Don't Settle for Cheap Imitations

Copycats Cheat Readers

Bootleg Authors Abound

Ever heard the saying, "Those who can't, teach." *

Well, those who can't write, steal. 

My fans have alerted me to several imposters taking the idea of the Submissive Training Center and attempting to copy it for their own gains. Now, no idea is truly original but when you have enough commonalities between storylines, it becomes painfully obvious that an author is trying to ride on the coattails of another. In my opinion, that is unfair to readers hungry for quality books. You simply cannot write passionate text if you are copying another writer's work.

Another ploy is to use words in a popular title to attract unsuspecting fans. There is a book with Brie in the title. Now, I do not hold a copyright on the name but when the author uses Brie in the title and then tags the poorly written piece of work with my name, I find it offensive. Especially, when fans unknowingly buy the "book" thinking I wrote it.

My advice to readers:  If you read a book that is truly a waste of your time and copies a similar book, take the time to warn other readers. Fellow book lovers will thank you for it.

* BTW I personally disagree with that statement. Go teachers! :)

How Should You Take Bad Reviews as an Indie Author?

You suck!

Bad Reviews, Everyone Gets Them

Bad reviews are inevitable. It is the natural way of things, because people are different and tastes are different. Early on in my writing, I got slammed by readers on B&N. The reviews were harsh and made me question myself as a writer. It forced me to decide why I was writing. Was I writing for others or was I writing for my own enjoyment?

Turns out, I am writing for me. I love bringing my characters to life and seeing how their stories unfold. It is a high like no other. At the time, I chose to ignore the reviews even though they hurt. I chose not to let someone else decide what I would do with my life.

Had I listened to those depressing reviews Luke and Tesse, Dan, Jenny and Ryan, and sassy little Brie would never have been born into the world. Their voices would have remained silent.

Follow you heart, authors. Ebooks allow us to write without anyone losing money if we fail. We have the freedom to let our imaginations soar. Yes, look at the bad reviews to see if there is something you can improve on. You should always be willing to grow. However, don't let it kill your dream if you know you are meant to write.

Something else to keep in mind: The people who write bad reviews are generally not your audience. It is okay if they don't like your work, because they aren't the people you are trying to reach. 

* If you want to check out my nasty reviews (you know you want to), here's a link. FYI, Amy does NOT do her cousin.

The Importance of a Book Review

Spawned by a review.

The Significance of the All Mighty Book Review

As a reader, you hold great power. You can express to the world your thoughts and impressions concerning the book you just read. Most people are busy and even if they like the book, they don't have the time to leave a response. It is a crazy world - it's understandable.

However, when you leave a review you not only help those who are interested in the work, but you can also have an influence on the author as well. In my case, I had a reviewer who left detailed information letting me know exactly what she enjoyed about the story and went on to say that she hoped to see more in that genre.

I was just experimenting with the Dom/sub world and her review of Sensual Erotica: The Flame inspired me to delve into the world with my novelette, Brie's First Day of Submissive Training. The positive response I received concerning the novelette spawned an entire series - all based on that one reader's review.

Until I started writing, I didn't understand the significance of the all mighty book review.

The reader holds great power.