Insert sarcasm font here.
Things the female is not:
- Perfect
- Capable of withholding important (to her) opinions
- Nice (well, some of the time.)
- Tolerant of livelihood being threatened by anonymous strangers, probably with zero qualifications as an editor
- A machine (The female really, really hates being called a machine. It instantly triggers depression.)
Things the female is:
- Tired
- Depressed
- Anxious
- Stressed
- Unhappy
Things the female has considered the past few days:
- Quitting (because working at the nearby 7-11 seems a lot safer for her health right now, plus it’s walking distance, but with a seriously heightened chance of death from COVID… )
- Finishing current preorders and then disappearing for 2-3 years, writing whatever she wants however she wants, and hoping backlist sales pay the bills (because then she doesn’t have to deal with stuff.)
- Drinking copious amounts of alcohol
- Staying in bed for the rest of eternity
Things the female is not actually doing:
- All of the above
We’re sorry your feelings were hurt because the female is tired, stressed, depressed, and anxious because readers currently have the ability to have her books removed completely from sale thanks to an automated tool Amazon allows readers to use.
We’re sure most of you mean well. There are some typo terrorists out there who are attacking authors because another author has suggested it to remove some competition from the market. You’re probably not one of them, if you are…
That is not okay. Go back to remedial humanity lessons, because they’re needed.
The female has been doing a lot of thinking lately, and tools like this, and the ever changing atmosphere, where readers are in a position to dictate how authors can be creative, if they can be creative, and if their books are even allowed to be sold to others, is distressing.
The female loves to write.
She does not love to write in this current environment.
For now, she is going to continue trucking on, but we do ask for some patience.
She is very tired.
The Inderal only does so much when well-meaning readers are accidentally in a position to have her books removed from sale over two typos in a 125,000 book.
Books are not perfect. They can’t be perfect. They’ll never be perfect.
That is the nature of books.
The female does her best, but she still feels her best will never be good enough. That feeds the depression and the anxiety.
There are enough amazon-exclusive readers she will keep going until her books are pulled from sale because of error reports, after which she’ll likely start rebuilding her resume and looking at a ‘real’ job to pay the bills.
Some battles she can’t win. That’s one of them.
That’s depressing, because she enjoys entertaining people. But she also has an indomitable drive to support her family. And if necessary, that means a minimum-wage job, as a resume of “spent past 5+ years as an author” doesn’t tend to land anybody any decent jobs.
Tomorrow, A Chip on Her Shoulder launches, and truth be told, the female expects the release to flop, because she dared to have an opinion, she dared to get on her high horse because she had her previous latest release threatened to be removed from sale over two typos, and she has opinions.
Yes, we’ve been watching the preorder cancellations across all future titles. We’re aware of your opinions.
That’s life, and she’ll live with it.
Tomorrow will… probably not be a good day.
But she’ll do the best she can.
Now, she has to get back to working on Outfoxed and the Flame Game, but it’s hard right now.
The depression and the anxiety have won this round, and that’s that.
Sending loves, hugs, and kitty- cat purrs.
Sending hugs and many well wishes!!! Love reading what you write…
She should consider a third option, a sort of blend of the things she hates now or doesn’t want to do anymore by doing only less of that and on a selective basis; finding new things to do she hasn’t done before, just out of curiosity would be what the other mixture the blend would consist of (that would include not getting upset when someone ends a sentence with ‘of’).
Good luck and purr
Pass this along to the female human, if you would be so kind:
If you’re able to stop reading those criticisms, it may help. Or, if you remember that most of those people think an idea equals a book… I’m sorry it’s rough right now.
At least the smoke has died down some! It was tough for us, the days we couldn’t go out at all. We aren’t far from the address on your emails, so I’m assuming you’ve had some dire heat-and-smoke days.
Hang in there!
That’s the point: she cannot. If she ignores them, her book is pulled from sale.
That is the current reality of the system. It’s not that people reported typos; she likes fixing the typos. But the current system auto-penalizes, and if the corrections the reader demands are ignored, they are pulled from sale.
That is what she’s contending with at current.
And yes, the smoke has cleared up a lot, but it’s still hot and uuggggh.
