Iris Bolling's Blog, page 3

African American Readers

African American Readers

Are we taken for granted? Yes, I said we because I've been an avid reader since I was a little girl. As I grew older romance novels became my preferred entertainment. I never had a problem spending my hard earn dollar bills on a good book.  

When you walk into a book store, do you have difficulty finding the novels you would like to read that was written by African American writers? Are you told, "We can order that for you" when you ask the store clerk about the novel? I don't know about you, but I'm capable of ordering books on-line myself. When I go into a bookstore, it's because I want the book now, not in a few days. I can't tell you the number of times, I've walked into a book store only to be disappointed because they do not have the author I want to read on the bookshelf.

I read a variety of authors, one of my favorite is Julie Garwood. I never have a problem walking into a bookstore and purchasing her latest or any of her past novels. In some cases, I was able to purchase it before the release date. However, when another of my favorite author, Beverly Jenkins, Bring on the Blessings was released I could not find it in one bookstore on its release date. I can't say it was any particular franchise, because I went to every bookstore that was in the metropolitan area I live. I ended up ordering it on line, as I do with most of my favorite AA authors.

Why? I'm not sure. Romance Slam Jam Conference has put out a survey that I hope will help to clear up a few misconceptions. Take a look at the questions, and then take a moment to complete the survey. At some point the industry will began to recognize the buying power of the African American Reader and in the future may give us a little more respect by placing the authors we like to read on the bookshelf. See the  posting below:

Readers of African-American romance don't read romantic suspense, paranormal romances or romance with science fiction elements. Readers of African American romance don't read many books. Readers of African American romance don't buy books.

 

Do you disagree with any or all of these statements? If so, please help us spread the truth.

 

The Romance Slam Jam organization is distributing its first-ever Readers of African American Romance Survey. Too often, the publishing industry provides only anecdotes or theories regarding who we are; where we are; what we want; and whether we have the numbers to support a wide variety of literary genres. It's time we spoke for ourselves.

 

The link below will launch our survey. Please take a few moments to complete it to the best of your ability. Then, once you've submitted your responses, please tell a friend – or two – to stop by and help us get the word out about the readers of African American romance. The survey ends July 31, 2010. Once the survey results are tabulated, we will post the results to the Romance Slam Jam Web site and distribute a press release summarizing the survey to key contacts in the publishing industry and the media.

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance in spreading the word about readers of African American romance.

 

Here's the link to the online survey: http://www.romanceslamjam.org/survey/

Thank you for stopping by.

Until the next time,

Iris

The Heart Series

Welcome to my very first blog. I'm joining the world of internet networking and social sites. Along with promoting my novels, I plan to use this blog to introduce you to other authors and have open discussions about romance, family, education, entrepreneurship and self awareness.  So, hold on to your hats, this might be a bumpy ride.

It's an exciting time in the world of African American Romance.  Joining the ranks of Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, Francis Ray, Gwyneth Bolton, Donna Hill and Connie Briscoe, are an array of new authors emerging. I'm fortunate to say I am one of them and work diligently each day to produce romance novels that will entertain you as my favorite authors, listed above, have done for me.

My first attempt to entice you with romantic stories is a collection of novels called The Heart Series, because each of the stories will touch your heart and have you wanting more. If your mind is what you want stimulated, and your heart is what you want captured, The Heart Series is where you need to go.

The first novel in the Heart Series, Once You've Touched The Heart (A fitting title—don't you think?) begins the journey of District Attorney J.D. Harrison's political career by introducing you to his core circle of friends and of course, the woman that will change his life. Once You've Touched The Heart is an intriguing love story with characters that you will love and those you will love to hate throughout. The first book of The Heart Series is a first love, suspenseful, page-turner that will hold the interest of men and women alike.

The Heart Series continues as Ashley Harrison, JD's sister, sets her sights on James Brooks and sparks began to fly in The Heart of Him. This heartwarming story will have you laughing, cheering and wondering when someone will back-hand the Senator's daughter, stomp the brother  and kill the ex- boyfriend, just to put them all out of their misery. Just as "forever after" is within James and Ashley's grasp the past comes back to haunt them threatening serious damage to a political campaign, an innocent child and Ashley's life.

In the third book, Look Into My Heart, life has a strange way of giving you what you ask for. Just ask Cynthia Thornton as the saga of the Harrison family and friends continue. The one person you're not sure how to take will have you hoping she has found  the  love she is  so desperately seeking when Prince LaVere' Ashro enters her life. Prince Ashro wants a wife that will stand beside him to reorganize his country. The only problem is the woman he has chosen is independent, out-spoken and not to the liking of the royal family. Finally a man who can treat her like the princess she is—or is he?

A Heart Divided continues the journey towards the White House for J.D. and Tracy Harrison. What do you do when you realize your best friend is in love with your wife? Your brother in law is controlling the streets from prison? And your father's death was a murder?

Come along on a journey that will simulate your mind, entice your passions and touch a funny bone or two.

The next installment, I'll begin to introduce you to other authors you may enjoy.

Until the next time,

Iris