Emily March Fans discussion
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Quick Updates from the Moderators
Dear Group,I told y'all about my panic attack Saturday. Well I have woke up a couple times this last week in a panic too, I remembered the bad dream once but the other time I woke up and had been crying and my heart was pounding and I was soaked in sweat. My question for you all is, how do I quit having these anxiety attacks? I used to have them real bad but I thought they were gone. Any and all advice is welcome.
Lola sorry about the pump breaking down. I bet that was a wake up call. I dont know how my mom and those before her did it. You know, going to the outhouse to go potty, making their own soap, lanterns for light and wood burning stoves for heat, and no air conditioning. I remember the house phone at the farm when I was little. We had a "party line" so we had to listen for our specific ring series to know if it was for us... for instance two long and one short was our house. Three shorts and one long was my uncles number. But anyway I am glad you got running water again.
Love you,
Jina
Dear Jina,Have you tried meditation , as you learn how to meditate , you pick a mantra ,a sound that calms you .I started meditation back in the 70's and like most I used the common " OM" but it can be anything that clams and centers your mind. There are a lot of good youtube videos on beginning . Also when I need to get my mind to stop doing what I don't want it to do is,I start thinking about the book I am reading, look at all the characters, what do I think will happen next to them,etc. It just helps me calm and focus.
See Emily I bet you didn't know you are the sandman too.
It was nice getting the water back . Hugs Lola
Hi all... Lola, I'm glad you've got water again! I have memories of going to my grandmother's house as a very little girl and having to bathe in a washtub filled with water from the sink and hot water from the stove. And of my grandma wringing clothes through a crank on her washer. And yes, the terror of an outhouse in the dark, in the snow. She was one powerful, resilient woman. I keep her photo on my desk to remind me how blessed I am!
Jina, I have had panic attacks off and on all my life. They stopped for a long time, then started again when my job was eliminated 2 years ago and I was let go without any warning. My career was over in seconds. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and it's a terrible disorder. But it's manageable and the more you manage it, the more in control and competent you will feel.
I've had them since mom died in January, and they've never been worse. I won't get closure until I visit mom's grave and go back to her house at the end of this month, and hopefully that will start the healing process.
One thing I learned to do - via the web - was to take three long, deep breaths, counting to 5 on the in, out and the pause between them. Then I find three focal points...things I can see within my immediate field of vision. I focus on those and shut everything else down. It doesn't matter what they are ...just focus on these simple things as you breathe. Soothing music also helps as I start to regroup.
When I wake up from a nightmare, I have a super-soft blanket I wrap around me. They use blankets and wrapping techniques with PTSD victims and autistic children, and honestly it works wonders.
I hope this helps. Things have gotten a little better recently, and I'm sure they will for you. Your recent traumatic episode with Heather has probably triggered them, and once they start, the fear of having another one can be a vicious cycle. As Lola said, if you can take a few minutes to meditate during the day and right before bed, you might be able to prevent them.
Jina, I have had panic attacks off and on all my life. They stopped for a long time, then started again when my job was eliminated 2 years ago and I was let go without any warning. My career was over in seconds. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and it's a terrible disorder. But it's manageable and the more you manage it, the more in control and competent you will feel.
I've had them since mom died in January, and they've never been worse. I won't get closure until I visit mom's grave and go back to her house at the end of this month, and hopefully that will start the healing process.
One thing I learned to do - via the web - was to take three long, deep breaths, counting to 5 on the in, out and the pause between them. Then I find three focal points...things I can see within my immediate field of vision. I focus on those and shut everything else down. It doesn't matter what they are ...just focus on these simple things as you breathe. Soothing music also helps as I start to regroup.
When I wake up from a nightmare, I have a super-soft blanket I wrap around me. They use blankets and wrapping techniques with PTSD victims and autistic children, and honestly it works wonders.
I hope this helps. Things have gotten a little better recently, and I'm sure they will for you. Your recent traumatic episode with Heather has probably triggered them, and once they start, the fear of having another one can be a vicious cycle. As Lola said, if you can take a few minutes to meditate during the day and right before bed, you might be able to prevent them.