That’s evil. Is it the A word?
Yes, this is currently Amazon’s policy for error reporting.
Just take care of yourself, get some rest and recharge. Readers that are truly compassionate will wait. If people are giving you toxic vibes, do not let them pull you into their drama. You deserve a life outside of work. Live it. We all deserve happiness and rest. Do this for you and those you love. You only get one life, do not waste it making yourself unhappy. Be Happy and do not have regrets. May your future be bright, fruitful and Happy!
If I personally knew who was doing this to you I would beat their fingers to death. I love everything you write. I wish you well. Try not to let these evil people hurt your feelings. You are well loved by your fans. I will love and purchase everything you write till there isn’t anymore to read. Please take care of yourself.
I love your books. Keep writing, but take care of yourself too. Can’t wait for your next book.
I am so sorry. I appreciate your candor when it comes to the realities of self-publishing (even when I feel overwhelmed/anxious just reading the situations you have to deal with and the decisions you have to make regarding your career). Know that your discussion of the realities of being a writer would NEVER stop me from reading your books (and I think that’s how a lot of your readers feel, despite how loudly the contrary voices are yelling). I am one of those Amazon-only readers, but know that I am also one who will follow you to another venue, if that’s what it takes to help ease your frustration, anxiety, and well-being. Lots of love and good thoughts being sent your way.
Take care of yourself. I love your writing and hope you begin to recover from the haters and nit pickers.
Pre-order cancellations! Seriously? Look at it this way. If some idiots are cancelling preorders, you don’t want them anyway. Please see third word of previous sentence. You could write an abridged version of the 5th book of an encyclopedia and I’d still read it and laugh……. However, you must take care of yourself. There is a lot of hate going on out there and I believe some people are overwhelmed and using strange ways to vent their anger. Close your eyes, stick your fingers in your ears and sing, “La, la, la, la,” until they go away. A lot more people love you than hate you.
Yeah. I was expecting it when I posted initially. It just stings to see it, knowing it’s because they’re offended I’m offended readers have the ability to flag or pull my books from sales.
One or two are probably just moving preorders to a different vendor; one of the vendors had a small increase of preorders. That was not the majority. It is what it is, and that’s the price I pay for being vocal.
Well, they can proceed to take a long walk off a short plank into shark-infested waters – grrrrrrrrrr
RJ anyone who removes a preorder cos you have an opinion regarding your legal property (books)..is obviously the kind of person who would notify Amazon so good riddance. I often spot typos when reading novels but they are the quirks that show a human wrote them. Love your books but if you need to pull out and find yourself again then I will wait and so will others who care xx
I’m sorry people are such buttheads, (how’s that for a grade school word?). Cancelling pre-orders is a ridiculous over reaction to a justifiable rant. I would be angry if someone threatened my living too over such minuscule BS as a typo. If the reader can figure out what the author is trying to say then just move on, none of us are perfect.
I greatly enjoy reading your books, have pre-ordered most of the upcoming announced book and hope you can continue writing while having a life too. Please believe its not the majority, it’s the entitled few who feel the need to criticize what they couldn’t do themselves.
People have opinions. Authors, despite the rumors to the contrary, are people. Canceling pre-orders for books you expect to enjoy, why else would you pre-order, is disrespecting the author’s effort to write the books.
I tried to write fiction for many years and know just how hard it is. I found that I am great at non-fiction but can’t seem to get my head around writing fiction.
I hope the butt heads who are giving you grief and canceling the orders get karmic payback. Bad karma comes back six fold you know.
Please have better times. I hope you do not decide to quit writing books as you keep feeding my snark addiction. Don’t let the butt heads win.
I don’t do Amazon as I buy all my books from Kobo. I don’t do Amazon because I think they have way too much power over how an author markets their own books. I especially don’t like how an author can only have their books in Kindle Unlimited by handing the book lock stock and barrel to Amazon so it can’t be released on any other platform. I have missed reading a lot of good books because of this and have missed out on the ends of series when authors switch exclusively to Amazon. I understand why authors feel they have to do this as Amazon’s market penetration is such that sales on their platform can determine the success or otherwise of a book – and an author. I understand it – but I don’t have to like it. And reading of your current difficulties make me like it even less.
