The RITAs

Anne here. I watched the RITA award ceremony last weekend, via a live on-line feed from Romance Writers of America (RWA). The RITA Awards celebrate the best of English-language romance writing, as judged by participating members of RWA.

I love the RITAs — I enjoy award ceremonies in general, as long as they don't get too over-the top. I love to see people's efforts recognized and I always learn a little more about the various individuals from the way they accept an award. Like the Olympics, there are stories within stories at the RITAs.

Each year I enter the RITA, and, along with hundreds of others, I'm also a judge. I get a packet of around 9 or 10 randomly selected books—though not in my category or subgenre—to judge, and so I'm always invested in who finals and who wins. But more than that, this is my "tribe" — the tribe of romance writers — and it's made up of some of the most generous writers around.

Some of the authors there are my actual friends, some are social media friends, some are on writers' loops I belong to, and some are "book friends" — I've never met them, but I've read and loved their books. I'm always aware that the new person I meet might well become a favorite author or a new friend.

Normally, if I'm not at the RWA conference, I'm with a group of friends "watching it" via twitter, but this year I watched it via a live feed from my office at home. I could have joined friends who were gathered and drinking champagne and watching, but guess who's on deadline?

If I'm lucky I will have read all the books in my favorite categories and will pick my winners. They're almost never the actual winners, probably because personal preferences and reader taste plays a big part in the judging system — but that's part of the fun. If you're curious, the winners are here and the full list, including finalists is here.

The highlight for me this year was the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award.  This year it went to Robyn Carr, and Kristin Higgins delivered the introductory speech, outlining Robyn's life and career, the ups and the downs, the heartbreak and the triumphs. It was a beautiful speech and I hope it's posted somewhere, because it's certainly worth reading. (That's Robyn Carr (left) and Kristan Higgins in the picture, on RITA night.)

Here's a snippet of what I remember of her speech: After a long and successful career, Robyn was in publishing wilderness for a period of eight years. She never gave up. She kept writing and submitting, and finally, having revised a book that had been rejected, she asked that editor to give it another read. Reader she sold it, and that became the first book in the hugely bestselling and beloved Virgin River series. And she never looked back.

Then Robyn Carr went on to deliver another wonderful speech. The last part was particularly addressed to writers, brand new or multi-published, and was all about not worrying about social media and so on, but to go deep into the story and characters, to believe in yourself and your voice, and instead of chasing trends, to write the story that sets your heart aflame. I hope that gets published, too.

Remember what I said about some of the most generous writers around? Yep, that was evident up front and center stage.

And you know, that's why I love awards ceremonies — not because it's about winners and losers — in my view they're all winners — but because there is so much inspiration and positive thinking and encouragement.

So I wasn't able to be there this year, but thanks to RWA the RITAs came to me, and I was connected once more with my tribe, and felt the joy and the emotion.

Have you read any of this years RITA finalists or winners? Do you enjoy watching award ceremonies or not? Ever won or been a finalist for an award yourself? Tell us what it was and how you felt about it. I'll give a book to someone who leaves a comment.

Comments

[Quantum]

I remember a controversial comment by Richard Feynman after winning the Nobel prize for physics:

“I don’t see that it makes any point that someone in the Swedish Academy decides that the work is noble enough to receive a prize... The prize is the pleasure of finding the thing out, kick in the discovery, the observation that other people use it. those are the real things. The honours are unreal,”

I think he was right in that most scientists are motivated by curiosity about the world and the joy of discovering something that no-one else previously observed or understood.

However most of we mere mortals would love to have the Nobel experience!

I imagine that it is also true for authors. The motivation may be the joy of creating a story that contains succinct observations on the human condition or our place in history and the world and the recognition of talent comes through book sales.

Never-the-less a RITA award is still the icing on the cake!

[Quantum]

Forgot to comment on this years winners!
I'm a huge fan of the Virgin River books and will read anything that Robyn Carr writes ... given time. Can't think of a more worthy winner!

[Sonya Heaney]

I was in the square in Sweden when they announced a Nobel Prize a few years ago.
However, as the alleged "Peace Prize" nominations have gone to some of history's most revolting dictators, I don't have much respect for the institution.

[Sonya Heaney]

I have read exactly one of the winning books this year!

However, Robyn Carr was a deserving winner of that award. Her Virgin River series had a huge effect on the contemporary romance subgenre.