Ladies -- I am swamped with deadlines for my clinic job this week and have had NO time to devote to anything but responding to your comments and messages. I apologize. We have a huge deadline looming tomorrow and I'll be at the clinic again - for a long day. BUT this is the last of the major deadlines until the middle of June.
Friday I have to write - I'm working on my debut novel -- still! --- AND the sequel at the same time, and I've got to have some time to write or I just might explode. The characters are yelling in my head night and day. I don't want to lose my muse. ;-)
It would be great if we could start our NEXT read in early June. On May 22nd, Ray and I are going to Virginia to see my daughter and her family, and organize a private memorial service for my mom.
How would you feel about postponing new reads until June 1? Would you be OK with that?
P.
Friday I have to write - I'm working on my debut novel -- still! --- AND the sequel at the same time, and I've got to have some time to write or I just might explode. The characters are yelling in my head night and day. I don't want to lose my muse. ;-)
It would be great if we could start our NEXT read in early June. On May 22nd, Ray and I are going to Virginia to see my daughter and her family, and organize a private memorial service for my mom.
How would you feel about postponing new reads until June 1? Would you be OK with that?
P.
Paula wrote: "Ladies -- I am swamped with deadlines for my clinic job this week and have had NO time to devote to anything but responding to your comments and messages. I apologize. We have a huge deadline loomi..."I thing everyone has a lot going on. I need to catch up on books that I should have reviewed and things that I let go when I teach the classes at the community college. Maybe the group can decide what we will read next.
I read the posts sometimes but have not posted. All of you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Jina wrote: "Dear Group,I told y'all about my panic attack Saturday. Well I have woke up a couple times this last week in a panic too, I remembered the bad dream once but the other time I woke up and had been ..."
Jina,
Know you are in my prayers.
Great to hear from you, Melinda! Hope all is well with you!
Paula wrote: "Ladies -- I am swamped with deadlines for my clinic job this week and have had NO time to devote to anything but responding to your comments and messages. I apologize. We have a huge deadline loomi..."I think postponing the next read is a good idea. I have a great deal going on with my family as well. I need to go to Oregon to check on my parents and that will probably be near the beginning of June. I'm not sure yet when I will be able to get away. Please feel no pressure to set a schedule. We will all be here and continue to check in with one another to keep things going.
I don't think any of us wants to let go of this wonderful group.
Take care of yourself and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace be with you
Linda Manthey
Thank you, Linda. We will keep the group going and tackle a fun summer read next!
I am ok with June, I still need to finish the Brazos Bend books. Today was beautiful here ,in the 80's , sunny but a little windy off and on. My tomatoes have amazed me , the ones that the frost killed all the leaves have come back and growing like weeds lol. Speaking of weeds, if you do not want weeds in your garden ,let 4 hens run around in there all winter and spring. I do not have 1 weed in my garden, last year at this time I was going crazy trying to keep up with them. Right now we have 38 eggs in the frig , those girls are laying Momma's. Tomorrow (fri.) we get our new windows and sliding glass door, so that will be all new windows. I will be so glad to get the new door our old one is getting harder and harder to open and close , and these arms aren't as young as they use to be ;) Hugs Lola
Hi Lola! So glad things are "springing up" there! Can you imagine if I had hens with a dog and two cats?
I'm ok with June, I have plenty to read at the moment & if the weather is any good I will be busy gardening. As long as we keep checking in when we can for a moan or just to update happenings in our lives. Need to know that every one is ok. Weather is beautiful here in the UK for a change, don't know how long it will last; so I have spent most of the day gardening. What are we going to read in June?
Hi, Lesley! I've got to confirm the next read, and will make a proposal in the next day or so. Enjoy that great weather while it lasts! I'd love to see the UK in the spring.
Hi All,I need to buy me a new chair for the deck. Do any of you have an Adirondack chair ? I have never sat in one. There is a company in northern Montana that makes them. I want something comfortable with an ottoman ,I will add cushions. Thanks for any help. Hugs Lola
Hi, Don't know if any of our group are from Alberta Canada or have family & friends there but I'm praying that everyone comes through their horrible experience safe. Praying that the wind drops & it soon rains.
