E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 5
June 1, 2024
WRONGFULLY IMPRISONED BY FACEBOOK
Shock and horror.
After almost eight years on Facebook without a single warning, my EG Manetti account was suspended without notice on Saturday, May 25, during the USA holiday weekend. Not because of anything I posted or commented on, but because the Facebook bots cross-wired EG Manetti with an account belonging to a musician in the UK. Someone I do not know.
The loss of a promotional channel is frustrating. Still, it is nothing compared to the heartbreak of the savagely severed connection to my friends, readers, and the author community that has supported my decade-long adventure in indie publication. From my experience this past week, I doubt Facebook will restore EG Manetti.
Railroaded into Facebook incarceration.
On Saturday, 5/25, at 8:30 a.m. (EDT), my phone and iPad exploded with a Facebook Warning notice that I had 24 hours to address a problem before being suspended.
My first reaction was, huh?
Jumping on Facebook, I found the warning and clicked the link. It looked suspicious. When I followed it to the login screen, it looked more suspicious, especially when the access code to continue did not come through to the email associated with my EG Facebook account.
By hovering over the warning link at the top, I could see the profile of the account meant for the warning. I took this screenshot showing the UK account and sent it to Facebook via the ‘something went wrong’ function. I was not optimistic, but I had 24 hours.
The warnings continued to come, and now I was panicked. I tried several more times to reach Facebook through the warning links, even though they were not for my account. The confirmation codes eventually came through, but all they did was take me to EG Manetti, where there were no issues to correct.
Suspended without notice–Saturday, May 25 ~ 1:00 pm
Increasingly frantic, I was going to try the ‘spam’ reporting feature to get Facebook’s attention, but Meta stopped me. They had suspended EG Manetti—not because of whatever was happening in the UK, but because of an Instagram account that was not my account or one I have ever seen.
After taking a long walk to calm down, I gave Facebook a day. I had managed to get several communications through before the suspension, and since it was clearly an error, Meta might correct it overnight.
Meta did not.
Which was, and is, a problem. My June Facebook-dependent activities include the run-up to the 2024 Space Coast Book Lovers convention, with dozens of posts daily in both the author and attendee groups. Several author friends are also helping me promote a 99c sale on my most recent SFR release, CHRYS. Our communications are via Facebook group posts and Instant Messenger (also suspended).
Several hours of internet research confirmed my worst fear—Facebook’s account review and reinstatement process relies on an email Meta sends to the offending account with a link for remediation. An email EG Manetti has never received. Without it, my only recourse was Facebook’s non-responsive ‘report a problem’ feature.
Since it was my only avenue for communication, I wrote a detailed message explaining the problem, including the screenshots. I submitted it through my personal Facebook account and (still) active EG Manetti Instagram account nine times between Sunday, May 26, and Thursday, May 30. I also dusted off an old author account under a different nom de plume and submitted it seven times. So far, there has been no response from Meta.
As of Friday, May 31, 2024, Meta would not accept support request submissions from my accounts.
he conclusion is inescapable. In its complacency and hubris, Meta does not want to know about or address issues with its process. It has zero interest in dealing with its failure related to one obscure author. This is not a new problem. NPR reported it back in 2017.
At this point, I doubt that EG Manetti will be returning to Facebook. To keep up with me:
Join my mailing list for my twice-monthly newsletter—Red Gems
Follow my blog— http://egmanetti.com
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter)— https://twitter.com/egmanetti
Follow me on Instagram— https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
Follow me on TikTok— https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
I’m uncomfortable in front of a camera, but this situation forces me out of my comfort zone, so I’ve started a YouTube channel. It only has some videos built for TikTok, but more to come: https://www.youtube.com/@EGManetti.
May 30, 2024
Indie Spotlight: She Sees Dead People
Ghost whispers are a staple of urban fantasy, and Ava Alexis' contribution to the trope is a welcome addition. The narrative runs from sardonic to humorous to suspenseful to romantic in unpredictable twists and turns. Ivy could be a bit snarky for my taste, but the storyline is so riveting that it kept me turning pages.
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Everybody wants a piece of Ivy, even the dead. Weird shit always happens to her. Dreams she can't explain, an obsession with not staying in one place too long. Oh, and she can talk to the dead. Think psychic medium, not grandma on a bender yelling at gramp's ashes. What? That only happens in her family? Okay sure. We'll go with that.