But on a happier note – you are one of my go-to authors. I don’t do pre-orders but I have a spreadsheet with future purchases and ALL your RJ Blain books are on there waiting to be purchased, read and loved.
I know what’s going on with you now is damned difficult and I’m not even going to pretend I can understand how stressed this is making you, but know this – you have readers who are in awe of your imagination, your ethics and your work rate. We can’t do what you do, but we can appreciate it – and let you know that.
In the immortal words of one of my favourite films – Never give up! Never surrender!
Much love.
Cheer up, RJ. Sending you kitty hugs and good thoughts. You are not the first who has wanted to throw everything against the wall and give up. I have seen a number of authors get to this point recently. The environment is ripe for it. People seem to think that their ideas and opinions matter the most, and many very successful people are just tired of dealing with people who are arm-chair critics.
As a newer author, it is distressing to hear about all these issues that seem to pop up in trying to be an author. The hate is real, but it shouldn’t be.
I read (and re-read) your books because you tell a wonderfully entertaining story. You are one of the few I have (okay, just threw John Conroe in there, but he’s only got 1 re-read of his series and I cannot even tell you how many times I have re-read all of your books).
Here’s hoping your backlist keeps selling enough so you can get a break. You sound like you need one. Without any writing involved. And then a few fun projects which you can enjoy without giving any fucks to what someone says.
I know bills have to be paid, but take time off for yourself. You need to recharge your batteries! Your fans aren’t going anywhere.
And yes, we ARE YOUR FANS. In life, I’ve found that it’s the vocal minority that make waves and ruin things for everyone. The majority of your fans understand.
Take time, snuggle with the furries and the hubby. Eat Chocolate. And rest. Dump the schedule and ‘to do’ lists and just follow your ‘nose’.
Every morning I walk our dog 2+ miles. This is THE WALK. But then later in the day, we have our ‘sniff’ walks. These walks our girl takes the lead. She takes me where SHE wants to go and I follow. There is no set route.
That’s what you need to do. Dump the ‘route’ and go wherever you want and take as long as you want.
Trust this mid-60s, been there, done that, woman.
And remember, we’re all behind YOU.
Well, I just added a pre-order I had somehow missed, and I already wrote to Amazon about their unfair policy. Everyone else is right – if someone’s going to get butthurt and cancel their pre-order over your desire to retain your livelihood, they’re not a reader you want to keep. I’m an editor myself, I know your pain. You always want to catch everything, but that is simply impossible. We humans are incapable of absolute perfection. Let’s be honest here; imperfections make things more interesting anyway!
I too am in the smoke haze. It’s so hard when people suck AND the air you breathe is harmful to you. Stay hydrated to keep your lungs (and your entire body!) healthy and filtering out the bad stuff. Take care of yourself, please. And it’s ok if you want to slow things down a bit. Actually, it’s more than ok, PLEASE slow things down a bit, I think you’re too prolific for your own good lol. (Even though my voracious book-reading self is whining for new goodies, it’s not winning this argument.)
Much love to you, looking forward to my second birthday present tomorrow! (My birthday fell in the week between releases from two of my favorite authors, you and IA, lucky me!)
My birthday is December 22, so you can just imagine my squee factor! ?
Way too many people out there think way to much of themselves. They just need to take a long F-ing walk off an incredibly short pier. Has everyone forgotten life before Kindles? When you purchased books and had ZERO way of pointing out to the publisher there were errors? When you either accepted the story AS IT WAS WRITTEN BY THE AUTHOR or you didn’t purchase from that author again?
Damn. I must be a freaking dinosaur. That Amazon is allowing individual readers to DICTATE what a particular author writes/how they write is so jacked up. Amazon needs to f**k off. Right after those readers who may push one of the best indy urban fantasy authors out of the authoring world because those individuals are self-centered, arrogant dick-less wonders who couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag with a map, compass, GPS and a guide dog.
Love it! you’re saying exactly what I was thinking. Great minds think alike! LOL
I love your books. Your storys help me and so many others, especially when times are tough. I don’t care if I can preorder a book or not. Surprise books can be so exciting. I regularly search for the Autors I like. And then buy the books.
