Ok, can someone with a Masters in psycho-babble 20th-Century enlightment please explain to me why there is still so much prejudice against e-publishing? Or worse...e-published authors?

There’s no prejudice, you say? Hahahaha. Well, I’m dreadfully sorry to inform you, there most certainly is. And make no bones about it—it’s ugly, and bordering on evil. And not just any evil, mind you, but “Wicked-Witch-Of-The-West-Evil,” to be accurate.

Why do I say this?

Last August, while attending the Chicago convention for the Romance Writers Of America, I bore witness to several unnerving incidents. Unnerving, hell...it made me sick to my stomach, if the truth be told. Now, mind you, I was not, at that time, a published author, especially not in the world of “Historical Romance,” let alone “Historical Fiction.” Oh, certainly, I’ve had all of my short stories accepted at online zines and print magazines, but a novel-length work of mine had not been accepted, until recently.

At this particular convention, a vast majority of persons (whom I shan’t name, against my better judgment, but with the better judgment of my attorneys) actually went out of their way to make the writers of e-books feel like leper-diseased cretins. Oh, please, you might think...but I swear to the powers of John Jakes, the GOD of Historical Fiction, it’s no lie. I witnessed scads of negativity—or, more to the truth—refusals, if not directives, against any of the e-publishers in attendance to participate in several major activites/events. It was almost as bad as the amount of obnoxious snubbing that Historical Fiction authors have taken over the years. “If you ain’t the next Stephen King, then screw you!”—a phrase I’ve heard in various forms more than a few times these past years. Yes, obnoxious! Utterly!

Now, even though I was an outsider to these proceedings, I must avow, this insufferable and ignorant garbage caused my heart to flood with ire. (Perhaps I was just reliving all that snubbing I had taken for writing Civil War fiction.) Regardless, I nevertheless tend to root for the underdog. As I said, I was not, at that time, a novel-length published writer, but since many of my comrades were, and they were the reason for my attendance and my staunch support, I took umbrage at the absolute insanity of the out-and-out goofiness.

But now, what has changed? Why, now, do I decide to bring this problem to light? Well, let me tell you...my first novel has just been accepted, by an E-Publisher, no less—I am PROUD to state—and frankly, I am thoroughly mortified...not to mention thoroughly ticked off...at the junk I witnessed last August. Now, I am not a member (and I will most likely never become a member, writing style aside) of RWA, therefore, I feel I can speak my mind. And, you know what....even if I were a member of this organization, I would still go out on this particular limb. Therefore, a note to the heads of RWA...For Shame regarding your treatment of individuals who will not only be making (YES, mark my words) will be making a HUGE dent in the industry, but will eventually, because of your ignorant short-sightedness, be pondering your asinine treatment of them; without a doubt, they will abandon your sinking ship faster than the passengers on the ill-fated Titanic.

You think I’m wrong? Well, once again, that is your prejudice controlling your thoughts. I personally know a score of members (or should I say, former members) of your organization who have, because of your snubbing at the convention, already abandoned your sinking ship, and these are several members I KNOW you can not afford to lose.

But this is your philosophy...and frankly, I do respect it...that print publication is the only form of legitimacy, and all others be damned. Yes, I do acknowledge your position, and regarding your immovable stance on this particular issue, I also pity you...you will doubtlessly be allowing tons of prolific, talented, and sell-able writers to fall through the cracks, and frankly, the world of e-publishing welcomes these talents with open arms. Yes, ’tis your loss! And our gain!

So, what gives? Is it the possible dent in e-publishing sales that causes you to plot stupid campaigns against them? Is it fear that your dominion will be become somehow tarnished because the “print-publishing” eyes will not be in charge of your future? What I say is this...we can all exist in perfect harmony...we can all benefit from the industry...so why make it an “us-against-them” syndrome. Indeed, isn’t that what Hitler attempted to accomplish??? Food for thought....

Anyway, on to the offerings this month....

Once again, unfortunately, there has been no award given for “Site Of The Month.” Why? you might ask. Again, 2 reasons...lack of time on my end, and lack of submissions on yours....hint, hint....in other words, if you don’t submit your favorite research sites, then I can’t dole out the awards, now, can I? And frankly, I’m starting to fear that those of you who have knowledge of some terrific sites are holding back on the rest of us. Come on....fair is fair!!!

There has, however, been one very deserving author named as the “Historical Fiction Author of the Month.” Who is it? Well, you’ll just have to click on the link and find out, won’t you? All I can say is that she gave a terrific interview, and deserves all the recognition she can get.

Also, as you might have noticed, the magazine’s webhost, Angelfire, has now made it mandatory to use their Totally Insufferable Pop-Up banners. I apologize....I was hoping I would never have to put any reader through this, but alas, the powers have spoken. Therefore, please deal with it as best you can and, hopefully, things will be rectified by the first of the year.

In this month’s Articles, author Kaye Kelly offers her amusing views on how us authors have willfully taken the road to “craziness”; novelist Sally Odgers gives an interesting overview regarding historical-fiction authors and the effect their fiction might have on modern-day readers; while author Joyce Soule provides some terrific encouragement and advice on how writers of all genres can benefit from some easy-to-learn techniques for developing those ideas hovering in the back of your head.

In this month’s Book Reviews, a crowd of avid readers give their take on various new releases in the world of Historical Fiction.

In this month’s Short Stories, author Barbara Smith shares her “By Any Other Name,” and intriguing tale that parallels the ancient and modern world; novelist Kate Hill offers us “The Cambridge Kisser,” a engaging romp amidst the backdrop of the decidedly dreary world of Depression-era America; while writer Kenneth Robbins provides his chilling “The Crater,” a unique tale of one Civil War soldier’s experience in wartime, not only in his world, but 80 years in his future.

In this month’s Novel Excerpts, acclaimed quilldriver Claire Delacroix gives us a taste of her recently-released Dell offering The Heiress, an historical romance at its best; Joan Van Nuys, the much-admired author of numerous tomes, shares a portion of her Unwilling Betrayer, an epic adventure of romance and deceit; while novelist Julie Sandland generously provides a sample of her novel Sverige Nights, a tale, based on scads of research, regarding one young woman’s experiences as a indentured maid.

As ever, I thank you for checking in, and feel free to email me with comments regarding the magazine in general, or specific pieces you read here.

Enjoy!