Murder In The Bayou By Ethan Brown

This was actually the first book I finished in 2019. I'll be honest and say that I did put it down a few times as it was hard to read (the content was difficult to read, the actual prose is fine). Also of note, I've kept up with this story via the news, documentaries and write-ups (one being from the author himself, via Medium). 

The RWA shitshow is still ongoing. I'm not shocked by the excuses or oblivious refusal to see issue from some of the white authors (who benefit from the money and work put in by others) but I'm a bit surprised it's still ongoing since it's hit so many news outlets. I'd like to think people have some form of self-preservation. Speaking of, one of the women who complained about Courtney Milan retracted her statement (only in a newsprint interview) admitting it was false. I think her agent got a hold of her and told her to stop making an international mess of herself. What I do like is that the majority of authors I like to read have signed on saying they do not agree with the RWA's actions or decisions here or in reference to other AOCs (the ones that I can find that is). It's always nice to know the people you buy books from aren't arseholes. 

• Claire Ryan has really put together the most expansive timeline (with links) that I've found although Lois Beckett at the Guardian has been on top of everything as well (she uncovered that there was no lost book deal, which anchored the original "complaint"). Ryan's work is at her site (The Implosion of the RWA). 
• Pajiba: The Battle over the RWA and the future of literacy
• NBC: The Romance Writers of America's Racism Row Matters Because the Gatekeepers are Watching - just to note, this is a little different because it also touches on an issue that I'm not sure others are implicitly saying, which is that some of these authors that are so upset about diversity, inclusion and not using tired racial tropes are not great writers to begin with. They're dismantling competition and trying to dampen the market to force their books on readers and bestseller lists. 
• Vulture: Unpacking the Racist Drama Roiling the World of Romance Writers
• NPR: Racism Scandal in the Romance Writing Industry 

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