WRITING THE INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE...

                                      ...for Women of Color

Wayne A. Jordan

A few years ago, I read a simply wonderful book By Angela Benson.  THE WAY HOME is one of my favorite book.  It's one of the first book I reviewed and I gave it a 5-star rating.  What was unusual about this book was the intense spiritual experience.  Year later, the author of that book is soley writing for the inspiration market.   She now, not only writes books that focus on love, but one that focus on the major character way with God.  Last, year, Ms. Benson released her first inspirational, AWAKENING MERCY.  I enjoy readin inspirational and have read many of the Love Inspired for Silhouette.

In the month of March when the finalists in this year Romance Writers of American Rita competion was announced Ms. Benson's first book was named one of the finalist.  She had made history as one of the first AA authros to make the finals of a Rita category with a book featuring an African American hero and heroine.  Unkown to me, Sharon Ewell Foster, an author I'de never heard of was also a finalist in that catergory and a finalis int he Best First book.

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.  We had finally done it!

the year 2001 promises much more of this genre that seem sto be growning with popularity.  jacquelin thomas, Arabesque author releases her first inspiration this month.  SINGSATION,  an emotion story . 

The most inportant new is that BET Books has launched a new inspirational line that is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2001 or early 2002.