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As writers, we all have to face negative feedback. Varied opinions are great when it comes to something you've written and those who are debating giving your book a chance. It gives you insight and the ability to examine where you've gone wrong and how to fix it. It's a lesson to learn. That's just part of the game. What is not part of the game is having a fellow author sic their friends on you with the intention of driving your ratings into the toilet with the hopes that it raises theirs. Not only is that childish, but it is disrespectful and unprofessional. This is not earning anything. It's sabotage and an adult would never dream of doing something so petty. Never did I think it could happen to me, but here I am. Right in the middle of it.
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That's right.
The dreaded trolls have come for me and sadly, there is very little I can do to fight back. Well, expect for a certain legal person I know sending out a cease and desist letter with the warning that harassment and defamation action will follow if the behavior doesn't stop.
However, it won't stop me from continuing to do what I love, but it has made me more hyper vigilant going forward. That said, this has affected the availability of a few of my titles. No, they aren't going away, the way that they are accessed will be. I'm sorry to have to do this, but I assure you, there's a good reason why.
First, the spam reviews and certain entities refusal to take those reviews down, even though I have physical proof that they are spam. But you know what, that's okay. I'm a big girl and I can follow rules. Unlike some people . . .
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Second, the main title affected, Say You're Mine, has been massively pirated. That's right. Pirated. As in someone stole my work, altered it, and then put it up for sale on other sites. Thankfully, the sites in question have been great in taking the pirated copies down, but the damage is done. So, instead of dwelling, let's take a breath and move on.
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So, now that that's out, what are the options? Do I sit and cry about it or do I see it as a hurdle to be jumped? The answer is jumping that hurdle. Or in the immortal words of Winston Churchill . . .
That's right. Keep calm and carry on because Mama didn't raise no quitter. With that also said, I'm going to continue to write. I'm going to continue to publish my work and I'm not going to let anything stop me. I've been through a lot in my life and the one thing that I refuse to do is quit.
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Most importantly, I want to thank everyone for their support, especially those who emailed me after the last few posts. Knowing you all solidly have my back and are willing to go to the mattresses for me (Godfather reference) means so much. Just like with all my blog posts, I want to thank you again for reading my work and just being the fantastic people you are. If I could, I'd give you all a big hug as a way to show my thanks.
Much love to you and more,
-Becca
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