I know times are tough for you and people can be assholes, but know there are people too who will support your work. Take the time you need to care for yourself. Your Fans will wait for you. I seriously hope you keep writing. Love.
Ms. Blain: I most certainly will not be cancelling any preorders, and will continue to preorder as long as you are willing to hang in there. I sent the requested email to Jeff at Amazon, giving my opinion that their automated tool is out of control and is going to be responsible for the removal of authors that are the main reason for my purchasing ebooks from Amazon. If Amazon continues to cater to people who care more about their own opinion than about the authors who write books and this causes you to stop publishing, then I’m gone from Amazon completely. They don’t deserve any more of my hard earned money.
I don’t usually make comments on these news letters, but I feel that I have to at this time. I love your books. I love your Romcoms the best and the subjects I don’t like I don’t purchase. Your mind, opinions, and your creativity is what makes these books so great. I love them enough that I will leave Amazon to purchase your book wherever I can find them for sale. Please do not take this armchair editors to heart. For 23 years it was my job to proof other peoples work and make sure all punctuation and typos were found. When I am reading I might find a error or think a sentence should be written another way. I skip over these and continue my reading because I am reading for the storyline and being entertained. I would never ask you to change your work and I feel you and your crew do a great job of editing. Don’t stop writing.
Please don’t let the trolls get you down! You are a wonderful writer and I would truly miss your books if some idiotic people cost you something you obviously enjoy doing. I totally understand and encourage you to slow down, maintaining your physical and mental health is of utmost importance! But please don’t give up writing what you enjoy, if you write it readers will find it and buy it. I’m picky about errors in books and I don’t think I’ve ever really noticed any in yours. But then, I read for the enjoyment I find in the story, not to look for errors. If a story is as engaging as yours are then it’s easy to ignore small mistakes. It does bother me when an author publishes a book that is riddled with glaring errors, that says to me that they don’t care enough about their books to look for errors and fix them. However, that’s not the case with your books, you obviously pay attention to the details and make every effort to correct any problems. Thank you for writing the way you do, I might not love everything you write but I never hate it an I can’t imagine causing problems for an author who puts as much effort into her writing as you do. Never give up, you are fortunate to be so good at something you love to do, but then fortunate isn’t really the right word , is it. You are really good at doing what you love because you work really hard at it! You can’t make everyone happy, just please remember that you manage to do so for quite a lot of people.
Please take care of yourself. As much as I love your books, I want to know that you are taking care of yourself. Remember that if you don’t have your health, everything in life gets harder. I’ve been concerned since you disclosed your crazy schedule. Please hang in there and know that for every complainer, there are many of use who are very happy that we’ve had so many new books in different series to read this year. It’s been amazing. However I’m glad that you are planning to take it easier next year. While I prefer Amazon, know that I will follow you to another platform if need be. I am so sad that Amazon is making this hard for you. Sending virtual hugs from sunny Arizona 🙂
Please, Please do not give up. The idiots at Amazon must not win. If you stop writing, I will understand but hope you will continue. I have purchased everything you have wrote and can re-read if you decide to halt your writing career and I will continue to encourage you to climb back on your writing horse when you Want to. The keyword is “Want”. Life is too short to make yourself ill (and depression is an illness) because of a super inflated and arrogant company called Amazon.
MY age (at 69, I am considered old and useless) and Covid-19 sometimes make me not even want to get out of bed. My fur creatures do not agree. They get me up and moving and whatever I do, I do for them.
You have a responsibility to:
1. Yourself
2. Your Family/Fur Family
3. Your Readers
In That Order. If Amazon continues to censor your books for really, really petty readers, my best advice is to move to another platform. There are readers that will be upset that you are changing their tight little reading world. Fine. On their computer, there are other ways they can buy your books. All it takes is a keyboard entry. They can learn. If they do not want to, it sucks to be them. Do not let a few readers also dominate how you publish your stories. If you do, then, they are trying to control your writing, just as Amazon is trying to do.
I know that you love your readers and do not want to upset them. You also love to keep your promises of publishing deadlines. Stop this tunnel vision. The books will come out when they come out. If you kill yourself with overwork trying to meet promised deadlines, eventually there will be no more stories. This is logic Ms. Blain and it is time you stopped beating yourself up.
