RSJ 2019 NEWS
The RSJ Planning team is once again back in the office and ready to launch 2019 with a bang. And as we pull up to our desks and kick off our heels (don’t judge, hey we like to get comfortable), we wanted to make sure you were updated on all things RSJ.
One of the most exciting developments we’re working on is the 25th Anniversary of the next RSJ Book Lovers Convention in 2020 and our collaboration with Unlimited RSJ, an online magazine column exploring the book lovers’ lifestyle from trade news to book gossip from a romance story journalist perspective debuting 2020.
With all the many conventions to choose from, we want to thank our attendees for both your participation and your feedback. We especially enjoyed hearing feedback such as, “This was so nice; I feel like I’ve been to a wedding” and “This was VIP all the way!” And we also enjoyed hearing from those who unfortunately could not attend: “I heard the luncheon was fabulous!” RSJ response, “Why, yes it was!” (smile)
That being said, we’ve also noted the financial challenges for some in attending multiple conferences. So with the growth of RSJ and budgeting concerns in mind, we’ll be moving forward to plan the 2020 RSJ conference instead of a 2019 conference as 2020 will be our 25th-anniversary celebration and you for sure will want to be front and center for the anniversary festivities. If you thought this years conference was grand, “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”
IN SHORT, WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN FOR YOU & THE RSJ BOOK LOVERS’ EVENT?
The RSJ team will expand the reach of the regular 3-day RSJ conference into setting up publicity 365 days of the year for our RSJ community readers and authors via a new online magazine column called Unlimited RSJ. In being able to offer you more, we’ve taken on more responsibility and have planned the next RSJ Book Lovers Convention to take place in 2020 as we’ll be celebrating our 25th-anniversary conference sure to stand out as the highlight event of the RSJ Community.
Our brand partnership with “Unlimited RSJ” will serve to bring more hands on board as we develop more exposure for authors, book clubs, and reader events all year round in a way that you’ve NEVER EVER seen before. We’ll explore the book lovers’ lifestyle from trade news to book gossip and more including the launch of an advice column; some may use it for needed girlfriend advice and others might even use it as their next book inspiration! Who’s to say, but the excitement of Unlimited RSJ and its enticing way of introducing a story goes beyond what you’ve seen in book promotions today.
Both readers and authors will find the addition of Unlimited RSJ to be a fun way to get the resources to stretch your journey and live your best life with others just like you who tote a library full of books from home, to work, to play and back. Take note that the Emma Awards and Aspiring Author contest will open in January 2019; noted extras such as the Unlimited RSJ online magazine column will debut in 2020 followed by the next RSJ Book Lovers Convention also in 2020.
With our valued new alliance, RSJ will be able to roll out the following extras within the upcoming year:
Unlimited RSJ – (Debuts Spring 2020)
An online media magazine headlining the lifestyle of reading enthusiasts from trade news to living your best life. Are you an author or a book club interested in being featured? Contact: submissions@unlimitedrsj.com
Newsletter – (Schedule Begins December 2019)
Calling attention to book releases, events, RSJ news, convention updates, and more. Contact: info@rsjconvention.com for inquiries.
Emma Awards
The #1 multicultural literary award for literary excellence. Are you looking to enter your book into the contest? Visit: The Emma Awards
Aspiring Author Contest
An opportunity for new authors to gain mentorship and industry guidance. Are you a reader looking to become an author? Visit: The Aspiring Author Contest
Marketing Book Promos
First up, we’ll be adding linked books to preview in our newsletters. And in Spring 2020, we’ll start rolling out our “You Had Me At The Book Blurb” & “You Had Me At The Book Cover” posts that we’ll be promoting.
Yes, you’ll still be able to participate in the Emma Awards and the aspiring author contest. The Emma Awards and the Leslie Esdaile Aspiring Author contest will be accepting submissions annually. Please visit Emma Awards or the Aspiring Author Contest for guidelines.
VOTE NOW!
We hope your 2019 New Year is full of love, joy, and happiness. May it be all that you want and more. Enjoy a good book, relax, and be sure not to miss all the extras at RSJ.
UPDATE: The 2020 RSJ Convention will be held in Norfolk, Virginia as to take a stand to support women’s rights.
Sincerely,
Your RSJ Planning Team
My vote is for the city to host the 2020 Romance Slam Jam is the Sacramento, California region or our neighbor, the Bay Area (San Francisco/Oakland, California.) While both cities are wonderfully diverse, Sacramento is far more cost-friendly, and is hosting the mystery fan convention, Bouchercon in October 2020. Sacramento has a vibrant downtown area that boasts four-star hotels, a Convention Center and the brand new Golden 1 Center/Arena. The airport and train station are easily accessible from downtown Sacramento.
There are numerous writers groups, book clubs and multi-cultural women’s groups in the greater Sacramento region: the Capitol Crimes mystery writers group, the Sacramento Valley Rose romance writers group, the Black Women Tell Tales writers group, and the Sacramento Sister Circle networking group (to name a few.)
Sacramento also has several thriving independent book stores in the region, including two African American owned and operated book stores: Underground Books and Carol’s Books.
Numerous wineries are nearby for short day trips and excursions, and specialized train trips into Oakland where participants can visit museums and other multi-cultural events are available.
And, one last plug — because Sacramento is easy to reach by car, train, or plane people from surrounding cities are drawn into the area.
Okay, that’s vote (and pitch.) No matter which city hosts I hope to be there.
Hi Sonja,
Thanks for participating in the voting. I appreciate your suggestion for Sacramento. I’ll have to put it on the list of cities for our planning team for when they’re evaluating cities each year. I for one would enjoy the wine country as well. I bet it’s beautiful up there. “Excuse me, that’s my wine glass. Yeah, that’s my glass too!”
Oh my! Now my wine glasses are talking too. Guess it’s time for me to take another winery tour. 🙂
RSJ began in Dallas. It would seem that the 25th Anniversary would be held there. Just my opinion.
Hi Lareeta, thanks for your reply. We had some that agreed for the same reason. Then we had others wanting to explore a new city. It was such a split in option that we decided to let the RSJ community vote to give their opinions since it had been in Dallas a few other times. I’ll be interested in seeing where the RSJ community lands as well.
I recommend Dallas for the 2020 RSJ convention because the National Black Book Club conference, which I attend, occurs in Atlanta. I always stay a week after the RSJ or any convention I attend and visit the host city. I hope Dallas is the chosen location.
Angelique
Thanks for participating in the voting and your suggestion for Dallas. I’ll certainly take your suggestion to the planning committee. We don’t have the final results in yet. Stay tuned for the announcement for the location in the near future.