Happy Mother's Day !!! Dear Paula,
I Know this will be a hard day for you! Know that I am think of you and Being a Mother I am sending you lots of Love, Hugs ,and Kisses for your Mom ! Love Ya! Lola
The Word for today.
Motherly Love
I give thanks for the abiding strength of motherly love.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
I bless and give thanks to all mothers everywhere. I praise their fortitude and commitment and applaud each one’s tireless, selfless devotion. I am in awe and admiration for the diverse, beautiful expressions of the sacred activity of motherhood throughout the world!
Reflecting on mothers, I take a moment to recognize that the glorious spirit of maternal love abides in me, no matter what my gender. I am grateful for my capacity for boundless patience and unconditional love as I support, protect, strengthen, and nurture others. Motherly devotion, found both within and all around me, enriches the world beyond measure.
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience.—Colossians 1:11
Happy Mother's Day, everyone!! My weekend started out rough, with a bit of a food reaction that kept me out of action yesterday. I'm fine today and Ray has planned a day of wine tasting...he knows this Mother's Day is going through be a difficult one.
I know that each of us has our own - possibly mixed - feelings about Mother's Day. I was grateful to have mom in my life for so long. I'm grateful to be a mother and grandmother today and every day. It's a bittersweet day for many women.
I hope each of you have a blessed day...one that allows you to rest, pamper yourself, and stop to appreciate how awesome you are.
I know that each of us has our own - possibly mixed - feelings about Mother's Day. I was grateful to have mom in my life for so long. I'm grateful to be a mother and grandmother today and every day. It's a bittersweet day for many women.
I hope each of you have a blessed day...one that allows you to rest, pamper yourself, and stop to appreciate how awesome you are.
Lola, thank you for those beautiful, thoughtful comments. I can't tell you how they made my morning. Bless you.
Paula, you are so welcome, I miss my Mama ,but it does get a little easier with time. Love LolaHi Lesley ,
I don't know anyone there, it sure looks scary. Thankfully we have had a few good years of rain, but living in the Rockies with all the huge forests around us ,we always have to be alert. I have lived thru some scary times ,when you see the whole night sky blazing orange you say your prayers. I remember one Summer the smoke from all the wildfires ( I think there were over 60 just in Montana) was so bad you couldn't go outside, I couldn't even see my backyard.
We were getting some of the smoke yesterday but the winds have changed and it is gone today. Hugs Lola
Hi group!I just received the Emily March Eternity Springs coloring book!!! Its wonderful and amazing and beautiful. The girls and I are going to scan and print copies so we all can color each page! I wish I could afford to buy a copy for each of us right now but I will buy a copy each month until all the girls have their own copy. I hope thats ok Emily! My girls jyst couldnt wait to start coloring.
Yall have to get it. Its got inspirational quotes and everything!
Love to all, gotta go my coloring pencils are calling me!!!! :)
Jina and the girls
I've got to go order it while I'm thinking about it! Thanks for the reminder, Jina! I'd love to see some photos from each of you as you finish your first project!
Paula wrote: "I've got to go order it while I'm thinking about it! Thanks for the reminder, Jina! I'd love to see some photos from each of you as you finish your first project!"Dear Paula,
I will be sure to post pictures. A while back I sketched my minds picture of what Sarahs bakery would look like. When I find it again I will post a picture of it.
Love to you,
Jina
Ps. I also sketched out some ideas of Angel gardens. How are you coming with yours? There is great ones on pinterest.
Jina wrote: "Paula wrote: "I've got to go order it while I'm thinking about it! Thanks for the reminder, Jina! I'd love to see some photos from each of you as you finish your first project!"
Dear Paula,
I will..."
I need to look at Pinterest for inspiration! I've bought a couple of plants to add to the garden and am looking for the right statuary as a focal point. Mom loved hummingbirds more than anything, so I'm planning a Hummingbird/Butterfly space full of plants that attract and feed them. We've got money tied up -- actually flowing out --- toward getting the house in WA ready for the market. But once we know what we have left to spend on our home here in CA, I've got the number of a designer and a master gardener who can help me with plant selection. We want to replace our sprinkler system too, because of the drought in CA. Lots to do - but for right now, I'm container gardening and planning away!
Dear Paula,
I will..."