[Annette Naish]

Have not read any of the winners. But, I am sure that all of the books are terrific.
It is easy to say awards are not terribly important, but in reality to be rcognized by your contemporaries must be a HUGE RUSH!

[Kareni]

I've read and enjoyed two of this year's RITA winners; I also read a portion of a third before putting it aside. There are several more titles I hope to read. I may need to put in several purchase suggestions at my library ....

[Stefanie]

Of this year's winners I've only read books by Julie Anne Long.
However I did read some more books of the finalists: Jill Shalvis, Jodi Thomas, Joanne Rock, Shana Galen, Sabrina Jeffries, Lorraine Heath, Julia Quinn and Elizabeth Hoyt.

[Anne Gracie]

I think that's true of authors and scientists and a lot of other areas, Quantum. The joy of the achievement is in the work, and getting as close as you can to fulfilling your aim. We don't work for the sake of awards, but they are lovely if/when they come.

I think a lot of awards are a bit of a dice-roll, though. Certainly in book awards theres always a few huh?s at some of the finalists and winners. Judging a book is so subjective, everyone has wildly differing views on which is the best. And the awards that are given as a result of people voting on line (as is happening more and more) are easily swayed by those who have large on-line followings, urging "vote for my book." As you say, it's sales that count most.

[Anne Gracie]

Yes, a lot of them were new to me, also. I like discovering new books and writers. And I agree with you about Robyn Carr

[Anne Gracie]

Sonya, as I said, most prizes are a dice-roll — subjective and a reflection of the tastes of the judges. The Nobel has made some bad choices, I agree, but the vast majority have been good calls, IMO. And luckily the bad choices are few enough not to tarnish the honor of the prize.

[Anne Gracie]

I wish you'd heard Kristin Higgins's speech about how Robyn Carr was in the publishing wilderness for eight years, unable to sell a book again to any of her previous publishers. And then having the guts to come back to an editor (Dianne Moggy) with a book she'd already rejected. Thank goodness Dianne read it — and said yes! The Virgin River books are lovely, aren't they?

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Kareni — yes, I was surprised by some of the winners, too — but then I always am. I also could not finish one of the books that won. But then, there's no accounting for tastes — theirs or mine. *g*

[Anne Gracie]

Annette, as someone who has finalled in the RITA five times and never won, Im sure it is a HUGE rush! And even Jo Beverley, who won five RITAs in her lifetime, never took it for granted.

[Anne Gracie]

Looks like you've read most of the historicals, Stefanie. Which ones would you have picked as your winners if you were a judge?

[Mary Jo Putney]

The RITA awards have become pretty entertaining in recent years, and it's nice to see people's joy when their work is recognized. As for the Lifetime Achievement Award, I've known Robyn Carr for many years, since she was writing hardcover historical romances at a time when NO romance writers were in hardcover (and she won a RITA equivalent for one.) And she is TOTALLY deserving of receiving that award. Go, Robyn!

[PJ Ausdenmore]

I watched the awards online this year. Even though I wasn't in San Diego, it was still as exciting as it always is for me. Kristan Higgins and Robyn Carr both had me in tears. Robyn is such a deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award.

I've only read three of this year's RITA winning books, by Julie Anne Long, Deeanne Gist, and Dana Marton - but I've already added several others to my must read list. And, no, I've never been an award finalist.

[Anne Gracie]

PJ you OUGHT to be an award winner — your blog and the way you support the genre and authors is worthy of a VFA! (very fine award)
I was a bit teary, too through Kristan's speech and Robyn's reply.
And yes, the lists always entice me to buy more books, too.

[Shannon McEwan]

Alexis Hall's 'For Real' is the only one of this year's RITA winners that I've already read (Deeanne Gist's 'Tiffany Girl' is on the e-reader, waiting...) I enjoyed 'For Real'. Alexis Hall does interesting things with genre - I think the recognition is well deserved.

[Monique]

I love historical romances. I was surprised by how many authors, whom I'd never heard of, won awards. And then I clicked on finalists - and I've read all but two of the books in the historical categories. That's more like it! :D
Like you, my favorites don't always get picked. Although I love love love many of the authors nominated, their books that were nominated aren't always among my favorites that they have published.
Winning awards is awesome! But it doesn't mean the ones who didn't win (or weren't nominated/finalists) aren't very much loved & appreciated.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Shannon — I haven't read her, but will now on your recommendation.

