Comments on: Writing the Multi-ethnic Romance Novel: African American by Patricia Woodside

By: Candice

Candice — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:30:03 +0000

I can’t tell you how good I feel to have found this website as I have embarked on writing an African American Christian romance novel, which I had hoped it to be well received. I am trying to do my research and find out more about this genre – which wasn’t really happening at all. I would like to give a fresh look at the African American Christian woman and how she deals with all the issues that come with romance! Awesome article!

By: Kerri Mountain

Kerri Mountain — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:16:03 +0000

Great article! I, too, am interesting in finding out about publishers of AA Christian historical romance. There are very few that I can find. Several Christian publishers are saying they want to see romances with AA characters, but they don’t seem to publish any.

By: Carol Swiantek

Carol Swiantek — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:00:42 +0000

If anyone knows of a publishing company who publishes interracial love stories, with a political and religious base, please, please let me know. I have a finished fifty chapter novel that I believe can become a classic if I can get it out there. Thanks.

By: Christian Romance Novels Blogger

Christian Romance Novels Blogger — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:29:35 +0000

This is certainly a great article for the Christian romance scene. It is a shame for any culture to be left without representation, especially when there is no need for it. As you have shown, the market segment is large enough to be quite popular.

You also make important points about the need to avoid stereotyping. No one likes cookie-cutter novels anyway. Since most cultures themselves are blended in the US, why wouldn’t AA inspirational fiction feature elements look more like a blend of several cultures?

By: Calvary Comics

Calvary Comics — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:47:28 +0000

Be sure to take a look at the online preview of ERLO STEGEN & THE REVIVAL AMONG THE ZULUS, a new Christian graphic novel published by Calvary Comics:

http://www.calvarycomics.com

By: mizzpriss

mizzpriss — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:47:10 +0000

Kaye Dacus, I recently found a book by an almost unknown author . The name of the book was Ra Ra Momma. The main character was in many respects void of many stereotypes but at the same time, I could actually relate to her as a professional black woman. Because there are so many African-American themed books that are purvey stereotypes, I have recently been searching the self-published books as an alternative and I found that book. Good luck and please do us a good one.

By: Janice Sims

Janice Sims — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:04:33 +0000

Patricia,

I’m late to the discussion, but I wanted you to know that I enjoyed your comments, and have read the work of several of the authors you mentioned.

Continued success to you!

By: Gwandine

Gwandine — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:01:09 +0000

I failed to mention that I am presently self-published.

–Gwandine

By: Gwandine

Gwandine — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:56:57 +0000

Greetings in the Precious name of Jesus! I am an African-American Christian Romance Author. I write historical and contemporary Christian fictional romance as well as Christian Mysteries with a hint of romance. I too see the need for this genre and that is my reason for writing. Another area that is missing is Christian graphic novels (contemporary comic books) and I have released one as well featuring an African-American super heroine. It is going to take the Lord to open doors for my books to hit the mainstream because I like to depict African-Americans on various levels in my writings including our worship services.

–Gwandine

By: Melissa Ewell Miller

Melissa Ewell Miller — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:37:49 +0000

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!

I love this article and completely agree with your thoughts. I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. I was raised in a strong, loving, extended family of Christians who did not smoke, drink or run the streets. I was never abused and as a teenager I got along great with my mom and I looked forward to college, career and someday marriage with children – in that order.

However as an adult, I often found it difficult to find entertaining, quality romance novels that did not conflict with my beliefs or represent my culture. This was one of the catalyst that led me to take the plunge and write my first novel. I wanted to read stories that were reflective of my family, my faith and my community.

I applaud those writers who tackle the tough life issues such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and street life, but that’s not everyone’s story.
I believe that we should all have our voices heard and our experiences represented in the market place.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and keeping this issue in the forefront if the AA Literary community. Hopefully voices like your will draw the creative spirit out of us all.

Melissa Ewell Miller
Author of Trinity’s Hope
http://www.writtenworks.net