I rarely frequent Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, but I get the feed for Galleycat and, after last Saturday, experiencing this:
and this:
I found the dust-up over Cosplaying authors at the Romance Writers of America convention more than a bit exaggerated. Personally, I admire the ploy, so much so that I’m going to buy whatever Shomi books I can find tonight at my local Borders while my daughter parties for Harry Potter — even though I’m not a romance reader.
Of course, she’s going as Draco Malfoy, having bought a men’s suit at a consignment store, died her hair blonder than her usual blonde, and sharpie-d the evil sign on her wrist. (Her best friend has done the same, as Harry Potter.) Right now, she’s out on the deck, sanding and coloring sticks that will become their wands.)
ConMom that I’ve become (not to mention Ren Faire Parent), I guess that makes me more than partial to the Cosplay theme behind the Shomi Books promotion. (Hey, remember the furries from a few weeks ago?)
And I’m sympathetic to the authors involved. Hell, we’re always looking for break-out ways to get our books noticed, and the authors certainly will catch the established romance readers’ attention and maybe attract new, younger readers to the genre. In a playful, fun-loving way, no less. (Hey, I showed my daughter the Galleycat entry so Shomi is at least on her radar, however Potter-centric it might be at this very moment.)
I sure hope when I get my author pictures taken — which will be quite fetish-y — they’ll receive a better reception than the Shomi cosplay outfits did. And I better watch what I write as well. A corset and handcuffs are one thing, but finding the level of courage that this young woman displayed last weekend is a bit daunting for me.
Good thing there aren’t any Fifth Element romance novels.
P.S. Sorry about yesterday’s mangling of the English language. My annual poor-sleep-in-summer deprivation has commenced and I was particularly foggy yesterday. Also, I haven’t forgotten the goodies. I’m quite close to activating two of the links, so keep an eye out.
