Thank you all!
I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know how much I appreciate every word, every thought, and every deed you've all given me on this matter. I'm stunned, thrilled and awed by the responses. They say writing is a lonely occupation. This knocks that expression out of the ball field. I'm damn proud to be an author and part of this community.
Everything I detailed in the previous blog were facts that were witnessed by other people. I'm not relaying a single thing that can't be checked and double checked with other people, including the promo's removal and everything said by RT staff and Hyatt Staff. Every word.
I've been trying to work from within RT's system, to make changes by being a supportive part of the system -- buying ads, being part of the Ball, attending the conference for the last two years. I'm not a rebel or a demanding witch. I'm just working for acceptance of this RWA recognized genre. And I have had readers that came to me from RT ads. I continue to participate in RT cons because they are the only romance gathering around for readers and authors and industry people alike at present. At RT conferences I network with publishers and other authors, as well as publicists and literary agents. Can't do that from home. I feel networking is essential to a career. I'm part of this community and will remain a part of it.
Everything I detailed in the previous blog were facts that were witnessed by other people. I'm not relaying a single thing that can't be checked and double checked with other people, including the promo's removal and everything said by RT staff and Hyatt Staff. Every word.
I've been trying to work from within RT's system, to make changes by being a supportive part of the system -- buying ads, being part of the Ball, attending the conference for the last two years. I'm not a rebel or a demanding witch. I'm just working for acceptance of this RWA recognized genre. And I have had readers that came to me from RT ads. I continue to participate in RT cons because they are the only romance gathering around for readers and authors and industry people alike at present. At RT conferences I network with publishers and other authors, as well as publicists and literary agents. Can't do that from home. I feel networking is essential to a career. I'm part of this community and will remain a part of it.
posted by Unknown at 2:40 PM
15 Comments:
If you need someone to stand with you in defending your right to write, read, promote and sell your books, I'm there. Tell me when and where.
Monica
And same here. I have a feeling that m/m authors, readers, and those who support the freedom to write and read whatever the hell you like, will have a STRONG, LOUD showing at next year's RT!
I was trying to post my comment and emailed it to you. What I said was that we'd all move to the front of the crowd with you and stand next to you, doing what we do. I enjoy your work, so do many people. All we can do is show the PTB that we're still here, writing what we love, all of it.
Go Laura!I hope to go to RT next year and I support M/M and will continue to do so. RT's response left me very unhappy and angry. I hope things will change. Hugs.
Hello,
Are you setting any petitions, protests, letters supporting your right to write? It really ticks me off how you were treated by those arrogant, narrow-minded SOBS at Hyatts. Everyone deserves to choose what they read or write as long as it isn't sick (children, extreme violence etc.) Some writing may not be to an individuals test but nobody is forcing them to read it. Fuming at their high-handedness....
As well you should, Laura. If they are threatening you with libel, tell them to blow it out their...well, you get the idea.
-KJ
It is a good thing they don't publish your book or you never get a m/m ebook again. Sorry to hear this kind of problem.
Hugs!
Lisa
Dear Ms. Baumbach,
I enjoy your style of writing and have I think all of your books. I am very disheartened to hear of what went on at the RT Convention. I am not a member of RT but I think if they take your money then you are entitled to a level of professional service which you did not get. I read all of the posts on the topic and feel that they more than the Hyatt (they are culpable too) owe you an appology and a refund.
Please know that your fans support you.
I tried to post this on the RT website. We'll see if it comes out.
Ms. Stacy,
I read your comment on Ms. Baumbach's site and believe it to be in poor taste. It shows a level of discrimination which cannot be tolerated. You took Ms. Baumbach's money and it was your obligation to support her and treat her with courtesy which you did not.
I am sure that this comment with not be posted as it highlights the shortcomings of RT and their treatment of their clients. I am an avid M/M reader as I am sure a number of your members are. I looked at the picture which was said to be objectionable but could find nothing wrong with it. There are far worse ones out there from mainstream/ straight stories.
I thought RT was about promoting romance and m/m is one of its forms. You may not personally like it (at least that's the impression I am getting) but it is a legitimate form of romance.
Your response to the situation was unfortunate and you owe Ms. Baumbach (and anyother authors you sidelined) an appology and a refund.
Laura,
As another author of m/m romance, I'm behind you all the way. If there's anything your friends and fellow authors can do to support you, please just ask!
We're with you, Laura. This kind of fight isn't won after a single round...we're not gonna get a knockout. This one's gonna take all fifteen.
...and we'll all still be in your corner at the end.
I posted a blog about this with a link back to yours and submitted it to Digg. I hope the word gets out. This cannot and should not be tolerated. I will wear whatever button I should and say what I can to help my fellow authors. This is unfair, and disgusting and the words, "Some of my best friends are..." are some of the most frightening in the English Language. They are usually followed by shallow reasoning to pass hate on. I am horrified that anyone was treated this way.
I try very hard to trod the PC road to not piss off readers. In this case, I've made an exception and am taking a stand. Feels damn good, too.
Nancy
Laura, you've handled this with such grace and dignity, I'm really impressed.(because I dont have that grace and dignity in me lol)
keep on writing and your fans will keep on buying!
hugs and well wishes
Laura - if you haven't seen it yet - you have to see Emily Veinglory's cartoon inspired by your experience. I think it's about a week ago in posts. I also put it up on mine last week if you don't have her blog address.
Writers and readers all over the world came out in full support of you, M/M writers and spoke out against discrimination of any kind. I hate that you were the catalyst but at least you know some good came out of your experience.
I was at RT, but didn't hear about this until I read it on the Publishers Weekly blog. This is a deplorable situation. Even though this isn't a genre I normally read, I am horrified this happened. The word needs to be put out there as much as possible. I am telling everyone I know.
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