This is my Rant for today. Hugs Ms. Blain…
Having read all the previous comments, I agree wholeheartedly with the opinions expressed. I too have written to Jeff@amazon.com and expressed my dissatisfaction with this practice.
I just wanted Ms Blane to know that if she drops Amazon and migrates to another publisher, please, just let me know. I will be there, in line, money in hand to purchase your writing. If you decide to go to the Seven/Eleven down the street, well, I live in Ga. so I will miss you terribly.
When things get you down it may help to remember that even though we don’t really know you, your readers think the world of you and appreciate your work.
I’m an Amazon user, but I made it clear in my email to them that if they drive away even one of my favorite writers I will be going with them.
I’m wondering if the people reporting typos are even aware that Amazon is threatening to pull your books. I have occasionally contacted writers directly with information on typos so they can make corrections if they choose. I would be horrified if I discovered that I had inadvertently caused problems for an author.
Sorry I hope u have candy too
I was excited to see my pre-order for “A Chip on Her Shoulder” arrive today! I love your books and re-read them when I need cheering up. Please look after yourself, but don’t give up writing until Baily & Quinn’s next book is finished, even if it takes longer than you planned.
Down with trolls!
Quinn & Bailey #3 is going to be postponed a month assuming a promoter is okay with it. I already inquired. I am too damned tired for my schedule, so I picked two books and punted them thirty days. Since I’m halfway done Outfoxed and not even 2,000 words into The Flame Game, the Flame Game got punted, assuming the promoter will approve the date change.
Karat and Bahzell send greetings.
Please pass this on to your female.
I am so sorry the idiots are in full spate right now.
You are one of my favorite writers. I have every preorder that I can get and I will NOT be cancelling any of them. You idiots who cancelled – You WILL be sorry.
RJ, I love your work (and the cat sass) and appreciate every word – typo or not.
Please note – the following is not a complaint, just a statement of fact.
Next year, when your schedule is not so crazy, will be sadder,. There will be fewer of your books, which I really look forward to, but I understand that nobody can keep up this pace.
You NEED the downtime before you damage your health and sanity, assuming we fans have left you any of either. Please ignore what you can and send proper archaic curses in the general direction of those who cannot be ignored.
I will buy your books where I can, when I can. I always want to know “What happened next?” to the interesting people that live in your worlds. Please take care of yourself, so I can find out.
Prayers
I do not see any point in removing my preorders I like your books as they are and those who don’t can in my opinion go suck a dick.
Okay, I’ll admit, I snort laughed at this comment.
You touched my life. From afar, with a story that made me happy! It made me think! It was a gift I cherish. I’m appalled that what you’re going through can happen, I’m so saddened by it. Unjust, poor business and frankly stupid! I truly hope this business practice is abandoned or at least modified, to loose you as an author would be a HUGE loss. I’m sorry.
I’m SO SORRY life is being SO MEAN right now. I truly LOVE your zany books and blog writings (kitty commentary and pics too). Please take a break and allow some love, comfort and peace, to find/fill you. You are loved and special. We can wait. Life has been FULL of unexpected and often unwelcome challenges this year. ☹️ I can reread your fun and funny stories, and try to imagine the fun that might be next for now ?
I don’t think I can improve on what all these lovely people have said. Although I do wish I could make you snort laugh. Turn about is fair play. ? My husband finally read one of your books, Booked for Murder, and I’m hoping you can think of it as a gateway drug. I’m working on him. I’ve been telling him he’d love your books for some time. And he needs a little release right now. This is one of the beauties of your books. And the best part is it’s a gift that keeps giving.
Now, please know you are loved and that your family has grown by leaps and bounds. Please listen to your Auntie Traci and take care of yourself. A little chocolate is okay, but only for medicinal purposes. Of course, our definitions of little may differ, and are subject to interpretation and change at any given moment. Enjoy your moments and we’ll still be here. ? (Feel free to insert any of your favorite things for chocolate as is necessary.)
RJ I will follow you to any other vendor if need be. I read, reread and listen and delisted to your audiobooks. I value your suggestion for other authors.
