The Passionate Ink chapter of Romance Writers of America (RWA), the national organization’s chapter of erotic romance authors, has just pubbed a collection of erotic romance short stories on Amazon with proceeds going to charity. The 300-page anthology Passionate Hearts includes new stories by 11 Passionate Ink members from established authors like Trinity Blacio and Cynthia gentry to newcomers.
Romance Daily News interviewed chapter member and anthology editor Amy Alessio to get the inside information on this great Galentine’s Day (February 13th, the day you buy your female friends gifts for their awesomeness) gift (but you could also buy them a subscription o RomanceDailyNews!).
How did the idea for this anthology come about?
I've put together two anthologies for charities for my other chapter after we had two members pass away. We based the themes on what those members wrote, or enjoyed. For example, one of those anthologies was set in the fictional town that author used. Her family gave us notes and a map after she passed away.
For Passionate Ink, we wanted to encourage new writers while letting more experienced authors provide windows to their writing and series. The process of being in the anthology and going through editing, publishing and marketing is educational for all the authors involved.
What is the money going towards?
The American Heart Association (for Valentine's Day) and ProLiteracy --a charity RWA has supported. When you have a librarian coordinating the anthology, you know at least some of it goes towards literacy! :)
What’s the next book Passionate Ink will be doing?
We are not sure we will have another anthology, though this one is doing very well. It will be available in print soon, too.
What are the chapter’s plans and goals?
Passionate Ink supports writers of erotic romance at all stages of their careers. The Passionate Plume contest continues in its 14th year with new categories and more opportunities for authors of both longer and shorter works to win that prestigious award. The Plume submissions open earlier this year--on February 14th! We have plans to offer more educational opportunities in different formats as well as new pitching styles this year. Other possible ideas include an online conference.
What’s in store for us at this year’s annual RWA conference in NY?
That is currently being discussed. It is most likely that a dinner at a themed location will be featured with the usual fun prizes and activities that PI members know to expect from us.