Self-Proclaimed: Rena {SOTS}
If you’ve ever conducted an online search for lesbian literature, chances are you landed upon Sistahs on Shelf—a promotional blog and review site for Black lesbian fiction. Created in 2005 by Rena (i.e. Ree-nay), a thirty-something Black lesbian femme from Tallahassee, Sistahs on the Shelf (SOTS) is an invaluable archive for readers both old and new to the Black lesbian genre. With 143 reviewed books under her belt, Rena is celebrating the seventh anniversary of SOTS throughout August.
Why did Rena create Sistahs On The Shelf?
Sistahs on the Shelf was created because there wasn’t anything like it at the time. As a member of online reading groups, the pivotal question women would ask was, “What is there for us to read?” They wanted to know where the Black lesbian books were that are for us and by us. So the answer to me was simple: Sistahs on the Shelf. I wanted to connect women with the books that describe our lives. I desired to give back something to our community given to me through the books I’ve read and enjoyed, the first being April Sinclair’s Coffee Will Make You Black. I wanted to help sistahs in the life realize that there are stories with our love, our feelings, our dreams, and our interests at heart.
How did Rena prepare to become a reviewer?
With SOTS, I researched literary websites and used my own membership experiences with reading groups. It is a mélange of everything I wanted to see within a reading site and a little bit of the things Black lesbians wanted to see.
I am a team of one. SOTS is my baby. I’m so hands-on, I don’t know if I could give up control. But I have seriously thought about soliciting for reviewers now because the amount of review requests. Lately, I’ve been receiving the most it’s ever been. And with the rise of e-books, I keep finding more and more novels. My Kindle has been busy.
How does Rena divide her time between SOTS and personal/professional obligations?
Reading the novels is the easy part (sometimes) because I love to read. Writing the reviews is where it gets hectic because I try to make sure the reviews are well-written and helpful to the reader who could potentially buy the book. Then I have try to balance my “day job,” family and friends, and a girlfriend with all of this, as well as my own personal reading aside from SOTS.
Ultimately, what does Rena want for SOTS?
To see SOTS go to the next level. I would like, at some point, to host a book conference of Black lesbian writers and readers, possibly retreat style. I have other ideas roaming in my head as well.
I’m proud of the site and what it’s become, and glad to still be around after seven years.
BLACK LESBIAN FICTION…
Has Black lesbian fiction changed since 2005?
Yes, I have definitely seen a rise in the number of Black lesbian books. Even before Sistahs on the Shelf, I was always scouring for more books about us. Don’t get me wrong, there were some out there. But today, especially with Kindle and Nook gaining massive popularity, e-books have doubled, possibly tripled, the amount of novels available. Authors are trying new ways to get their books out there. The social networking boom has also changed the industry. When I began SOTS in 2005, there was no Twitter or Facebook, only MySpace (and we see where that is). Black lesbian authors are interacting even more with their readers and telling the world, literally, about their works.
What’s the most bizarre book Rena’s ever read?
Oh my! I read this book about a married woman in an abusive relationship who falls in love with a woman. The husband is so insanely jealous when he suspects his wife is cheating, he uses a chain saw to hack the woman. Blew my mind! It never got reviewed.
What would Rena like to see in Black lesbian fiction?
I would like to see more stories about marriage, about women conceiving and raising children, growing old together. Maybe it’s just the space I’m in right now.
Does Rena have a Black lesbian fiction pet peeve?
My only frustration is gratuitous sex that has absolutely no meaning at all to the plot. And while this not a peeve, no disrespect to my lovely Black lesbian writers, but studs with dreads…very sexy, but I’ve read a lot of stories with them.
Where does Black lesbian fiction stand in comparison to the larger, American publishing industry?
I think Black lesbian fiction stands taller than the industry believes. We have a creative voice, and there are very good books from our authors that get overlooked. I feel many mainstream publishing companies aren’t taking a chance on our stories, and therefore, writers have to find their own ways to get their books published, like creating their own companies and book imprints.
How does Rena describe the relationship between authors and readers in the genre?
I think it’s terrific, especially because of Twitter and Facebook, not to mention Tumblr and other social networking sites. Authors can talk with their fans and get immediate feedback on their novels. Any comment or post, I think the authors definitely read.
Has Rena published in this genre?
I have not published…yet! I will someday. I wonder who will review my book, though.
SISTAHS SIZZLIN SUMMER READS.
Sistahs Sizzlin Summer Reads features summer releases or “lesbian beach reads” as Rena likes to call them. The series began on July 8 and will end after Labor Day. If you’re an author who would like to be included in the series, contact Rena via email for consideration. She will select books that are fit for summer reading and were published before or during the season.
Website: sistahsontheshelf.com/blog
Email: reviews@sistahsontheshelf.com
Promo blog: http://sotspromoblog.wordpress.com
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