So Amazon has started this new thing called, simply enough, an author’s blog. Here’s the link to mine. The idea is to write a little something for the readers who have purchased one of that author’s books in the past. If you have ordered something of mine from them, you should see my first post over there when you go to the main page. I don’t intend to post there very often, but when something big happens I’ll put up a few sentences.
Now here’s the thing. If you’re not interested in this newest author-post marketing doodad, you can turn it off. You can control which author posts you get and if you get any at all.
My first post has been up for only two days and one nice thing is that it has directed some readers to this weblog who didn’t know about it before. Of course, there’s always room for the less enthusiastic readers to voice their opinions. Ms. Piper, for example, who took the opportunity to be the first to leave a comment. A Piper protest. A declaration of negative Pintent. Never, never again shall she read any of my work. And why? Because there was a discussion of a review here. She took exception to the review, and to the discussion of the review, and specifically to me.
Listen, people. I hope you like my stories and look forward to the next one. I hope you recommend them to friends who you think might like them, too. But if you find yourself publically admonishing another author because that person encouraged discussion? Step back, please. Reconsider.
UPDATE: Amazon deleted Ms. Piper’s proclamation of protest, and I deleted my response to it.
I went over and read the comment. A bit extreme IMHO. With respect to the discussion of the “other author” that went on here, it only made me more curious to read that particular book (which I am currently reading and enjoying very much). Its only discussion and sharing of opinions and I agree with you Sara, it was not trashing.
I just went over to look at your Amazon blog and the comments. Apparently, Amazon thought Ms. Piper’s comment was a bit extreme as well, because they have deleted it.
Wow,I just checked it too. Gone. Probably for the best.
The step back you requested – what did you mean? I may have to read through the whole ‘other author review’ incident again to get the answer to this, I realize, because I don’t want you to spend valuable grey cells on it, but I wasn’t clear on what you meant. Just curious really. If what Ms. Piper posted wasn’t a way to open a meaningful dialog, then I’d agree she needs to re-think the meaning of “interactive communication” this internet-thingie has re-introduced to the electronically-priveleged of humanity.
As her comment has been taken down, I understand your confusion. Basically she said: I won’t buy any books by Lippi or Donati because she trashes other authors (Gabaldon) on her weblog.
My ‘step back’ was meant just as you imagine.
Was this trashing of Gabaldon the time you said you choose not to write in the first person? Hey, I understand why Piper would be “psst”, imagine choosing to write about Elizabeth instead of as Elizabeth. Also, the fact that you said you choose to do that, who do you think you are the author or something. Carolyn Stucchi
I guess I’m more democratic than religious in my appreciation of fiction genres. I’m often surprised that there are “holy grail” works of fiction and “iconic” authors. You’ve mentioned some controversy or something about Gone With the Wind in the past, and now Gabaldon is apparently an icon. The untouchables? Is this legitimate? Ah, I’m thinking too much again.
I am huge Gabaldon fan but I dont quite understand the icon status either. Her books are great escape reading with wonderful, tangible characters. But everyone has their opinion and if I came across someone who didn’t LOVE Gabaldon it wouldn’t really bother me too much. Sara , does it ever irk you that your writing seems to be compared to that of Diana Gabaldon?