Normally, I run a monthly contest offering several autographed thrillers for one lucky winner.
The International Thriller Writers organization has served a very important purpose and worked hard to help its members in a myriad of ways, including sponsoring this contest for almost 15 years. As an avid thriller reader, I have been a strong supporter of the ITW almost since its inception. I am proud of all the authors I have championed. It has been a privilege to work with this amazing group of writers and introduce them to thousands of readers.
Over the past few weeks, some things surfaced that have caused significant changes in the organization. This article by the AP, also in USA Today, gives a summary of what’s going on. (Please note that “Liz Perry” is actually the former executive director of the ITW, Liz Berry.)
It is my understanding that the ITW is working hard to resolve these issues and regain the support of its members. Unfortunately, until there is more clarification, I am temporarily suspending this contest. I am confident that a positive outcome is on the horizon.
Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™ 
ITW has made an enormous contribution to supporting thriller and mystery writing and writers, and has earned our continued support as they deal with their issues.
I completely agree! Thanks for writing.
Thank you for sharing. This is, of course, a serious issue. I rarely think about the skin color of the authors I am reading unless the writer has made an issue of skin color. We must all become colorblind. Again, thank you for sharing this issue. Good for you to not bother with a contest this month. peace, janz
Thanks for writing, Janz! It’s not that I’m “not bothering” with a contest but rather that the ITW is working very hard on more important matters.
I understand what you mean by becoming “colorblind” but you may want to think about how that statement affects people of color. I thought this was a really good piece about it: https://mamaliciousmaria.com/color-blind-wont-stop-racism/
The author, Maria, starts off by saying “Dear good-hearted, kind, well-meaning White people, I have to tell you something: Being color blind won’t stop racism.” It’s a quick read but I found it enlightening. Hope you do too!
Thanks for this, and for the link to Maria’s article. I am trying to educate myself and be more proactive. I don’t live in America, but it’s a world wide problem
Me too! It’s always good to learn, it’s one of the reasons I love my job so much. Every day I learn something new! For more great information, the librarians (my co-workers!) at Lynn University put together a libguide with all sorts of information on being a Global Citizen & the Black Lives Matter movement here: https://lynn-library.libguides.com/GlobalCitizen/Home
There are book suggestions, articles, videos, podcasts, organizations, and more. Hope you can check it out! Thanks so much for writing.