The Evolution of the RITA Awards in Historical Romance

The RITA Awards, once the crowning jewel of romance literature, have seen their fair share of drama, much like a plot twist in a Regency-era novel. Established by the Romance Writers of America (RWA) in 1990, these awards were designed to celebrate the best in English-language romance fiction, particularly in the historical romance genre. But like any good romance, the story took a turn.

What Happened to the RITA Awards?

Fast forward to 2020, and the RITA Awards found themselves in a bit of a pickle. Amidst ongoing discussions about diversity and representation in literature, the RWA decided to cancel the awards that year. This decision was not taken lightly, as several judges and contestants withdrew due to concerns over the lack of diversity among nominees. Who knew romance could be so complicated?

In the wake of this upheaval, the RITA Awards were officially replaced by the Vivian Award, named after the RWA's first president, Rita Clay Estrada. This new award aims to tackle the very issues that plagued its predecessor—namely, the need for more inclusive representation in the romance genre. It's like they say, “If at first you don’t succeed, change the name and try again!”

Historical Romance: A Genre Worth Celebrating

Despite the controversies, historical romance remains a beloved genre, whisking readers away to different times and places. Think of it as a time machine with fewer buttons and more swoon-worthy moments. From the ballrooms of Regency England to the battlefields of the American Civil War, these stories often explore themes of love, sacrifice, and, let's be honest, some pretty questionable fashion choices.

Notable Winners of the RITA Awards

Before the RITA Awards took a backseat, they recognized some amazing works in historical romance. Here are a few notable winners that made waves in the genre:

1. Alyssa Cole's An Extraordinary Union - This novel, set during the American Civil War, was a breath of fresh air, showcasing an interracial romance that deserved all the accolades. Yet, it was a glaring omission from the RITA finalists, raising eyebrows and questions about the awards' selection process.
2. Lisa Kleypas' Devil in Winter - A classic in the genre, this novel features a love story that defies societal norms and proves that sometimes love can bloom in the most unexpected places (like a ball, or a dark alley, you know, typical romance stuff).
3. Julia Quinn's The Duke and I - The book that sparked a Netflix sensation! This tale of love and scandal in Regency England has charmed readers and viewers alike, proving that historical romance can still capture hearts in the modern age.

The Future of Romance Awards

As the Vivian Award steps into the spotlight, the hope is that it will lead to a more diverse representation of voices in romance literature. After all, who doesn't want to see a wider range of stories that reflect the colorful tapestry of human experience? The romance genre has the potential to be as diverse as the characters it portrays, and the future looks promising.

So, whether you’re a fan of historical romance or just here for the drama, keep an eye on how these changes unfold. The next chapter in romance awards is just beginning, and it’s bound to be a page-turner!