I value you.
Just keep hanging in there and hopefully this too shall pass.
Love to you and yours
I.am not going anywhere, and certainly not planning to cancel any of my pre-orders! I want more!! As a person who has been stuck inside alone because of Covid, your worlds have been little lights in the darkness. I love the realities you create, and the care you use in interrelating subsequent books in the same series. I also appreciate you taking the time to explain regional differences in word usage. Typos? All books have them. I wouldn’t expect an author to re-issue a hard copy over them, and I don’t expect that of an e-book.
I do appreciate you being willing to put up with Amazon for now, as I am one of those Amazon-only stuck readers (I actually sent the email complaint you suggested). It would be extremely difficult for me to change that at this time. That being said, if you do decide to pull your work I will do my best to figure out how to deal.
If you can, you can usually add the apps for other book stores: Kobo, Nook and Apple iBooks come to mind if your reader has the memory available.
There is also an app called Calibre where you can transfer books from all types to an ereader. It is an ebook organizer library app and it is free although you can donate to the app author if you like it. I have used it for years. Maybe take a look at it.
Hugs from a Canadian RJ Blain fan.
I didn’t even know readers could do that on Amazon! That is a stupid petty thing of them to do. I’ve never noticed any typos in your books and if I did I could care less about them. I love your books and hope you will get through this rough time. If it makes you feel any better other authors have fan issues sometimes too. I follow a well known author on Facebook that has been writing her series since the 1990’s . Some readers have been bugging her for years about when the new book will be out. Of course she’s been writing it for five or six years now. But her books run roughly from 800 to 1000 pages so that’s perfectly understandable it takes time. Authors are talented people and it takes as long as it takes! People nitpick stuff in her books you wouldn’t believe. I guess some people aren’t happy unless they are complaining about something.
I meant to write you earlier and let you know how much I enjoyed Taken. Pat and Jessica are wonderful characters and I loved seeing their relationship a few years after Storm Called. I’m just starting to read your other books (Non Royal States) but I plan to read all of them sooner rather than later. Hope you will start feeling better soon. If you choose to leave Amazon I’ll buy your books wherever they are available. Hope September will be better for you.
Oh, no!
I’m so sorry! I have tomorrow circled on my calendar and the alarm set extra early so I can read Chip on Her Shoulder some before work! I am really truely looking forward to your forthcoming books. I’d order more but I already did. If you need to switch to another platform because Amazon is a butthole, please let us know in enough time to get an account/device organized! Hoping you feel better soon and the idiots leave you in peace.
I’m sorry for the cancellations. People can be stupid and easily offended by the most ridiculous things. Your books are a great escape from the current goings on and have helped enormously during what seems like a never ending lock down in Los Angeles. Please don’t quit.
Yeah. One of my husband’s friends almost died from COVID, and his aunt passed… so lockdown, to me, is 100% necessary and I wish people would sit down, take this seriously, and get that curve flattened. Or, you know, go into full isolation mode and get the spread down to nil. But I don’t see that happening anytime soon. 🙁
I want to go meet people in coffee shops again, but that is not happening until it is safe.
I am sorry you are facing such publishing challenges during a pandemic, fires, floods, etc. If you pull out of Amazon please let your loyal readers, such as me, know where you go. We will follow. Your writing is YOUR creativity. We are blessed you are willing to share it. I have read books on kindle that were a total mess. The authors did not know how to structure a sentence, meanings of words, and just about every other literary offence. Your stories are great!! Off the beaten path and fun!! If you keep writing, I promise to keep reading!! All your stories are worth the time and attention. Please don’t give up entirely. You would be sorely missed. Love and Light, Pamela Hoesing.
The Great and Glorious Grand Dame of Science Fiction, Andre Norton herself, had the occasional typo.
Pfffftt to sucky people. If I have to move my lazy tuccus ( whoops, spelling typo!) to a different platform, well so be it.
So I just went though your book list on Amazon and hit pre-order on all the titles that I missed!
Take that you slimy, soul sucking scum bags aka armchair editors.
