Really?

I'm sure this post will get me into hot water but sometimes a person has to defend themselves.

I was just accused of plagiarizing FSOG by another author. Really? Plagiarism? That's a little harsh isn't it?

Plagiarism by definition is: to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source

:to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

So tell me readers who have actually read my entire trilogy: Is The Art of D/s a plagiarized work of FSOG?

Was my work inspired by FSOG? Most definitely. But it was also inspired by books by Cherise Sinclaire and Red Phoenix and several other erotica authors whom I respect deeply, however, I would never outright steal work from another author's hard work.

Out of respect and common decency, I will not name the author or even point to the direction where this accusation is posted, but let me say, I'm beyond irritated. And because I don't want to come off as a total douche bag, I'm not even going to respond to the actual post for fear of what repercussions might ensue.

Okay. Thanks for listening (stomping out of room).
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Published on July 08, 2013 23:35 Tags: ella-dominguez
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message 1: by Charmaine (last edited Jul 08, 2013 11:49PM) (new)

Charmaine Stephens As a reader/blogger who has read and love the fifty shades trilogy and the art of domination books. I don't see any plagiarism. Whoever said that must clearly not know what plagiarism means to begin with lol I wouldn't sweat it. I could tell the art books were inspired by fifty shades. But I still think you gave its own twist & feel and made it into its own thing. I didn't feel like it was riding coat tails or trying to ride the fifty hype like other books have done. I will say a book I just finished called "Driven" I could tell was riding the fifty coat tails. But I honestly never felt that with your books. Isa and Ana are totally different. Ana was more meek, reserved, naive and innocent at first. Isa is the complete opposite of that. Ana never dominated christian at times like Isa does Dylan. No worries about whoever the author is. Authors, readers, bloggers, etc.. Should support one another not try to tear the other one down. Don't let it bother you.


Elizabeth (Perusing Princesses) Seriously?? The Art of D/s trilogy being plagiarized for FSOG is sooooo far fetched...it isn't even on the same planet....

It doesn't even come close.... I mean seriously???


message 3: by Lisa (new)

Lisa Plain and simple...IT IS NOT!!! Sorry you have to go through this Ella.


message 4: by Eliza (new)

Eliza That's rubbish! Pure and simple. It's easy for me to say but don't even allow yourself to get worked up over it. You have produced something that so many have found enjoyment it, I wouldn't let someone who doesn't get it spoil that for you. xo


message 5: by Diana (new)

Diana My only thoughts after reading your post is have they read both series??? The only thing both books have is BDSM,and not even in the same way. So there for any book about a girl with brown hair must be plagiarizing Twilight!!!


message 6: by Lewlin (new)

Lewlin Plagiarizing FSOG?? Really?? That's actually quite laughable to be honest although I can imagine it upset you being accused of that especially by another author.

I think people misunderstand what plagiarized actually means!!

Your books are far better written than FSOG and apart from the obvious BDSM theme, they are a world apart!


message 7: by Dawn (new)

Dawn Obviously that person hasn't read your trilogy! Whoever it is, they're jealous.


message 8: by Shelley (new)

Shelley Clearly whoever told you that has not read your books. They are nothing like FSOG. While I enjoyed FSOG, I REALL, REALLY enjoyed your books!! <3
It appears that this person had way too much time on their hands!
Keep your head up & keep the faith!!


message 9: by Laylaw (new)

Laylaw WOW- Ella, sorry that some tool obviously can't understand what they read as FSOG if different that ART of S/D/C. I have read both series and I didn't go "Of that sounds like FSOG" Or vice/versa. In fact they are completely separate and different in everyway to me. I have read lots of books that do have some correlation to FSOG- but those were obvious, yours NO WAY. Don't let the haters bring you down. You are too awesome for those jelly people. :)


message 10: by Elexis (new)

Elexis Just because they're both erotica, doesn't mean they are in any way ,shape, or form the same. I agree with some posts above, I have read a lot that reminded me of FSOG , but I think it was more because I hadn't read any BDSM books before that (so I had nothing to compare to at all). Your trilogy, in my eyes, was nothing like FSOG. They are their own stories, and people need to stop pointing fingers where they don't belong and stick to where they do. There was just a huge plagiarism issue recently... Maybe whomever said this to you should go read into it and see what it actually is.


message 11: by Mx3 (new)

Mx3 Every book that is out there is accused of copying FSOG if they have a BDSM theme, some one posted Anne Rice's Beauty series of copying Shades.