I need to look at Pinterest for inspiration! I've bought a couple of plants to add to the garden and am looking for the right statuary as a focal point. Mom loved hummingbirds more than anything, so I'm planning a Hummingbird/Butterfly space full of plants that attract and feed them. We've got money tied up -- actually flowing out --- toward getting the house in WA ready for the market. But once we know what we have left to spend on our home here in CA, I've got the number of a designer and a master gardener who can help me with plant selection. We want to replace our sprinkler system too, because of the drought in CA. Lots to do - but for right now, I'm container gardening and planning away!
Mod
I ordered mine today and will post a review as soon as I have the book in my hands. It's extremely disturbing to see what some "fans" are capable of. I'm so sorry this has happened to you and your daughter. If she escalates, beyond reviews, to other types of harassment, take action. You and your daughter do not deserve such treatment, and it sounds like this individual needs some serious help...and boundaries. I hope you've blocked her.
Emily wrote: "Jina, so, so glad you like the coloring book! Email me your address at emily@emilymarch.com. I suspect a couple more coloring books might find their way to you. :) And would you do me a favor? Post..."Dear Emily,
I just posted a review to Amazon, clicked the "not helped" box on your stalkers 2 star review. I was so glad you reminded me to review it. My life gets complicated from time to time and I get slack on writing my reviews. So sorry about the stalker but as Taylor Swift says "Shake it off". Sadly there will always be haters and vindictive people on this earth. But speaking from experience, I do look at people's reviews when purchasing a product BUT I mostly look at the numbers of reviewers. For instance you have 6 reviews on Amazon for the coloring book 5 are 5 star, only 1 is at 2 stars, so I would believe the 5 stars and assume that the 2 star is from someone who is too picky or someone who plays "God" with reviews to cause chaos. Tell your daughter we love it and tomorrow Sam, Heather and Sarah will post their reviews. It would be so awesome for more coloring books to head this way. The kids went through a lot of my printer ink copying 3 to 5 pages since they couldn't decide which one to color first! :) Coloring is becoming great therapy for Heathers hands and helps with her brain injury because their is no pressure like school work she does, but she gets to choose what color where and it helps with motor planning and fine motor skills. Even her speech is better when she colors. The occupational therapist says its because its an automatic response. For instance I was coloring the sky a color that was more greenish than blue and she looked at my paper and said "Mama, the sky should be blue". She said it perfect without the stuttering or gravelly weak voice. Coloring is so beneficial to me and my girls. It helps with Sarahs anger and self esteem, it helps calm Sam and she can get excited with her creativity. For me it calms my mind and helps when I cant sleep or when my mind is tired from worry or stress.
I am sure the coloring book will be so successful. :) I know all about the Mama bear response, is there a way to contact Amazon and other places this person has put reviews and report her so the reviews can be taken down? Take care and have a wonderful day!
Love Always,
Jina and the girls
Mod
Emily wrote: "There is nothing I can really do. I'll tell you guys here since we are kind of buried on the board. She's been emailing me for years. To protest Reunion Pass she sent me a horrific photograph of a ..."I am ordering my coloring book and will post a review after I get it Emily. People can be mean. Thank you for sending books to Jina and the girls.
I am sure that you are proud of your daughter Caitlin. She is very talented.
Paula wrote: "Jina wrote: "Paula wrote: "I've got to go order it while I'm thinking about it! Thanks for the reminder, Jina! I'd love to see some photos from each of you as you finish your first project!"Dear ..."
Paula,
Glad to hear that you are working on getting the other house up for sale. Hope work is calming down as well. How is your book going with all the other things happening?
I just posted my 5 star review and reported your stalker's as a abusive review ! You don't mess with our Emily or her Caitlin ! I always loved the signs back home " Don't Mess with Texas" or Texans lol.Hugs Lola
Sorry that I have been MIA but the final two weeks of the semester was just harder than normal for me. I am glad that we are taking a break and not reading until June.I am trying to catch up on filing and things plus I have some professional development days to do.All of you sound busy as well.