Ps. Take care of yourself
Pss. I will follow wherever you go
Psss. Can’t wait for tomorrow
While typos can be annoying I like to think of it as a game. 3I think most books have a typo or three in them. So what! Some people have to complain about everything which probably means they are unhappy and love it when they can complain about inane things. I like to think that there are people out there who can’t spell and think that they are spelling a word right when their spelling is wrong so they will yell too many typos, when there are none.
I love the Sneaky Kitty Critic!! Keep up the good work!!!
I get it. I’m very tired of dragging mobility challenged me into my work, hauling open heavy glass doors, automatic door opener is broken again, and wearing my mask 11 or more hours a day while my CSRs work from home. And trust me, their attitudes haven’t improved — they really feel free to yell with no one but me to hear them when they don’t like something. But I have to keep the roof over the heads of my grandkids, the power on and all the other adulting things. I have scheduled a nervous breakdown for some time in the next 20 years when I can get to it. Hang in there. You are an amazing goddess and we love you.
( ( ( HUGS ) ) )
Wish I / we could help in some way. This is so unfair to you.
It is killing me people are acting like this. If you quit I for one couldn’t blame you but could we become best friends so I can still read anything you doodle?? (And by doodle I mean write what you want and screw anyone else and Amazon) Please?? I can offer treats and a love of cats…
I have never cancelled a pre-order. The only reason I might is if I discover that the date it releases, I really really cannot pay for it. Otherwise, I go ahead and get it. Might not read it right away, might be reading another series right then. But I do not understand people cancelling a pre-order. No matter what armchair terrorists say about a book.
I am appalled that people are cancelling pre-orders. You made a legitimate observation about a tool that is easily abused by trolls. In my opinion those who took offence and cancelled are utter morons and are letting trolls win.
I enjoy your stories very much. They are fun and I’m amazed by your creativity. There were a few stories that I was not sure I’d like but I got them anyway and I found that I enjoyed them too. I hope you are able to keep writing (at a saner pace) and I’m able to read it. I buy your books on Amazon and Kobo. I read Taken yesterday and enjoyed it as much as the first read. Who knew concussion by novel was a thing?
I didn’t know reviews were important. Now that I know I’m making an effort to put in reviews. I hope it helps!
Oh, yes. Reviews are very important. It takes basically six five start reviews to counter a single one star review. And that crap gets frustrating. Negative people are rewarded significantly over at the ‘Zon.
I preorder all of your books, and can’t imagine anyone cancelling, their loss. I was also very glad to see that you postponed two titles, good on you for taking care of yourself. Make sure that these two titles do not make your book total for next year go over your imposed limit. Did you get the hint that I hope you will be writing next year? Honestly I love your books so much that I would appreciate even 2 books a year, if that will make sure you are healthy and happy, you’re No. 1!!!!
Kitty, please tell your human that she is the best author of this genre that I have read in a long time. Also, please tell her that most of out her love all of her books and will definitely go into depression also if the stupid people at Amazon pull her books. Even my husband loves her books! I have reread every last book of hers from every one of her aliases and I truly follow the calendar waiting for the next one. Kitty, could you also tell your human that nobody is perfect and if those armchair wannabe editors think that they are they are wrong! Please go love your human up and purr lots as that makes most of humans feel much better about life.
I read between 8-10 books a week. I often see typos and minor mistakes. It simply would not occur to me to whinge about it. It happens! I really like your books and your newsletters are great. Please ignore those dimwits that have nothing better to do than criticise others who are probably doing something they can’t.
Please keep writing and if you need to take a long break, know that there will be a lot of us happily waiting for your books.
Agree! Well said Eleanor !
please do not let the idiots win! You are one of the few authors who put out an amazing and excellent blog as well as amazing books. Do what you can, when you can and don’t let the idiots bring you down. Most of your readers will be aware of the problems and support you, and even ignore the occasional rant. ?. Stay safe ?
We’re all human, well mostly, don’t worry about the books, I will still buy them when available, several types too, being a book dragon, I love books, but yours are the most fun I’ve read in years, I usually have the kindle version, favorites are also ordered paper, and all audio are in my library via audible.
Take a breather, creating is hard on the body and soul, I write, draw, paint and work full time and it’s hard to balance all, plus I have family stuff to take of.