Ivy occasionally uses her gift to help the dead find emotional closure, but let's be real, emotional closure doesn't pay the rent. Instead, she peddles her sleuthing skills to those left behind. It's a win for everyone. The dead move on, the living find closure, and she makes bank.
That is until Evander Talia stumbles into her life and complicates EVERYTHING.
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May 9, 2024
Indie Spotlight: Magic and Mayhem
The kick-@ss heroine is a staple of urban fantasy and paranormal romance but often she is over-shadowed by a bigger-and-badder hero. Not so in Jami Gray's Shadow's Edge, where Gavin is Raine's match but by no means superior.
Their slow-burn romance adds dimension to the characters without slowing the fast-paced, suspenseful narrative.
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Their slow-burn romance adds dimension to the characters without slowing the fast-paced, suspenseful narrative.
Raine's spent a lifetime hunting monsters, but can she stop her prey from exposing the supernatural community one bloody corpse at a time?
Everyone fears the hunter in the shadows – even the monsters...
Raine McCord, forged in the brutal maelstrom of magic and science, is an elite hunter at home hunting monsters through the murky shadows of the supernatural world of the Kyn. Not an easy task when you're trying to keep the humans ignorant of the existence of creatures typically confined to campfire tales. And gets worse when a series of disappearances and deaths in the Kyn community suggests someone wants to rip the thin veil of secrecy aside and expose the horror lurking behind the curtain.
To even the odds, Raine is forced to partner with another hunter, the sexy and tantalizing Witch-Fey, Gavin Durand. Their partnership proves to be as challenging and dangerous as the prey they hunt. Especially when the trail leads back to the foundation that warped Raine's magic as a child and threatens to resurrect the nightmares of her past.
Determine to stop the threat to the Kyn, Raine and Gavin stalk their prey through a maze of lies, murder, and greed, but will the price they pay be too high?
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April 30, 2024
Indie Spotlight: Steampunk Fairytale Retelling
I love genre-blending/genre-bending fiction that includes sci-fi or fantasy. Lindsey Pogue categorizes her Ruined Lands series as dystopian science-fiction since it takes place a century or so in the future.
However, the societal behavior and technology are more consistent with Victorian-era steampunk fiction. A super intriguing spin on post-apocalyptic science fiction. Add a touch of 'earth magic', a romance that is part Beauty and the Beast and part Jane Eyre; and it is a genre-defying page-turner.
I had some trouble with the conflict between the romantic leads lasting as long as it did due to miscommunication that was obvious and easily corrected by interested characters far earlier in the story. Otherwise, it is a wonderful read.
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However, the societal behavior and technology are more consistent with Victorian-era steampunk fiction. A super intriguing spin on post-apocalyptic science fiction. Add a touch of 'earth magic', a romance that is part Beauty and the Beast and part Jane Eyre; and it is a genre-defying page-turner.
I had some trouble with the conflict between the romantic leads lasting as long as it did due to miscommunication that was obvious and easily corrected by interested characters far earlier in the story. Otherwise, it is a wonderful read.
The Collector is coming.
Centuries ago, the skies turned black. For 300 years, Londoners survived in the dank, underground tunnels of the city, until a stranger from a faraway land offered to save them. Though it wasn't without cost . . . and he has come to collect.
Travel beyond the City of Ruin, through the secret passageways and haunted woods, to a land shrouded in secrets in this atmospheric retelling of Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast.
This is the first book in the richly imagined Ruined Lands, a Forgotten Lands sister series and collection of dystopian fairytale retelling.
*All Forgotten Lands World novels can be read as standalones and in any order.*
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April 17, 2024
Indie Spotlight: Orc Magic
There is an increasing trend in fantasy and paranormal romance to cast orcs as the heroes. In Krista Luna's Bound to the Orc Ranger, the big green guy with tusks is a deadly warrior and cinnamon-roll by turns.
With a mix of action-adventure and rom-com, the story is engaging and creative. And who doesn't love a talking unicorn?
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With a mix of action-adventure and rom-com, the story is engaging and creative. And who doesn't love a talking unicorn?
A wish whisks me away to Faerie, where I have magic! And a “married at first sight” orc husband.