Lola wrote: "I just posted my 5 star review and reported your stalker's as a abusive review ! You don't mess with our Emily or her Caitlin ! I always loved the signs back home " Don't Mess with Texas" or Texans..."Dear Lola,
I agree. People shouldn't mess with Emily or her daughter. Lets circle the wagons! You totally rock girl!!!
Love,
Jina
Emily wrote: "There is nothing I can really do. I'll tell you guys here since we are kind of buried on the board. She's been emailing me for years. To protest Reunion Pass she sent me a horrific photograph of a ..."Dear Emily,
It's evident that your stalker has problems. I am sure you were seriously creeped out with the nasty email. I have blocked people sending me emails before. I hope you can block her someway, but she'll probably create a different account. Keep us in the loop about anything we can do to help. For instance if she sends you something else, we can flood your email with happy things like kittens and puppies. Lol
Hugs to you,
Jina
Emily wrote: "There is nothing I can really do. I'll tell you guys here since we are kind of buried on the board. She's been emailing me for years. To protest Reunion Pass she sent me a horrific photograph of a ..."Dear Emily,
I checked your amazon reviews for Reunion Pass. I commented on your stalkers review. I wasn't cruel or rude (at least I dont think I was) I wanted to blast her for hurting you but instead I turned the situation around on her to hopefully make her think before she writes a review. I wanted to let you know so you could go see for yourself what I resonded and maybe her rebuttal. You take very good care of yourself. We've got your back.
Sincerely Yours,
Jina
Ps I was very pleased that you had like 98 reviews and only 4 under 5 stars. Thats wonderful! So happy for you.
Im also wondering why people refer to you as "Emily Colin" do some books have your name different?
Dear Emily,I looked at your Lovers Leap reviews.... I think you need to check those reviews out. Most of the reviews are for "The Memory Thief" by Emily Colins. Somehow the reviews for that book (the 40 some bad reviews) have gotten put in the reviews for your Lovers Leap. Can you please take a look for yourself and see if the reviews for the other book isn't put under your book? Good luck. Let me know if I can do something to help.
Sincerely,
Jina
Hi everyone! Way to circle those wagons! My coloring book has shipped so I can post my review soon.
Melinda, you're right...life is a bit crazy here in CA right now and seems to be that way throughout the group. Thank goodness we have each other at times like this!
I haven't written anything in nearly a week. I'm working on the primary novel and the sequel at the same time...so I have a barrage of characters vying for attention and I need to sit down and get the words out. I'd planned to write this week since my boss is out of town but he sent me an assignment from his beach chair in Hawaii.
Melinda, you're right...life is a bit crazy here in CA right now and seems to be that way throughout the group. Thank goodness we have each other at times like this!
I haven't written anything in nearly a week. I'm working on the primary novel and the sequel at the same time...so I have a barrage of characters vying for attention and I need to sit down and get the words out. I'd planned to write this week since my boss is out of town but he sent me an assignment from his beach chair in Hawaii.
Jina wrote: "Emily wrote: "There is nothing I can really do. I'll tell you guys here since we are kind of buried on the board. She's been emailing me for years. To protest Reunion Pass she sent me a horrific ph..."I added my comment to yours Jina, I told her you see more gore on the news and maybe she should go to the moon so she could be by herself ,and to pull up her big girl panties and grow up. Hugs Lola
Wow. I do NOT want to cross you ladies! I think it might be best not to call any more attention to her or her review. If attention is what she wants, we should get the review buried in the pile ASAP. You can't argue with an irrational person and win.
Mod
As far as my *friend* goes, your support warms my heart. At this point, I agree with Paula. Let's ignore her from now on. :)
Your probably right Paula, but her comments really pissed me off! Now I can let it go and pray for her soul . lol I missed spelled pray with prey at first lol Freudian slip .
Emily wrote: "Thank you for calling my attention to the wrongly posted reviews. I seldom look back at older books so I definitely hadn't seen them. I've asked my agent to speak with their Amazon contact and get ..."Dear Emily,
I will check your other books and make sure they are all for the proper book. I have to admit, your stalker ticked me off too. I wanted to do something to show solidarity and support for you and your books. My goal was to open her eyes to how not everyone has the ability to write.. I wanted to have her walk a mile in your shoes and think before she posts, and not just for your books but all her reviews. I will ignore her comments for now but if she gets out of line worse, all you have to do is tell us and we have your back. My Mom always told me, right is always right and wrong is always wrong and not to criticize someone or their work if you yourself could not do bettsr. Then she would say "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I hope I didn't cause any backlash to come back to you for my comments on her post. If it does let me know and I will remove my comment.
