Last week sucked in the Romance Community.
The romance community is, generally, the most supportive community I’ve ever been involved in. Authors go above and beyond to help other authors. When Dean Koontz came to speak to my local RWA chapter back when I was co-president, he told us that was impressed by how we supported and celebrated one another’s successes. That was truly one of my proudest moments as co-president.
And then last week, the romance community felt betrayed by one of our own with an alleged plagiarism. I actually found out about it in a few days before the news went public in a private group but said nothing because the victim was doing her due diligence. But the news broke last week, and others covered this story very well. If you like to see, you can link here, here and here.
As I write this blog, I haven’t seen any response by the alleged plagiarist, but she’s removed the books for various places like Amazon.
It’s awful for the authors caught up in this, but it’s also awful for the readers who feel duped and betrayed. Most of us strive so hard to create a bond with our readers, we would never do this. NEVER! You all know how hard I struggled to write a book, and I promise you, it’s pretty much the same for other genuine writers. But no matter how desperate I’ve felt, how backed in a corner with a deadline looming and readers waiting…I was never tempted to steal someone else’s words.
It’s so very sad.
And yet, the flip side of this is that romance authors are banding together and doing everything we can to help the alleged victims and to reach any readers. Most of us on this blog may not read MM romance, but I want you to all be aware. And to know that the authors I know, and myself, all care way too much about our characters, and about you–our readers–to ever do this.
Now onto Weekend Roundup. I had a great lunch with Biker Witch on Friday and spent the weekend doing some writing and cleaning.
Oh and one more week until NIGHT MAGIC comes out! Once all the books are out and have a chance to reach an audience, I plan to do a blog on it. The risk, the strategies I used and the results, and making tough decisions when you’re both an artist and a business woman.
How was your weekend?
October 26th, 2015 at 9:43 am · Link
Evidently, the “author” also plagerized from a best-selling erotic author, who is also going after her. As writers, we all work so hard to develop our “voice.” How does a plagerist cover that up when stealing? Cheating, all the way.
Anyway. So happy you and Biker Witch had a wonderful time. You know what my weekend was like. Still waiting on updates as to the driver’s “medical” state when the accident happened. So very sad. The Cowboy Nation has had its share of tragedy.
I’m pushing toward release on Saturday. I love deadlines.
I can’t wait to have all the WSH books on my Kindle. I’m going to indulge in such a massive reread! There maybe ice cream involved. And brownies! Definitely cookies because…COOKIE WITCH! And Evil Silver(tm) *bwahahaha*
Have a great week, everyone!
October 26th, 2015 at 11:07 am · Link
Silver, the really sad thing is I believe that other author is going through a family tragedy when all this came down. I didn’t even mention how angry I am, and I know you agree.
The Oklahoma tragedy is truly heart wrenching. I’m hearing the conflicting reports too, I hope her blood her book analysis is revealed soon. The people need answers to try to cope. I’m so very sorry for the entire community but most especially the people hurt or the loved ones.
In some good news, I enjoyed NIGHT SHIFT!
Don’t say cookies, I’m trying so hard to be good
October 26th, 2015 at 2:44 pm · Link
When I read this early this morning I get so ticked off. I get my fur up when people copy my posts verbatim. To have something you slaved over creating stolen is SO wrong. I’m glad she was caught. I wish more were and I wish they were punished accordingly. Maddening!
So nice to hear that you and Biker Witch had a nice time :).
I hope you got more cleaning done than I did ;). I never even got to my closet. I did clean other things. It seems this past weekend just slipped away from me. Sure hope to make up for it this week.
Have a great day!
October 26th, 2015 at 7:09 pm · Link
Viki, I feel the same way. It was sickening when I read it, and saw the comparison pages of the original and the alleged plagiarized version.
I hope you don’t clean too much this week. But on the other hand, I know you like to get it done. I’m a Leo, so I understand
Hope you’re week is getting off to a good start!
October 26th, 2015 at 8:46 pm · Link
I heard about that over the weekend. And then I saw a FB comment from someone who was all like ‘well, if that part of the populace is underrepresented…’ as if that somehow made the stealing okay. You worry about a portion of the populace being underrepresented, you write your own damn book. You don’t steal from someone else. Lazy, stupid, irresponsible… I won’t say the word.
So glad you had a nice time with Biker Witch. I can’t wait to read your post on how you did all this. That’ll be awesome. I hope these new editions sell tons. :hugs:
I had a blurry weekend, and a busy day today, but all is well. My internet is fixed. Max is feeling better. Tomorrow is another day. =o)