So, what have all YOU been up to?

I made this statement days ago on my public FB page, but obviously, it needs to be posted here.
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Well, if you have the Internet and follow m/m fiction, then you probably know that a few individuals have accused me of plagiarism for Bear, Otter, and the Kid, which was then picked up by a specific blog with a tabloid-like headline. Now, to be fair, I have not read the blog post nor any of the comments that followed there or on GR, but I have been told that it has turned into a kind of free-for-all bashing about me, Dreamspinner, editing, and the m/m genre in general. And, I feel it only fair that it be noted that this same blog did not like BOATK from the beginning. In their initial review of BOATK some months back, they indicated that they felt certain parts of BOATK bordered on pedophilia, while also bashing DSP. Bad reviews don’t bug me. Accusations of pedophilia and plagiarism do. So, take from that what you will about their veracity.

A few points I want to make, and these will be my only comments on the matter.

First, I stand by my work. I did not plagiarize. If you do not believe that (which, appears some people don’t, even some who state they have not read my book, nor have seen the movie, “Shelter,”) then I am not going to spend time trying to convince you otherwise, seeing as how your mind is already set. You are entitled to your opinion as is the rest of the free world. Yes, I have seen Shelter. But the majority of BOATK was based upon my own experiences growing up in Oregon (ironically, about an hour from the coast and a small town called Seaside), but frankly, that’s really none of your business and therefore, I don’t need to share it with you beyond what was already done in BOATK. Again, I stand by my work.

Second, it has been said that I “admitted” to this charge. Bullshit. I made a joke on my own blog on GR in an attempt to make light of the situation which, of course, was taken out of context and spun in such a way that it was used how people wanted to use it. I deleted the comment, as this situation was serious for people. I will remember for future reference that I am not allowed to joke on my own blog, even if it is at my own expense.

Third, to bash me is one thing. To bash my publisher? About ANYTHING? Good Lord. Dreamspinner is one of the most successful publishing houses in the m/m genre for a reason. Is everything they put out perfect? No. But you show me a publishing house that does put out perfection every single time. I am only sorry that they got pulled into this as well and are getting subjected to such a disgusting display from people.

Fourth, to the other authors who have commented against me in this matter, you are entitled to your opinion as well, obviously. Just remember when it is your turn to be in the crosshairs, that it sucks. But you won’t see me commenting against you, nor have I ever. I thought (read: hoped) authors were supposed to be a classy bunch, and for the most part they are. Some are not. To those authors/publishing houses that have commented on this as a means to promote their own books: you suck. Like seriously suck. I will never point fingers (given that old saying that every time you point your finger at someone, you’re pointing three back at yourself), but you know who you are. Glass houses and all that. Please remove yourselves from my fb/gr/blog page, or I can do it when I get around to re-joining the real world. Anyone else who wants to delete me, totally your prerogative, and go for it. I’m not going to hold it against you, as life is too short for grudges.

Fifth, to those that have offered their support, thanks. I think you are all pretty neat, and I will attempt to respond to all of you individually. And, in case people were wondering (undoubtedly some were—conspiracy theorists never tire) I never asked anyone to say anything in my defense, AT ANY POINT. It was of their own free will, and while I think it unnecessary, I still appreciate the sentiment. To those strangers that have emailed me out of the blue things like “You are a cheating asshole” and “I’ve never read your book and I never will because you are a liar” uh… just remember, I have your email now. So much for anonymity, geniuses. And “hate” emails? Really? What are we, thirteen and I’ve stolen your boyfriend? Well, he says I’m prettier than you and that he never liked you anyway.

And lastly, to the comment that resonated with me the most. I was told a poster left the following somewhere to the effect of “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.” Interesting. I never thought I was “big” to begin with, and funnily enough, I haven’t fallen. I am still standing on my own two feet. You just can’t tell because you are so far up on your pedestal that everything looks the same when you look down. You can scream for my blood all you want, but you can’t have it (my god, this is one of those moments I wish I had a fainting couch, just so I can say that line again and then swoon onto it).

Now, if you will excuse me. I have to go finish writing a new story about a guy who ages in reverse. I am calling it The Strange Case of Benji Button. I hope it gets made into a boring three hour movie one day. (that was a JOKE, people, but let’s see how long it takes for it to get twisted around, or any of what I’ve said, for that matter: “Did you hear?!?!?! ZOMG, TJ Klune said he was a pedophile who is going to steal our husbands and he is copying that Brad Pitt movie now!!!!! WHEN WILL IT END?????”)

Moving on.
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I would also like to add that I have enjoyed my time here on GR. Some very good discussions about books.