Hugs to you,
Jina
Lola wrote: "Your probably right Paula, but her comments really pissed me off! Now I can let it go and pray for her soul . lol I missed spelled pray with prey at first lol Freudian slip ."Dear Lola,
I love you to pieces!!! You're a hoot!! I hope I am never on your bad side. Lol It warms my heart to have members of this group as friends. Y'all are like my sisters. You guys remind me of my Moms 8 sisters. Each different in many ways but also alike in many ways and the loyalty and love when they get together is palpable. They can pick on each other once in awhile, all in goid fun but if someone else picks on a sister.. watch out! Thanks for adding your comment to mine. I think the combined comments will make her think twice about the way she reviews.
I myself have a policy about reviewing. I dont write negative reviews. If I dont like a book, I dont post a review except for one time when I had to for my English 101 class. We were assigned to read a book either called Bye bye Birdie or Goodbye Bird. I cant remember the title exactly. We had to read the book and do a paper on it. I was the only one of 9 students who gave a bad review. Two of the girls in the class made up a posituve review thinking that thats what the teacher expected. One of them hadnt even read the book but looked up other reviews to write her own. The story was so-so in my opinion but what tanked the book was the incessant vulgarity and use of crass language. I would've like to read it over if the cussing was removed but then again if the author removed the bad language the book would've been many pages shorter. In my opinion, an author is surely and truly gifted when they can make their pounts without being a potty mouth. Plus I am a sucker for a happy ending so I prefer positive reads and uplifting stories, or ones that make you think and consider what I would do if in the same situation. I love characters with class and a gracious spirit.
Out of curiousity has anyone else read something that seemed like the whole book was ongoing vulgarity? How did you handle it? Were you able to finish the book or see the point of the story when there was so much "crap" in it? I am trying to grow throygh my reading and would like to know how to better understand books that are distracting by the language used.
Thanks group for always being so supportive and caring. This group totally rocks!
Sincerely Yours,
Jina
Ps. The reason I dont pist negative reviews is because I know I am picky, and I recognize that even though I may not care for a book doesn't mean the book isn't good to others. I would not want to be responsible for turning readers away from a book. People grow and learn so much by reading that if there is a lesson to be learned I dont want to be the one to take the journey away from another. I hope that makes sense.
Jina, we share the same book review philosophy. I won't review a book unless I can rate it 3 or more stars and then I try to stick to what was good about the book. I focus on things the reader might like about it. There's a huge controversy out in the social media community over it. Some people believe it's their righteous mission to "warn" readers not to waste their money. I've been accused of pandering to authors, but nothing could be further from the truth.
As for books full of vulgarity, I've rarely finished one. There are words I would not write into a story, and that's why my books will not be "erotic". I strive for realism and I consider that when I'm reading an erotic romance or a book with profanity. It's all about the characters; how they would feel and speak because of who they are and what stress they are under.
My characters ... some but not all ... use curse words that you wouldn't necessarily say in front of your mother. (Although come to think of it my grandmothers used them from time to time...!) But they are contextual, and they have meaning.
I will also write sex into the stories because making love is a "turning point" in each of the books. But I aspire to write it tastefully and again, with a sincerity and realism to it.
I've grown through my reading and am intolerant of the overuse of vulgarity for its own sake. Or sex with no redeeming story to tell.
I've gone on long enough!! LOL. I should be writing!
As for books full of vulgarity, I've rarely finished one. There are words I would not write into a story, and that's why my books will not be "erotic". I strive for realism and I consider that when I'm reading an erotic romance or a book with profanity. It's all about the characters; how they would feel and speak because of who they are and what stress they are under.
My characters ... some but not all ... use curse words that you wouldn't necessarily say in front of your mother. (Although come to think of it my grandmothers used them from time to time...!) But they are contextual, and they have meaning.
