This Week’s Rants and Raves
On the weekends, we decided we’re just going to chit-chat about the events in our week and hope you’ll join along on our rants and raves. This week, Leslie and Julie take to the vines–it’s sort of like listening in on one of our phone calls!
Leslie: Okay, I had a couple of very nice moments this week, including finding out two of my books are finalists in the National Reader’s Choice Awards. That was really nice, especially since I haven’t finaled in that one in quite a while–since I won with my first book in 99. So, thumbs up for that. And I got to see my beautiful oldest daughter playing the lead role in her school play. She’s a dream kid, you know? Sweet, absolutely no angst, a very cool, down-to-earth, extremely open-minded, eclectic girl. And she’s wonderful on stage! I can’t believe she’s going away to college in a few months…but that’ll be a rant come August, I guarantee it. Actually it’ll be a sob session. So I’ll quit there. Sniff.
Now, thumbs down. I think I could have lived my whole life without finding out firsthand how badly it sucks to be plagiarized. It’s pretty shocking how often this happens–including to three of us monkeys. Imagine my surprise when I found a cute & adorable online read I did a few years ago, for eHarlequin lifted & reprinted in its entirety on a fanfic site with the names changed. Everything else verbatim. Presented as someone else’s work!
Grr…I am surprised my head is still attached to my neck because I was furious enough for it to blow through the roof and bring down a 747 passing over my house.
My publisher is on the case and I just need to put it past me, but wow, talk about the kind of experience you just don’t ever want to have.
That said, seeing my not-so-little girl on stage and feeling my already ample chest grow about 3 sizes in pride does somehow slap that bit of nastiness right out of my realm of existence.
Speaking of Rants ‘n’ Raves, be sure to come back Monday because I intend to rant and rave about one of my favorite topics…sex! It’s gonna get steamy in the jungle.
Julie: Leslie, been there, done that on the plagiarism. And like yours, mine was at a soap opera fan fiction site. Oh, don’t get me started on fan fiction. I might just start something very ugly. But when you’ve had an entire book lifted (yes, someone took one of my books and typed practically the whole thing in, then changed the names to Jax and Brenda and added new scenes and THEN even put MY name on it like I should be HONORED by this travesty), your attitude takes a serious turn for the worst in regards to this type of publishing. If plagiarism has happened to both of us this way, how could it not be incredibly rampant? Like I said, don’t get me started.
The only person I can really rant on this week is me. I got caught up in so much minutiae, including fighting with the Waste Management people because they stole my garbage can. Look, the thing probably cost all of five bucks, but it was the last straw. These guys CONSTANTLY put my garbage cans in the middle of my driveway so I have to get out of the car and move them to park.
No biggie, right? Except when it’s raining. So I complain. The next week? They put my NEIGHBOR’s can in my driveway. Dead center. I complain again. This goes on for months. Finally, when my can is stolen, I’ve had enough. I call my county commissioner. He gets the WM people on the phone–supervisor promises me a gift card to replace it. Right away. Tomorrow even. Ha! Three weeks go by, but I’m not letting this go…principles and me being the fighter and all that. The guy won’t return my call, but I finally hook up with a customer service rep named Kelly who is a red-head like me (okay, mine’s from a bottle, but it still counts) and she’s stubborn and she’s going to fix this. She finally gives up on the supervisor who made the initial promise and goes to a supervisor in the field, a wonderfully polite and professional young man named Lewis. He brought me a $10 gift card to Walmart. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I don’t shop at Walmart. I’ll give it as a gift to someone. Maybe a tip to the recycling guy who NEVER blocks my driveway with my cartons! But I won, that’s all that matters, right? It’s just that I spent WAY too much time on this. But if someone is wrong, they should apologize/make restitution. And if you say you’re going to do something–do it. Is that really a hard concept for people YOU PAY FOR A SERVICE to comprehend?
A rave…a rave? Oh! I had lunch with my cousin and my sister in law yesterday at this cute little Mexican place by our houses (we all live about five minutes from each other in three different directions.) This is the kind of thing I never get to do because I’m always on deadline. Well, I took the time out. We saw about ten people we knew (collectively) and it just reminded me how much I love where I live. Everyone knows everyone, even though it’s a large suburb of a relatively big city. Love, love, love where I live. And damn, the service at this restaurant was AMAZING. I’ve never had such fabulous service. Fun and friendly. I will go back again…which I’m sure was the manager’s entire point of training his staff so incredibly well.
Oh, and on another rave, thanks to Leslie for helping me brainstorm this week. I have a very, very secret project I’m working on and she helped me brainstorm that one last week. This week it’s a little “witchy” novella. I like my story. I’ve been combing through baby books to get names. Her name will be Regina. Reggie for fun. Still working on him. He’s dark and brooding and mysterious and very, very dangerous.