I see no similarities between the two except the BDSM theme it features a male and female.

I keep my thoughts and fingers off the keyboard when I see yet another poster claiming that this or that author copied Shades when in fact that author "borrowed characters "and wrote around them and made millions.


message 12: by Swm (last edited Jul 09, 2013 09:01AM) (new)

Swm That's the most ridiculous thing I've read in a long time! They aren't even close to being similar other than BDSM and Isa and Dylan are WAY more into it than C and A. I really love both trilogies and they are so different which tells me this author didn't even bother to read one or both sets of books. Don't worry about it Ella. Let whoever it is stew in their own misery. And while we're at it, E.L. James didn't invent this genre of erotica novels. I also know she derived her ideas from existing books as well. We all need to support each other,not be petty.


message 13: by AD (new)

AD REALLY!!!!??? That's just a pile steaming dog crap. Obviously this person doesn't know what plagiarism really is. While reading The Art of D/s (which I enjoyed far more than FSOG ;}) there wasn't one time where I was like "oh! That reminds of FSOG." It's too bad that some people can be so petty and callous.


message 14: by Ella (new)

Ella Dominguez I guess because my book features a wealthy man and a somewhat naive (but most definitely not virginal) female they think its a knock off. They didnt finish the first book which is fine and they are allowed to viice their opinion and review, however, no one should use a word like plagiarism lightly or accuse someone of such a thing if they don't even know its true definition

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement.


message 15: by Marissa (new)

Marissa WHAT?! I cant even believe someone would accuse you of plagiarism and let alone another author.....that is beyond disgusting. I cant imagine what your feeling right now...your books are something special and you definitely do not need haters bringing you down and making you feel bad for YOUR ideas. Your series and FSOG series are completely different except for the BDSM element which is in millions upon millions of books and the fact that the guy is a millionaire which is in millions of books as well. You have a great fan base; let your novels and your fans speak for your because they both are saying the same thing: you are an amazing writer and we definitely need more! :)


message 16: by Ashley (new)

Ashley Harden No way! Ive read your books and FSOG definitely not plagiarism. I know it happens but people need to be careful throwing around those kind of accusations or they can end up in a world of mess :/ keep writing! love your books!


message 17: by BookLover (new)

BookLover NO! That is all. :) Keep up the great writing, Ella!


message 18: by Traviesa (new)

Traviesa So sorry to hear that Ella! It's pretty sad of that person especially when they didn't even finish the first book. Your series is totally different from FSOG. There are a ton of books out there that features a wealthy man..hell just look up the word billionaire and see how many stories pop up! Now majority of those are very similar to FSOG. Are those too knock off's? That person obviously doesn't know the meaning and needs to think things through carefully before opening their big mouth!


message 19: by Mx3 (new)

Mx3 While this "author " is looking up the definition of plagiarism, she should look up libel too.


message 20: by Ella (new)

Ella Dominguez Mx3 wrote: "While this "author " is looking up the definition of plagiarism, she should look up libel too."

Amen, sistah! ;)


message 21: by C.D. (new)

C.D. Reiss I'm so sorry, Ella.
For another author to come at you like that is plain wrong, unless you're pulling a Jordin Williams and cutting and pasting text (I cannot imagine that's the case, you're pretty well respected in these parts).