I will also write sex into the stories because making love is a "turning point" in each of the books. But I aspire to write it tastefully and again, with a sincerity and realism to it.
I've grown through my reading and am intolerant of the overuse of vulgarity for its own sake. Or sex with no redeeming story to tell.
I've gone on long enough!! LOL. I should be writing!
I review mainly for my own purposes. It is a reading record for me and I need negative reviews to remind me that I don't want to pick up that author again. I read too much to remember details. Primarily my reviews are positive as I stay within genres that I like..but I pick up free ebooks and those are "wild cards". I can find a great new author to read or a "dud" (these I delete from my device).
My reviews primarily help me to remember.
But I appreciate the more objective reviews out there; they are of value too.
Hi, Nancy -- thanks for your comments. I also like to track what I read, for personal reasons, and Goodreads is good for that. I think what bothers me, because I see it so often, is that some reviewers who don't like a book make an enormous production of it - using .gif files and truly making fun of the book or the author, and that bothers me. Leaving a constructive review is helpful, even if it's not a favorable one. I think the point is being constructive and informative, vs. being unnecessarily cruel or sarcastic. The world is mean enough as it is. That's why we escape to places like Eternity Springs. So good to hear from you!
Paula wrote: "Jina, we share the same book review philosophy. I won't review a book unless I can rate it 3 or more stars and then I try to stick to what was good about the book. I focus on things the reader migh..."Dear Paula,
I have come across a couple of authors that wrote a series that is exactly like another authors series. The only things different are the characters names and a different made up location. I hate seeing that because I think they are "plagiarizing" and are taking away from the original author. I think I found one such series and author that I think is hoping to gain popularity by "riding on another authors coat tails". Have you ever run across this situation when you are reading? What is the thing to do? For instance I read Lisa Shearins Raine Benares series and loved every minute of all 7 or 8 books. I just got done reading a book that was SO close to being the exact same story, it kind of made me sick to my stomach. I felt I had betrayed one of my favorite authors for even reading it. The characters were the same type of paranormal race, the object that was evil was a rock even called a similar name. What do you do or what would you do if you ran across this type of situation? I have half a mind to review it and say I loved the book because its exactly like a favorite story of mine by another author.
Either way its a conundrum.
Hugs to you,
Jina
Jina wrote: "Paula wrote: "Jina, we share the same book review philosophy. I won't review a book unless I can rate it 3 or more stars and then I try to stick to what was good about the book. I focus on things t..."
That's a tough one, Jina. I know plagiarism can and does happen, but it's very hard to prove, unless you catch a direct copy of one or more quotes from a manuscript -- those don't happen by chance.
It's possible that the author was inspired - a little too much, maybe - by the other work. It's also possible that the author never even read the other work, but both authors were inspired by a third influence we know nothing about.
An author I know once accused another author of plagiarizing her material, when in fact it was simply a concept - a childhood memory that was similar. Character names, places -- all different. As it turns out, the other author had submitted her manuscript for publishing long before the accuser's had even seen the light of day. It caused a lot of hard feelings and damage - entirely undeserved.
Another author I read was recently accused of plagiarizing another author's idea - and it hurt her deeply. She was falsely accused by a hostile "colleague" but not before the damage was done.
It would be fine to say that the stories are similar, and the similarity was a drawback for you. And that would be honest without being accusatory. And if the original author wants to investigate the work for plagiarism, as a result of similar comments by other readers, perhaps the truth will be uncovered through the legal system.
Hope that helps. I know that I agonize over every book I read that has even a remote similarity to my work in progress. Character names, settings, themes...I know in my heart that this is MY work, my story - I know, because it's based on an event from my own family, from feelings and experiences in my own life. But I still fear that someone, somewhere, will accuse me of not being original.
The stuff that keeps writers awake at night is...incalculable!
That's a tough one, Jina. I know plagiarism can and does happen, but it's very hard to prove, unless you catch a direct copy of one or more quotes from a manuscript -- those don't happen by chance.
It's possible that the author was inspired - a little too much, maybe - by the other work. It's also possible that the author never even read the other work, but both authors were inspired by a third influence we know nothing about.