I know I love a new story, specially of Bailey and Quin, or Pat, Dillan and all the worlds you create, but take your time, it’s not a race, I work in a firm where it’s often a race, and it’s no fun and games. The rat race can wait, Or as I say in French since rat race doesn’t really exist, the rabbits are running. As mentioned before I’ve seen big authors slow down over the years, I’m 56 now, so I’ve around a little while, and It didn’t destroy their career. Take a breather, I had to take a break last year and had to go on medical leave because of the way thingas were going at the office, talk about overwhelming an employee, let’s just say I did the work of 3 for months and got completely exhausted. I’m still recovering, add COVID-19 in the mix, and were all a bit overwhelmed at the moment, so take care of yourself first, and those kitties of your are adorable, take a breather and limit the numbers of books per year, look at Patricia Briggs, Gail Carriger, and others they slowed down their production for quality of product and life. You can’t create if you’re sick, I’m there with you on that, the books will come when they will come, give yourself some wiggle room and time to goof around once an a while. Take care, I adore your stories, but take your time, maybe promote more, translate some, and I love the audiobooks so when you can get them there, but no rush. Just take care of yourself, nobody is perfect, that would be boring, And create when you can, the readers will be there ????
absolute truth about having to consider slowing down productivity, when it costs your health and wellness. it can be a little painful for fans to wait for a title, but we will allways be here to support the authors we adore.
I’m not normally one to comment on things, but a comment seemed to be called for here.
I love your books. They make me smile and laugh. I highly appreciate your gift for helping people get away from the world for a while and sharing some much needed humor. Your books are great. They’re unique, which is harder and harder to find these days. I’ve been impressed by your release date and can only imagine the toll it’s taken on you, as a fellow workaholic that generally works about 100 hours a week with similar crap from my clients, leading to the #1 suicide rate by profession.
I applaud you for realizing the toll this is taking on you and putting yourself first. Books are wonderful, they are a joy, but we are not entitled to them. They’re a gift you give us. Please continue to stand up for yourself and put yourself first and bleep what the critics say (super easy to say and near impossible to do).
In short, you are awesome and I appreciate you. Please take care of yourself. And I’m sure you have many friends out there, but I’d be happy to help if I’m any way I can if possible.
Keep being awesome!
BRAVO! *applause* and seconded.
I cannot believe people are cancelling preorders because you have opinions. My goodness, everyone has an opinion. If a reader is going to cancel a preorder because they don’t like something an author has said, then they would probably be the people who report any “errors” so you don’t need them. I’ve been looking forward to Darlene and Satin’s book for a long time and would never cancel a preorder. As soon as I get off work today, I’m reading Chip.
Love and support to you! ❤️ Even though you don’t know me from Eve and I’m just another blog follower and reader. Things suck right now. I agree with all the things on your list of stuff you are not doing at the moment, but would really like to do!
Susan
this is terrible. stupid human trollish a55holes.
please know that there are more of us fans (feline and human) than there are trolls out there… but They are the noise makers that cause headaches, chaos, and mayhem.
i can’t help but think this is some strange flame war campaign? — do try to remain positive that this flare up will flare itself out, and business as usual will return quickly.
#PawzitiveVibes (rubbing my paws together to make some magic for you and the kitty supervisory committee)
I’m so sorry that readers are nit picking your work. Please do not give up! I love your writing style and sense of humor (The Royal States series is my favorite!!!). If you ever need an unpaid editor I would be there for you in a heartbeat.
I have to admit, I accidentally cancelled a pre-order, then when it didn’t come, I realized what I had done and bought the book ASAP. I am sorry that you thought I didn’t want your humans book. Please tell her that I am sorry, and will try not to screw up again. Sending scratches from afar and good wishes to your human.
Sara
You’re an amazing author and your books rock, and if you take a break you’ll be missed. But you need to take care of you first. Take a break if you need to your fans will understand. And we will have your back no matter what.
I have not and will not cancel any preorders. That is just ridiculous. Some people have too much time on their hands. I don’t care about typos because guess what our eyes and minds fill in the right words. I just finished A Chip on Her Shoulder and I’m already waiting for your next one. Hang in there.