I was thrilled to be nominated for a RITA this week. Technically, one of my books got nominated and in the interest of learning to separate myself more from work, I should probably be clear about that distinction. But a lot of us creative types are pretty well-identified with our work. A bad review on a book is often taken kind of personally. And an award nomination… that’s like a huge gold star to wear around on one’s lapel for many moons afterward.
I love Rita. There, I’ve said it. I think she—and everything she represents—totally rocks. I’ve thought that since long before my own nominations. I remember the year Susan Elizabeth Phillips won her FIFTH Rita Award and was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, saying she had her Rita run and was leaving the field open for other authors. It was an amazing night, an awesome night, an I respect that decision. I also respect that Nora Roberts continues to enter the contest and continues to dazzle us with how awesome she is. The choices of both authors are part of what makes this award unique. The Rita has meaning and history because the stars of our genre have put their stamp on it in the ways they’ve blazed through the industry awards.
And Rita is special because she’s chosen by our writerly peers. That’s not to say I don’t absolutely adore contests where the top prizes are given by readers or booksellers because—I can assure you—that means a lot. Bottom line, writers want to please readers more than anyone else. But in the same way the SAG Awards have a special place for the film industry, so do the Ritas hold a unique position for writers. Our writer peers look for different things in a book. When I judge my colleagues’ stories, I’m not just looking for commercial appeal—although obviously writers love that too. I look for a level of artistry, a gut-grabbing intensity, and often a certain level of risk-taking that takes our genre to new heights. I can’t speak to what specifics my peers look for when they judge, but I’ve gotten back enough score sheets from books that didn’t final to know that they are a tough crowd to please. So finding the right mix that does make them nod with approval feels like a monumental achievement.
As it should. I’m going to enjoy every minute of the next four months as a nominee because in my book, it’s a big, fun deal and there’s no telling if or when I’ll ever final again! Congratulations to all the finalists and I look forward to seeing everyone in Dallas. Visit RWA for a complete list of Rita’s 2007 picks.
*** Are you missing a favorite book on the awards list this year? Something that really resonated for you? Or did you adore any of the nominees already on the list? Chat with Joanne this week about RITA for a chance to win her finalist book, UP ALL NIGHT. Random poster will be chosen Thursday.
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Congrats on the nom and good luck.
I am not sure which books are even nominated other than yours and one of Jill Shalvis’ - that may be the only one I have read sorry to say. Is there a list somewhere where I can check nominees?
by Karen T.
on March 27th, 2007 at 6:42 am
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Morning, Karen, and thank you!! The link works in the text above… just click on the pink text for “complete list” to see all the other books.
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I’m thrilled Jill Shalvis was nominated for AUSSIE RULES!
by Susan
on March 27th, 2007 at 10:52 am
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Congratulations, Joanne!
by Susan
on March 27th, 2007 at 10:57 am
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Congrats Joanne! I was also happy to see Judy Baer, Maria Snyder, Jeri-Smith Ready on the list. Their books are really good as well.
by Cherie Japp
on March 27th, 2007 at 11:09 am
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:mrgreen: CoNGRaTuLaTioNS JoaNNe!!! 
Sorry to say I haven’t read most of these except for excerpts and blurbs but from the looks of them you’re in some fine company!! Good Luck to you!! :grin:
by Stephanie
on March 27th, 2007 at 11:14 am
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Congratulations Joanne! Such provacative glamours situations, not to mention mystery, your book has it all. Who hasn’t wondered what it might be lik e to be in a steamy sex scene in a movie. As a narrator I find this book very interesting.
by Deby Cedars (narrator)
on March 27th, 2007 at 11:15 am
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Congratulations Joanne! Such provacative glamours situations, not to mention mystery, your book has it all. Who hasn’t wondered what it might be like to be in a steamy sex scene in a movie. As a narrator I find this book very interesting.
by Deby Cedars (narrator)
on March 27th, 2007 at 11:17 am
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congrats joanne
iw ish leslie was nominted with asking for trouble.
you deserve it
by kim h
on March 27th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
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Congratulations on the RITA nomination.
by Christy H.
on March 27th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
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Congratulations Joanne! I haven’t read that many of those books listed. There’s a lot of good writers that aren’t on that list but congratulations to all those that are.
by Maureen
on March 27th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
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Congratulations Joanne on your nomination!
I was wondering if you read your fellow noms just to see what your up against?
by Sue A.
on March 27th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
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Out of all of those books I’ve only read three. Eyes of Crow by Jeri Smith-Ready, A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole, and Sylvia Day’s novella from Bad Boys Ahoy.
But I’m thrilled my chapter mate Barbara Dunlop has finaled.
Congrats Joanne.
by Vivi Anna
on March 27th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
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Congrats Joanne.
I’ve read Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis and Surender by Pamela Clare and both were great. I have many more in my tbr piles.
by catslady
on March 27th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
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Congratulations, Joanne!
I haven’t read many of the finalist books but I am a fan of many of the authors listed. Must. Read, More Books. I have read and loved Kristi Gold’s Gothic-style House of Midnight Fantasies, and Cindy Gerard’s Under the Wire (I THINK it’s that one that’s listed!), and also Lisa Kleypas’s Devil in Winter.
Bron
by Bronwyn Jameson
on March 27th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
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Congrats, Joanne. As a big contemp reader I have read all the contemp books - Kept Woman, and all in that category, plus Summer Breeze (hist/contemp combo), Reluctant Hero - Lorraine Heath, Tis the Season. Wonderful choices.
by Pat L
on March 27th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
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Congrat on your nomination! I see Lisa Kleypas is nominated for the Wallflowers and I love her books!
by Carol
on March 28th, 2007 at 2:45 am
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Congratulations on your RITA nomination. :) Lot of great authors and books on the list of nominees.
by Crystal B.
on March 28th, 2007 at 10:15 am
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congrats!!!!!!!!! very cool :mrgreen:
by book reader
on March 28th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
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Kim, Leslie’s books are always amazing! Thank you to everyone for the cheers on the nomination! As there are many posters who haven’t read a lot of the books, I’m inspirted to run another “Reading with RITA” contest for April on my website where I’ll give away five books from the finalist list to a winnr at the end of the month. Stop by http://www.joannerock.com anytime during the month of April to enter for a chance to win.
Christy H. is the thread winner and thanks again for visiting!
Joanne :mrgreen:
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Thank so much ~ and congrats to you again.
by Christy H.
on March 29th, 2007 at 10:12 am
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Out of all of the nominations (the few that I’ve read), UP ALL NIGHT is my absolute favorite - wonderful read. Congratulations on the nomination and best of luck to you (keeping fingers crossed for the win)!
Katherine
by Katherine
on April 3rd, 2007 at 11:41 am
