I'm not quite sure how to process this posting as yet. I attended last year as a reader, since I wasn't published at the time I registered, and there really wasn't a Reviewer slot. But my novel was published the day before GRL started, and I had another out co-written with another author.
The event itself was fun. I got to fan-boy and meet all my heroes. And that's what the event is about, right?
But now I am on the other side of the table. I am a published author and was considering registering as one this year. When I read this, though, I thought, will I be welcomed? I am an amoeba in a fishpond compared to hundreds of other authors, and will my "ranking" be enough to get me in as a writer?
The fact the event is in my home town makes me think I may, for several reasons. But I am seeing a lot of commentary from my peer group who are upset about the turn of events. And I can't blame them. I am too. But I like to take a longer view of it, and will make my decision to attend based on my personal ethics and beliefs when the time comes.
I am concerned however. This tastes and smells and feels like something I don't want to think about - elitism. It's very well reasoned and rolled out, but so was "All pigs are equal. Some are more equal than others, though..."
High school, for me, was over in 1979, and I choose not to revisit it, especially in this arena. I wasn't in the "Cool Kids" group then, and sure as hell am not now. And I can say, I have heard almost the same sentiment from at least ten other authors whose opinions I respect.
I just don't know.
I DO know that I have seen way too many instances where, in this small community of personalities, a tiny spark erupts into a flashfire, and oftentimes it's ridiculous and over the top. I couldn't write some of the drama that occurs in real life on Goodreads, or if I did, it would get one star. And TPTB may be counting on this announcement burning off before the website is opened to the public and slots sold.
And have no doubts, it WILL sell out.
But who will be there? And will it it be the best line-up for the fans, the readers, the reviewers?
Guys and gals of the committee, I hope it doesn't blow up in your faces.
One last thought...is this now a RWA event? Because I don't have my Little Orphan Annie decoder ring yet, so where does that leave me?
Wishing you a happy week.
Tom
PS Here's the link to the GRL posting...
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2f9594b419e354dd7c4130b97&id=6e12844973