I could not respect EL James more for what she did for the erotica genre, but the fact is, she didn't invent rich, kinky, demanding men....she just perfected one.


message 22: by .Lili. (new)

.Lili. I'm sorry Ella!!! I am a big fan of both series and have reread both of them and nowhere do I see plagiarism. Don't let that get you down (I know easier said than done). You know and we know that is not the case. ((((Hugs))))


message 23: by Annette (last edited Jul 09, 2013 09:47PM) (new)

Annette Oliva OMG! Both series are so different, and frankly, I love your series more (sorry Christian). Whoever this other author is must be jealous because they don't have your talent.


message 24: by YelleOh (last edited Jul 09, 2013 09:48PM) (new)

YelleOh I'm sorry Ella! I've read both the FSOG and the Art of D/s series, I can say I've enjoyed reading both. You said that in a way your series was inspired by the former but seriously?!?! The Art of D/s series is in a league of it's own.

Kudos to you Ms. Dominguez for creating a no holds barred literary piece.


message 25: by Ella (new)

Ella Dominguez Seriously, thank you everyone for your kind words. I didn't mean to whine or fish for compliments. I was just so livid after I read the offending remarks that I about went off the deep end.

I find it hard not to take negative reviews personally, but I will admit that it's gotten easier over time. But for someone to use the word plagiarism in the wake of what happened recently just really perturbs me.

Anyway, thank you everyone for your reassurances.


message 26: by Isabel (last edited Jul 10, 2013 07:05AM) (new)

Isabel Hi Ella!!! I only read The Art Of Submission so far, but I will read the other two books too. I love your book even more than FSOG, much more realistic and more funny!!! Your Isabel is a much more interesting character than Anastasia! Your writting is absolutely amazing!!!


message 27: by Maria (new)

Maria Hi Ella! That accusation is rubbish!! I have only read the first book, The Art of Submission, and in no way did it remind me of Fifty Shades!!! I have read many books that are very similar to the Fifty series but yours was not!!! And I agree that sometimes, no response is best!! Keep writing and we'll keep reading. I plan to read the rest of series. : )


message 28: by Lilith (new)

Lilith Darville Your critic must be the same one who accused me of the same thing, and I wrote Scorpio Awakens long before FSOG came out. Or could there be two assholes in this world?! Obviously, this is someone threatened by your success, and you should take that as a compliment. As you know, I'm a fan, and I'm thoroughly enjoying reading The Art of Control. Keep writing, Ella!


message 29: by Ella (new)

Ella Dominguez Lilith wrote: "Your critic must be the same one who accused me of the same thing, and I wrote Scorpio Awakens long before FSOG came out. Or could there be two assholes in this world?! Obviously, this is someone t..."

Thank you for your support. It's so easy for someone to hide behind the safety of their computer screen and point fingers without thinking of the consequences of their words. :(


message 30: by Joanne (new)

Joanne Thousands of books were inspired by fsog...what in the fuck could be going through the dipshits head who accused you of this? These two stories couldn't be more different. ...ok...Dylans rich....but I never saw him actually flaunt it....you forgot to give him a private helicopter etc.

I read all 3 of your books and there was an actual story there. ...dont get me wrong...I'm a die hard fsog fan...but really when you think about it...there's not a lot of meat to the story.

I know you don't want to out the idiot who said this. ..but perhaps you should. ...why should we support someone who obviously can't read? I for one don't want to spend my money on their books.

And I agree with the post above. They should look up the words libel and slander.

Reconsider releasing the name...let your fans kick ass for you.

Love you!!!


message 31: by Ella (new)

Ella Dominguez Joanne wrote: "Thousands of books were inspired by fsog...what in the fuck could be going through the dipshits head who accused you of this? These two stories couldn't be more different. ...ok...Dylans rich....bu..."

I shall not divulge, however, one can find the person with only the smallest amount of investigation onto my book statuses. I'll leave it at that. And thank you for your kind words. :*


message 32: by Ella (new)

Ella Dominguez C.D. wrote: "I'm so sorry, Ella.
For another author to come at you like that is plain wrong, unless you're pulling a Jordin Williams and cutting and pasting text (I cannot imagine that's the case, you're pretty..."


Thank you for your kind words. I'm learning to let it all roll off my back, as difficult as that is at times.


message 33: by Ella (new)

Ella Dominguez Thank you EVERYONE who posted a response on this topic. Your words of encouragement have kept me afloat. Much love and appreciation!


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