I've Been Robbed

The other day, I was surfing the internet, and found an interesting article about the pirating of eBooks. Being an author, this interested me, so I checked it out.













And got nervous.



Then I went and did some more poking around some sites that were less than reputable, and I got mad.



Because my book was on there. And had been downloaded. Over 400,000 times. I even found what date these files were uploaded to these sites. June 20, 2012. That's a whole heck of a lot of downloads, isn't it? Too bad I can't claim those the next time I speak to an agent. Or editor. I just don't think it would be too good to say...





"Yes ma'am! I've had almost 500,000 copies stolen from me!"



(Not like stealing my dreams right from under me, right? Thanks, pirates. I appreciate it.)



I went back to these sites this morning, (I took screen shots so I could find them again. Life called me away from the computer so I couldn't get to it right then), and low and behold, guess what's different? Yep. You guessed it. I can't find those same sites now.



What to do, what to do...



I could sit here and ring my hands together, crying out to God to protect my precious books. I mean, hey. We're a single income family that has struggles just like anyone else. I make my own laundry soap and cleaning supplies to help save money, for crying out loud! I cook from scratch, (it's cheaper and much more healthy) and I shop at all the bargain shops like Goodwill (lovingly called The Boutique). I even make my daughter and my dresses for church. (The only reason I don't sew for our son is, well, frankly, there's just not much in the boy pattern department.)



I know there are always going to be dishonest people. I know people are going to steal my things. Things I worked hard to accomplish. Things I labored, prayed, and agonized over. This is a part of our world today. Unfortunate as it is.



So this is what I *Choose* to do.



- I will pray that each of these books will touch hearts for Christ.

- I will pray that God will use each of these for His honor and glory. Because it's His anyway.

- I will pray for the right heart attitude.

- I will continue to write for Him.

- and I will form a massive man-hunt for every one of those people who stole from me and infect their computers with pukey green jello...



See, every book I've written has the plan of salvation in it. And according to the Bible, God's Word won't return void. So guess what? I've just become a missionary and I didn't have to leave my home to accomplish it.



I don't do this because I'm a super, Holier-than-thou Christian. Um, absolutely not! If you know me, you know pretty well that I'm a mess-up. I get angry. I get frustrated. I get downright evil.



But I know something else...



I'm. Not. Perfect.



Just forgiven

And I choose to forgive those that have wronged me. Because the King of kings once forgave this pitiful, wretched sinner.



*Note to my beautiful friends and readers: If you find a site where you can download one of my books for free, email me at: kjv1611as at gmail dot com, send me the link and I will enter your name into a monthly $50 Amazon.com giftcard drawing. No questions asked, and no expiration date!*



Want to see what they've stolen? Check Here and Here

Understand why they were stolen now? I mean, $2.99 is a pretty steep price for a full-length, best-selling novel. (Please excuse my cynicism)




Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com