Comments for Bronwyn Parry

Comment on Catching up by azteclady

azteclady — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:01:17 +0000

::waving madly::

Long time, no see; lovely to see you there–and that gown is gorgeous; I can’t imagine the amount of work finishing dresses for yourself and others on deadline must have been.

I’m going to make a point of checking in here more regularly; looking forward to the next one.

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Louisa Cornell

Louisa Cornell — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 23:04:57 +0000

In reply to Bron. Thank you, Bronwyn. I knew they had misquoted you. Have to love the press ! I know once the task force is done they intend to post the stats. Yes, there are some amazing diverse authors who write historical romance who should have entered but perhaps did not for that very reason. It will take time and proof to convince them otherwise. I will be interested to see the stats. Like you, I had a wonderfully diverse group of entries in the books I judged and they were, for the most part, wonderfully written. A couple even made it into the finals and one of my top picks won her category which pleased me and made me feel like I might have done a good job in judging my entries. It is a complex and difficult situation and I hope in time improvements can be made to make certain this never happens again. Do take care !

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Bron

Bron — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 22:24:52 +0000

In reply to Louisa Cornell.

Hi Louisa. Thanks for letting me know about the PR article misquoting me. I’ve sent in a correction. Yes, I’m hoping that the RWA review of the awards process looks at the proportion of diverse entries as well as the proportions of finalists in each category. However, there are many authors of color and diverse lives who write historicals, and given that entry was free and open to non-RWA members from the outset, my feeling in that there should have been a reasonable proportion of entries in the category – as I mention in my post, I certainly had a good percentage of diverse entries in my packets in other categories. And if they didn’t enter, then the question must be asked, why not? Did they not believe that their books would be judged fairly? It’s such a complex and difficult situation, and I’m so sorry that the controversy has marred the pleasure you should take in winning your category. Thinking of you.

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Louisa Cornell

Louisa Cornell — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 18:08:40 +0000

NPR is quoting you as saying ALL of the Vivian finalists were white. I am certain she misquoted you, but you might want to set her straight. There were Black finalists and at least one finalist of East Indian descent. And a number of the finaling books had Black protagonists and gay protagonists. I realize that all news reporters find the all white / all straight story to be better press, but it isn’t the truth. And as for the finalists in the long historical category I will be interested to see the statistics on who actually entered the category. You cannot have finalists of color if they did not enter the category. It is my understanding there were not as many books by diverse authors and with diverse characters as was hoped. This is a work in progress and yes, RWA needs to do better. But 40 years of entrenched racism, homophobia, and ableism does not disappear overnight. Sad, but true. You have stated your position with insight, heart, and grace. I simply wanted to make you aware that NPR misquoted you.

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Desley Polmear

Desley Polmear — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 08:00:38 +0000

How brave you are Bronwyn. I applaud you for using your voice. Being authentic and being truthful says a lot. Throw it over your shoulder and move on. You are better then them.

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Suzi Love

Suzi Love — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 07:30:58 +0000

Well done, Bronwyn.

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Raelene W

Raelene W — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 07:13:25 +0000

this just puts you in higher esteem Bronwyn, there are so many fantastic story tellers who know their own history that could be acknowledged. Well said

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Joanne Austen Brown

Joanne Austen Brown — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 03:02:17 +0000

Good for you Bronwyn. I am honoured to call you a friend. Your courage and honesty need to be applauded.

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Enisa Haines

Enisa Haines — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 02:37:55 +0000

It’s a brave thing you did, pulling away from the contest. And I applaud you for sticking with your beliefs in humanity and diversity and that everyone is worthy. There is no place for racism, ever, and your letter is much appreciated.

Comment on The VIVIAN™ contest: A personal statement by Shannean Moncrieff

Shannean Moncrieff — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 02:12:58 +0000

Bravo Bronwyn xx