Hi Leslie,
First congrats on your daughter. You must be so proud. My children are older but I used to love to see them participate in their events. And yes, you will be having a sobfest when she goes away to college. But with time, it does get better each time.
2ndly, sorry about the plagarism thing. I dont know how people think they can get away with it. Hopefully your attorney/publisher will get it taken care of to your satisfaction.
Just loved She’s Got the Look and She Drives Me Crazy!!! Looking so forward to Here Comes Trouble. Love the cover.
Have a wonderul weekend everyone. It is cold and damp here. We had several wonderful days in NY. Now back to awful weather for several days.
Truth be told, Leslie’s voice is Leslie’s voice. Nobody can copy anyone that good! Let Legal handle it and move on to writing more great books, Les!
Good morning ladies,
First off, Carly I hope your migraine goes away soon. It seems like you battle with those dreadful things constantly.
Now Leslie & Julie, I can not believe people have taken your books and used them as their own on fanfic sites. I just can’t believe how numb some people are to do something like this and actually have the gall to post it on the internet as their own. I mean people who have read your books and come across these stories have contacted these people to let them know what they are doing is wrong I am sure. Sorry you have had to deal with it firsthand though…that must really bite!
Okay, now I know I just started posting yesterday due to shyness. As you can see that is long gone…LOL!! I am a very determined person and after you asked what the (~) icon was I HAD to find out. I looked on a few sites and they all have it as a filmstrip. Hope that helps.
Thanks, Kelly. A filmstrip? Now I’ll have to find a good way to use it! (And I’m so glad you’re not shy anymore! We can’t have that here in the jungle!)
Yes, my readers did recognize my writing…in fact, it was a reader who alerted me the second time (I think) that my work went up under fan fiction. The first time, I found it through a Google search. But the oddest part is that when a reader (or I) posted on the fan fic message board about this, we were ATTACKED. I have an old blog about it at my Marisela site, if you’re interested in the gory details. (Now that I think about it, it might have been the other way around–a reader alerted me the first time and I found the second time via Google. Doesn’t matter except I really love this reader for her courage in contacting me and for taking up my cause.)
In several other cases of plagiarism (it’s rampant), it has been readers who have contacted the authors. A librarian in one case, too. Those readers have no idea how helpful they are and how much authors appreciate their keen eyes!
Plagiarism is a real hot button for me. For obvious reasons!
Leslie: Congrats to your daughter and on being a finalist! (y)
Julie: I know what you mean about the trash can thing. Our garbage men do it too. The only problem is we live on a main road at the bottom of a hill, so when we have to stop to move trashcans we risk getting hit by cars that don’t slow down or see us. They also have a habit of putting our cans in the road…not fun to try to get when there is a lot of traffic, not to mention the accidents it could cause. Sorry for joining in on the rant…it just irks me sometimes. (n)
Pat, thanks so much! I’m so glad you’ve liked my books. I actually like the top half of the cover of Here Comes Trouble. Not so crazy about the people in the cockpit…Max is waaaayyy hotter than that.
Carly…thanks again for being so supportive through this. I know you’re right and my head is firmly on my shoulders again.
:)
Welcome, Kelly, no being shy here! And Jennifer, please, join in and rant all you want. That’s what today’s all about.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. It’s already hot and steamy here.
Leslie
Yes, Jen, please! Rant away! This is a chance to cleanse your weekend of all the week’s frustrations!
I hear you on the garbage men. I wasn’t going to complain again and said to my father, “I know they make only $5 a hour,” to which he replied, “those guys make a hell of a lot more than that, and even if they didn’t, they should take pride in their job.” Now, my dad is entirely self-made. My grandfather, my father and my great-uncle started a foundary back in 1947 when my dad was just a kid. It’s hot, dirty work–and we still have the foundary (as well as a world class machining center) all these years later. My three brothers work for them, as does my mom…and I did too before I became a full time writer. His attitude convinced me there is no excuse for laziness. So call your waste management people and complain! You pay for the service. You shouldn’t have to put your life at risk to get your cans!
I meant to also add Julie into my comments, that her voice (any author’s voice) and words belong to THEM. It’s an amazement to me that people fail to respect this.