[Shannon McEwan]

Alexis is a him ;) - along with KJ Charles, responsible for me broadening my reading to include m/m

[Anne Gracie]

Ah, thanks Shannon. I haven't read many M/M romances — a few, mostly CS Pacat and Sarina Bowen when she wrote with Elle Kennedy.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks Monique -- yes it's often not my fave of an authors work that wins, and its a good reminder of how readers' taste is so very subjective and variable. I mostly knew the books in the historical categories, and a few of the contemporary ones. A few of my friends were listed, too, so of course I'd read their books.

[Margaret]

Which blog does PJ write? It's not jumping out from the list of "Favorite Blogs."

[Anne Gracie]

The Romance Dish, Margaret — with lots of reviews and author interviews. http://www.theromancedish.com

[PJ Ausdenmore]

Thanks for the shout-out, Anne! <3

[PJ Ausdenmore]

Pay us a visit, Margaret. We're very friendly! :)

[PJ Ausdenmore]

Anne, my VFA is having the opportunity to get to know my favorite authors and the Word Wenches are at the top of that list!

[Mary Dieterich]

I was so proud that my friend Sarah M. Anderson won for short contemporary for The Nanny Plan. She always tries to push the boundaries of what is "expected" for the Harlequin Desire line. I haven't read this book by Maisey Yates, but I love her writing. I had read the books by Elizabeth Hoyt and Tessa Dare, which I loved, but those were not the favorites from them in the past year that I would have nominated.

I usually like awards shows. They always make me cry, whether I am really familiar with the people's work or not. It is completely subjective, but it would be such an honor to have your work picked out of all those submitted!

I won a lot of academic awards in school, so I know it always feels good to be recognized for your hard work.

[Stefanie]

Yes, I mostly read historicals.
About choosing a winner... Hmm, difficult choice... Joanne Rock would be my contemporary romance winner, Sabrina Jeffries would win "historical romance: long" and Elizabeth Hoyt would win "historical romance: short".

[Janga]

I have been ill and missed the awards stream this year--to my regret, for several reasons. I have read three of the winners--Julie Anne Long's IT STARTED WITH A SCANDAL, Sarah M. Anderson's THE NANNY PLAN, and Deanne Gist's TIFFANY GIRL, but I did better with the finalists overall. I've read twenty-one, including most of the historicals.

I've found with the Ritas that often several of my favorite authors are nominated in the same category. I rejoice with the finalists and with whoever wins.

I too was delighted with Robyn Carr's honor. Like Mary Jo, I have been reading--and loving--Robyn Carr's books since she was writing historicals. I still remember posting in an online group about my excitement in purchasing VIRGIN RIVER and no one responded. I said when I read VR that it would be her breakout book and not long afterwards, dozens of my online friends were raving about the book. I love being proved right. :) I said the same thing about Julie Anne Long's Pennyroyal Green series, and this year finally proved me right on that count too.

[Sue McCormick]

I haven't read any of the winners. I do read several of the finalists but so far, only Julia Quinn and Nora Roberts are on my buying list. This is because I am desparetly trying to limit my book buying, not because I am disdaining the other authors.

[Karin]

I'm also old enough to remember when Robyn Carr wrote medievals! She had a couple that I really loved. But she was able to do an amazing switchover to contemporaries, something very few authors succeed at. She is one of the few contemporary authors that I read. I love the early Virgin River books especially.

[Anne Gracie]

Aw, thank you, PJ. :)

[Anne Gracie]

Excellent choices, Stefanie — thanks.

[Anne Gracie]

Janga, Im so sorry to hear youve been ill. I have been following YOUR recommendations for years. (For those who dont know, Janga also reviews on the site PJ runs — The Romance Dish—http://www.theromancedish.comand used to have her own blog as well.) Ive lost track of how many authors Ive discovered through your recommendations. You also deserve a VFA (Very Fine Award) for your services to readers.

[Anne Gracie]

Mary, its lovely when a friend wins, isnt it? I was thrilled to see Maisy Yates won her section, too. Shes friends with some of my friends and Ive met her at conferences. Thanks for joining in the discussion.

[Anne Gracie]

Sue, I hear you on the needing to limit book purchases. My house is drowning in books.

[Anne Gracie]

Karin, thanks -- Ive never read Robyn Carrs historicals. I must hunt them out. I really enjoy a good medieval.