Stuck slinging pizzas in the deadest of dead-end jobs, I make a wish. In a blink, I’m teetering on top of a standing stone in Faerie, where I have magical powers!
And monsters fighting over me!
Thank god, the orc wins. A fierce and deadly warrior, Rovann's nothing but gentle with me.
I’m stunned when he claims me as his moon bound bride, saying we’re already magically matched and married. I never imagined being wed to a stranger, even one that makes my heart flutter. When I tell him humans don’t work like that, Rovann vows to woo me.
No matter what it takes.
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April 3, 2024
Indie Spotlight: BDSM Romantic Suspense
Four retired Navy Seals start a BDSM resort but need outside expertise to make it work. Enter the first of the romantic interests, the marketing and public relations expert. Keeping everything interesting, someone with a grudge is targeting the resort, requiring the retired seals to pull out their military skills.
Although the road to the HEA is clear from the outset, the journey is entertaining, and the smexy is more kinky than BDSM.
I enjoyed the second in the series more than the first, but both are enjoyable reads.
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Although the road to the HEA is clear from the outset, the journey is entertaining, and the smexy is more kinky than BDSM.
I enjoyed the second in the series more than the first, but both are enjoyable reads.
Kendra Hall is a fixer. As far as Mark Luciano is concerned, nothing in his life needs fixing—not him, and certainly not his business.
As part owner of Club Apocalypse, a resort catering to those who share certain proclivities, he’s perfectly happy with the small, select clientele they’ve curated. He doesn’t need some fancy suit telling him how to run his business—even if the advice is coming from the most stunning woman he’s ever seen. Worse, she’s right more than she’s wrong.
When he discovers that behind closed doors Kendra enjoys taking orders rather than giving them, their relationship takes a turn he never expected.
But trouble is coming for Club Apocalypse. If Mark can’t learn that sometimes even the Master must bend, he risks losing everything he’s worked to build.
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March 27, 2024
Meet EG at the 2024 Space Coast Book Lovers Convention!
2024 Space Coast Book Lovers Agenda
4 DAYS OF BOOK-ISH EVENTS AND AUTHOR INTERACTION!
FREE ADMISSION BOOK-SIGNING EVENT SATURDAY, 6/22!
AGENDA & TICKETS
It’s my first time at this event, so the agenda and activities are new to me. I will be there all 4 days, and plan to sign-up for the author interaction events. The current agenda shows the final event the night of Saturday, 6/22, but the organizers have indicated there is a breakfast event, Sunday 6/23.
More to come as the organizers get the agenda fully squared away.
Quality paperbacks of all my titles will be available for sale and signing at the Saturday afternoon event–at a discount off regular retail.
Pre-order and get a bigger discount.
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March 14, 2024
Indie Spotlight: Semi-historical PNR
Once upon a time, in something that loosely resembles Regency England, a duke rescued a damsel from a terrible fate. Except he's a mage and has two life long friends and all three of them get the girl.
Until she is kidnapped. By evil fae. There's torture. And a dragon.
Somehow, Minette Moreau makes it all work and the ending is both satisfying and not predictable.
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Until she is kidnapped. By evil fae. There's torture. And a dragon.
Somehow, Minette Moreau makes it all work and the ending is both satisfying and not predictable.
As a child I believed in magic. As a woman, I believe only in the power within me.
The Duke of Denforth has made me his bride, and from him I've received so much more than the title of Duchess. It seems the world is full of wonders beyond any fantasy, and instead of one husband I now have three: the Duke and my guardians, Moses and Liam.
The scandalous passion I share with these men is white hot and undeniable, each of them seeking to explore my every secret. But when a sinister force who would use my power for evil takes me from them, it will be up to me and me alone to embrace who I am, and harness my gifts once and for all.
I am Lily Archer: Duchess, wife, lover, dragon charmer, undefeatable warrior. And nothing I've ever feared will keep me from returning home to the men I love.
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March 11, 2024
FLETCHER: Thornscore, Volume 2 is Available for Pre-Order!
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FLETCHER
Once a galaxy-renowned Moon Racer, Fletcher’s competitive career ended in the battle for the Thirteenth System. Shot down over Bright Star Deuce, he was fortunate to survive, his left arm and leg replaced with state-of-the-art prosthetics. Now only half a warrior, his metal limbs cost him the milliseconds in reaction time needed for successful competition.
