In response...

As many of my blog readers have already noticed, yesterday’s post about love triangles has sparked quite a bit of discussion, both on Blogger (the original post) and on Facebook in particular. I’m so thrilled by the discussion and I continue to encourage anyone with an opinion (on love triangles in general, or on the debatable existence of one in the Soul Screamers books in particular) to share it.

Please note, however, that yesterday’s post was not a statement (nor was it a hint) about the romantic relationships in future Soul Screamers books. I haven’t made such a comment, and I won’t, because I don’t want to spoil the books for anyone. It’s that rabid conjecture that makes books (particularly YA, in my opinion) so much fun.

However, there was a downside (for me, anyway) to the discussion. I woke up to a rather frustrating comment which, in my opinion, goes beyond the bounds of gracious discussion or disagreement. I’ve allowed the comment to be posted because I don’t believe in censorship, even to spare myself some embarrassment.

I’ve considered responding to the comment all day (though I’ve also been working, I swear!) and originally wrote a long response trying to explain the intent behind my original post. But I’ve deleted that response because I realized, after some wise counsel, that it’s not needed. I don’t need to defend myself for sparking discussion (something beyond “cute little anecdotes”) on my own blog.

But I have decided to respond, briefly, and I invite those interested to read the comment (which I’m pasting below) along with my own abbreviated response. This is what I have to say, and this is all I have to say. I hope you can all understand that.

From Anonymous to Rachel:

Honey I like your writing but I don't like your attitude. I don't think your
intent was to lecture, but your post seemed to me to have that tone. If I wanted
a lecture I'd go back to college for another degree. Stick to updates, the cute
little anecdotes and leave the condescending tone for your private blog not your
commercial one. It may be a blog, but there is a certain point after which you
overstep your authority as an author and become that know-it-all,
mightier-than-thou person no one wants to listen to.

You write for a younger audience. You're going to get a lot of whiny children, especially when you open
yourself up in this sort of fashion. You need to learn when to brush it off and let it go.

Anonymous,

First, I’m sorry that you felt you needed to comment on my blog anonymously. There really is no need for that. I don’t hold grudges, I respect others’ opinions, and I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, especially on the internet, where it’s particularly hard to judge someone’s tone.

That said, I do resent being called “honey” by someone I don't know, and whose tone I can't easily interpret. I take offense on behalf of my readers, whom you've called "whiny children." My readers are not whiny, nor could most of them be classified as children; they're mostly teens and adults—intelligent, thoughtful readers who are both passionate and eager in their curiosity.

However, I would like to thank you for putting some things into perspective for me. The fact that a condescending anonymous comment on my blog is my biggest problem today reminds me how very fortunate I am, and I am grateful to you for that reminder.

And I am so incredibly grateful to the readers who have made this career—such a huge part of my life—possible. As always, you are welcome here, to question, to comment, to discuss, and even to disagree with me.

Thank you for reading.