Thanks for making me feel so comfortable here. Honestly the reason I have been a little shy has to do with EXACTLY what you have both(Julie & Leslie) have been ranting about today. I am not going to say it happens on all message boards, but on the few that I used to frequent (before having my 2 year old ….there just isn’t enough time now. :) ) They are extremely cliquey (?sp I have no clue if I butchered that word or if it even is a word LOL!) And you are absolutely right, when these people post a story on a board as their own, they too have a following of sorts. So when anyone posts something against the story in question it snowballs into an attack. The whole thing really is crazy. One person actually had the gall to say “I am sure the author would feel proud her work is good enough to copy.” Luckily I was friends with the girl running the board and told her she needed to pull the story pronto! Which she did. I guess when you have such a loyal following which you all do, people are willing to take on the attack of words for you in order to set things right.
In a perfect world this wouldn’t happen again. But if it does, rest assured your readers are fiercly protecting your work.
Well, I think I have done enough ranting for the day….I need to get my butt in gear and get my errands done. My daughter wants some outdoor time before the rain comes in from New York. Have a great rest of the day everyone.
I’ll make this short and sweet.
Leslie congratulations for you and your daughter. My oldest daughter started college just this past fall semester so I know what you are in for. You will survive. :)
My thoughts on plagiarism….there ought to be a way to fine the person that stole your work. They might think they are honoring you in some crazy way but unless permission has been asked beforehand it is Stealing and will always be stealing.
Oh and Julie “Bravo” on seeing the trash can problem through to the end. Those folks at the top of the waste heap probably expected you to drop the problem and buy yourself a new trash can. I think you should have written lettter to the editor of your local paper. I bet after one person said something the paper would be filled with lots of embarrassing letters to the editor. The one thing the people at the top of an organization hate is open public scrutiny.
Y’all have a great weekend. :d
(y) Great site you guys! I’m adding it to my favs.
My rave is about plotmonkeys. :) I absolutely love it! It is a real gift to your faithful readers. A big (y) The best part is getting to know four of my favorite writers better. What could possibly be better than that?!
Thanks for a chance to rant!
Here is my rant for this week. I am unemployed, have been job hunting since about the middle of January–it is getting weary & financially very tough! No money to buy books!! :) Anyway, I interviewed for a job right here in town where I live, no commute–a big positive. I was called back for a 2nd interview (yea) and was told a decision would be made by Wednesday. Wednesday came & went with no word so I called to leave a message for the person whose administrative assistant I would be–she has not had the courtesy to call me back. Obviously I did not get the job but at least have the courtesy to call back when someone calls & leaves a message. This happened a month or so ago also with another job I was very interested in, the person I interviewed with even gave me her card & said call her–I did, no response. Do they have a clue how hard that is when you are job hunting!!! This really ticks me off. How hard is it to pick up the phone & say they chose someone else they thought was a better fit.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Leslie, I am one of those people that can’t understand why everyone gets so upset when their children grow up & leave home. She is only going away to college. Be very proud that you have raised a wonderful human being that is ready & eager to take the next step in her life. Let her fly, she will do well knowing that she is loved & has a family at her back. It makes me wonder if I am lacking a particular gene!! Both of my daughters are grown with their own families & I relish the wonderful adults they are–I must have done something right! :)
I just don’t understand someone that would steal another’s work & think it is a compliment. I really dislike dishonesty. I have never hear of fan fic & I’m glad!!
Plotmonkeys, this is a great site. Keep up the good work. Thanks again for letting me rant.
Donna M :)
Congrats Leslie on your books being finalists! (*) (*)
Congrats also on your daughter’s school play. You must be so proud! (y)
I can’t believe about the plagiarism that goes on. That is so not cool. (n)
Hope you all have a great weekend! (l)
Donna, big hugs on the job situation. Yes, I think it’s very rude to say you’re going to make a decision and then not tell you once it’s made.
And honestly, I am very proud of my girl. I just know I’m going to miss her terribly! Especially since she’ll be living about a thousand miles away. She’s such a major part of our family, we will all feel her absence.
Thanks again everyone for visiting on a busy Saturday!
Leslie
congrats on the nominations! you deseve it leslie
Kelly wrote: One person actually had the gall to say “I am sure the author would feel proud her work is good enough to copy.” Luckily I was friends with the girl running the board and told her she needed to pull the story pronto! Which she did.
Bless you, Kelly. That is EXACTLY what happened to me. I was trashed on the bulletin boards because I should have been honored, and they all wanted to go out and buy the book. Well, the book was out of print, so buying it used wasn’t helping me while the stealing of my words had hurt a great deal.
Donna, hugs on the job. Again, it goes down to taking pride in doing what you say you’re going to do–even if it’s hard. If they had no intention of calling you back, they should have told you that up front. I hope you find something soon!
Susan, I’m honored to be anyone’s favorite author. I just hope everyone keeps coming back!
Julie & Leslie, thanks for the support! I appreciate it. :)
Donna M