully diverse group of entries in the books I judged and they were, for the most part, wonderfully written. A couple even made it into the finals and one of my top picks won her category which pleased me and made me feel like I might have done a good job in judging my entries. It is a complex and difficult situation and I hope in time improvements can be made to make certain this never happens again. Do take care !