An author I know once accused another author of plagiarizing her material, when in fact it was simply a concept - a childhood memory that was similar. Character names, places -- all different. As it turns out, the other author had submitted her manuscript for publishing long before the accuser's had even seen the light of day. It caused a lot of hard feelings and damage - entirely undeserved.
Another author I read was recently accused of plagiarizing another author's idea - and it hurt her deeply. She was falsely accused by a hostile "colleague" but not before the damage was done.
It would be fine to say that the stories are similar, and the similarity was a drawback for you. And that would be honest without being accusatory. And if the original author wants to investigate the work for plagiarism, as a result of similar comments by other readers, perhaps the truth will be uncovered through the legal system.
Hope that helps. I know that I agonize over every book I read that has even a remote similarity to my work in progress. Character names, settings, themes...I know in my heart that this is MY work, my story - I know, because it's based on an event from my own family, from feelings and experiences in my own life. But I still fear that someone, somewhere, will accuse me of not being original.
The stuff that keeps writers awake at night is...incalculable!
Dear group,Heathers school finally sent some history and social studies work for Heather. Its taken her school this whole school year to figure out a curriculum for her. But Heather loves school and learning and is so fascinated by facts and History. I was wondering if any of you know of a book or a good website that Heather, Sam and I could read or look at from the area where you live. I read most of the posts to Heather and she has asked questions like... Does Miss Paula live where the "big trees" (Redwoods) are? Does Miss Lesley live where the movie "Calender girls" was filmed? She also wanted to know (and I have no idea how or why this popped in her head unless she was thinking of when we lived in rural Nebraska) if it's real safe there or do you have to lock your doors all the time? Can you go for a walk by yourself or do you have to go with a friend? So if any of you know of a good book or website that can show the area you live near or website like the Chamber of commerce puts out for your area so Heather can look up and see the facts she likes to know. Before she got sick she made a notebook cataloging each state in the US. She put the state bird, flower, motto, capital, drew and colored the flags, etc... For instance, we have read a book called "The Children's Blizzard" by David Laskin. Its about a terrible blizzard in 1888 and a town near where I and my children were born. In fact the girls are distant relatives (on their biological fathers side of the family) to one or two of the characters the book is about. Its a fascinating book. I tried a search for Paulas area and Emily's area but the sites it pulls up is so many its hard to sort through each. We looked up Montana and she was so excited by how beautiful all the pictures of rolling hills and open spaces. Thanks for any advice or information that Heather can look up.
By the way, has anyone read Isobel Jordans "Semi-charmed" or "Semi- Human"? I read the first one and its hilarious! If you want an easy read that the girl is spunky and snarky and the man in the story is a real character.
Sincerely Yours,
Jina
Paula wrote: "Jina wrote: "Paula wrote: "Jina, we share the same book review philosophy. I won't review a book unless I can rate it 3 or more stars and then I try to stick to what was good about the book. I focu..."Dear Paula,
When an author writes their book is there a way to put in somewhere in the authors note or the acknowledgements in the front of most books, and tell where their idea for the book came from so other authors will know it's genuinely the authors own work so no one could accuse them of plagerism.
I read a couple books about characters who suffered from PTSD. The stories were similar but you could tell both were speaking of their own experiences. I read the books to try to get advice or some information that I could use to help my kids and I deal with iur own PTSD issues. And again reading those books what worked for one didnt work for the other but it seems Doctors try similar approaches when they have diagnosed someone with PTSD.
I am sorry some of your author friends were wrongly accused. It's really too bad that when the accuser approached the other author they couldnt just calmly talk to the other author before doing something that hurts the author or causes damage. Hopefully they can get past the hurt and things will be better for them.
I cant wait to read your book. Nearly everyone in my family would love to write a book, however none of us has tried. I admire someone who has that gift of storytelling.
Sincerely,
Jina
You know the old saying you don't miss it till it gone. Well, lol our well pump died yesterday. Just think of all the things you need water for, # 1 flushing the toilet , can't do the dishes ,wash clothes, water the lawn ,take a shower and fill up your Keurig . Thank goodness they got here early this morning and we now have water, and are down $1225.00 . Thankfully we had the money in savings, but they took American Express so we get a rebate back. Well I had better get my butting gear and do all the things I can now do! Hugs Lola