One of the first flyers to explore the Thirteenth System, he is relegated to testing new technologies for Serengeti. When one of the flyer technologies becomes critical to Thirteenth System colonization, he is the first to volunteer. Eager to rebuild his future, he has no time to be distracted by a beguiling protege. Clarice, a former apprentice, has risen in the ranks of Serengeti and Thornscore. He has known her for years, but protocol prevented him from recognizing her as a woman. Until now.
CLARICE
Once a mere apprentice, her skill, courage, and honor promoted Clarice to legalistics protégé. Through years of deprivation, she learned to value every success. Years of humiliation have conditioned her to weigh every relationship for benefit and never risk her heart.
Handsome, charismatic, and a warrior of impeccable lineage, Fletcher Detrenti has been on the periphery of her life for half a decade. She admired his bravery, respected his honor, and enjoyed his easygoing nature. She was shocked by the withdrawn and taciturn man who returned from war. Bound for the Thirteenth System in his company, she cannot resist the pull between them.
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March 1, 2024
FLETCHER Cover Reveal 3/7: Newsletter only!
Want the first look at the FLETCHER Cover?
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FLETCHER
Once a galaxy-renowned Moon Racer, Fletcher’s competitive career ended in the battle for the Thirteenth System. Shot down over Bright Star Deuce, he was fortunate to survive, his left arm and leg replaced with state-of-the-art prosthetics. Now only half a warrior, his metal limbs cost him the milliseconds in reaction time needed for successful competition.
One of the first flyers to explore the Thirteenth System, he is relegated to testing new technologies for Serengeti. When one of the flyer technologies becomes critical to Thirteenth System colonization, he is the first to volunteer. Eager to rebuild his future, he has no time to be distracted by a beguiling protege. Clarice, a former apprentice, has risen in the ranks of Serengeti and Thornscore. He has known her for years, but protocol prevented him from recognizing her as a woman. Until now.
CLARICE
Once a mere apprentice, her skill, courage, and honor promoted Clarice to legalistics protégé. Through years of deprivation, she learned to value every success. Years of humiliation have conditioned her to weigh every relationship for benefit and never risk her heart.
Handsome, charismatic, and a warrior of impeccable lineage, Fletcher Detrenti has been on the periphery of her life for half a decade. She admired his bravery, respected his honor, and enjoyed his easygoing nature. She was shocked by the withdrawn and taciturn man who returned from war. Bound for the Thirteenth System in his company, she cannot resist the pull between them.
Updates, Special Offers & Freebies
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Don't miss the first volume in The Twelve Systems Spin-off Series; THORNSCORE
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FLETCHER
Once a galaxy-renowned Moon Racer, Fletcher’s competitive career ended in the battle for the Thirteenth System. Shot down over Bright Star Deuce, he was fortunate to survive, his left arm and leg replaced with state-of-the-art prosthetics. Now only half a warrior, his metal limbs cost him the milliseconds in reaction time needed for successful competition.
One of the first flyers to explore the Thirteenth System, he is relegated to testing new technologies for Serengeti. When one of the flyer technologies becomes critical to Thirteenth System colonization, he is the first to volunteer. Eager to rebuild his future, he has no time to be distracted by a beguiling protege. Clarice, a former apprentice, has risen in the ranks of Serengeti and Thornscore. He has known her for years, but protocol prevented him from recognizing her as a woman. Until now.
CLARICE
Once a mere apprentice, her skill, courage, and honor promoted Clarice to legalistics protégé. Through years of deprivation, she learned to value every success. Years of humiliation have conditioned her to weigh every relationship for benefit and never risk her heart.
Handsome, charismatic, and a warrior of impeccable lineage, Fletcher Detrenti has been on the periphery of her life for half a decade. She admired his bravery, respected his honor, and enjoyed his easygoing nature. She was shocked by the withdrawn and taciturn man who returned from war. Bound for the Thirteenth System in his company, she cannot resist the pull between them.
Updates, Special Offers & Freebies
Sign up for Red Gems
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Don't miss the first volume in The Twelve Systems Spin-off Series; THORNSCORE
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FREEBIES !
