Random chit-chat

[D.J.]

Hope so.

[Evelyn]

Bill wrote: "D.J. wrote: "I’m sure I’ve heard of it. Haven’t used it."

D.J. wrote: "Anyone heard of https://iAuthor.uk.com? The creator followed me on Medium so I looked at his website. You add your book for f..."

There was a discussion https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

It's a one man start up with no serious reviews (about it) and very low web impact according to monitoring sites. However, everyone needs to start somewhere and this guy 'seems' to be offering a different approach so deserves support.

Many may share my view that many sites are really nothing more than places where you are charged to give away your work so that corporations can make money and appear generous, for example BookBub which boasts of 'Free Books' and chooses the following comment as one promoting its values.
“I would tell anyone to just sign up without reservation. I now have more books than I can read in a lifetime.”

If iAuthor is an alternative to mindless magpieism I think it's worth a try.

[D.J.]

I don’t see “I now have more books than I could ever read in a lifetime” as a positive at all. To state the obvious, as authors we’d like our words to be read.

I’ll give iAuthor a go. It’s free. It seems to be a directory of books and as you say, everyone has to start somewhere. Even if one member of iAuthor clicks on mine it’s a start.

[Angel]

I did a bit of promotion for the Author Facebook Takeovers on my social media. I switched to KDP paperback. Everything went smoothly, including the review process, which went through within a few hours. My books are live on Amazon with the paperback versions under KDP now. Other marketplaces will take the usual three to five days process. I have two clients that want me to publish and promote/advertise them, since my last blog post mentioning I'd be publishing other indies. After all I do have the background. So that's a plus. The extra money in my pocket would be nice. I guess l'll soon see how this takes off. If it does, I'm going to work on getting a website set up.

[Carmel]

Angel wrote: "I did a bit of promotion for the Author Facebook Takeovers on my social media. I switched to KDP paperback. Everything went smoothly, including the review process, which went through within a few h..."

That's all very encouraging to hear, Angel. I'm so glad you can use your knowledge base to help others get started. I have yet to transfer my paperback over to KDP, so it's great to hear it went without a hitch for you. :) Best of luck with your publishing help endeavor!

[Angel]

Carmel wrote: "Angel wrote: "I did a bit of promotion for the Author Facebook Takeovers on my social media. I switched to KDP paperback. Everything went smoothly, including the review process, which went through ..."

Thanks, Carmel!

[Matt]

So I'm reading this article: http://bit.ly/2tuO5jk about "sensitivity readers" and I'm thinking, Are we going too far here? and isn't this concept in direct conflict with the craft of creatively expressing oneself?

Has anybody out there used "sensitivity readers"?

Why did you use them?
How did you employ them?
What benefit did you derive?
And would you use them again?

Thanks so much.

[Evelyn]

Matt wrote: "So I'm reading this article: http://bit.ly/2tuO5jk about "sensitivity readers" and I'm thinking, Are we going too far here? and isn't this concept in direct conflict with the craft of creatively ex..."

I think we are in danger of people living in a 'now' cocoon refusing to understand that each age, generation and culture has its mores and it's impossible to be creative or educated if one refuses to recognise that. I lived for some years in Nigeria. The main square was called Tinubu named for Madam Tinubu 1810 – 1887 a pre -colonial slave trader. It is a simple historical fact most sub-Saharan west African were slaves owned by other Africans and that the biggest slave dealers (not only of Africans, but Europeans too) were Arabs. Slavery is appalling, but to pretend it was inflicted on innocent Africans by a bunch of white guys prancing around the bush with nets is absurd. This, in my view, nonsense from Williams Marks is dangerous - it seeks to not only re-write history, but to apportion blame and ignore or excuse the actions of others. No one can learn from half-truths and no one can learn anything by pretending that they are not the result of a mix, good and bad, of all the influences that made them and their nation. We don’t need 1984 in 2018.

[Carole]

I had a similar issue with reviewers with some of my "If You Were Me and Lived in... historical books." I covered time periods when girls married at 13 (many time periods), there were slaves in Ancient Greece, Mali, and Viking Europe- to name a few. Women had little to no rights or opportunities. (Some of that is even recent history for me)-
I had to defend myself for presenting history the way I saw it from critics who warned readers about my insensitivity. Others got it. I was NOT justifying history or excusing it. - I was putting a child in the shoes of a person from the past so they could understand the milestones and sacrifices that were made so that changes could occur. MY father was a slave in a Nazi concentration camp. Believe me- I am sensitive to anyone having their rights taken away or forced to work- He was taken from his parents who were shot and gassed along with his two sisters barely nine years before I was born.

Any person who reads a book has to consider the time and place as well as the POV of the author. Go read a James Bond book now and compare the perception of women.
I was horrified when I watched a recent download of Disney's Peter Pan- The children were NOT diverse, the crap that came from Wendy's and other characters mouth's- downright offensive. Cringeworthy racial stereotypes and comments about Native Americans ran through the entire film. It was horrifying and I realized how slanted society was in the fifties when it was made. If you look at the film as a historical statement- we realize how far we've come as a society. Watching it and realizing how one dimensional we were in the last century made me proud of how far we've come in society- Progress is too slow, heartbreakingly slow- but if we forget real history - are we doomed to repeat it? If we aren't diligent to report the truth as we see or understand at the time rather than sanitize it- do we let down our guard and miss warning signs? Certainly- the book showing Washington's 'happy slaves' is an offensive idea- and must be addressed- as much as our role in displacing natives from their land or incarcerating Japanese because of a war. BUT- when you are trying to address the times in THAT moment- isn't accuracy more important? Should I have had my little girls in my histories defy their fathers or judge the lifestyle of their society with our twenty-first-century sensibilities? Do I rewrite history so that everybody was a rebel? Maybe we aren't going far enough today on some things and when there is more modern perspectives in the future- we will be shamed by what we thought was enough or correct? BUT how will we even know if there is no real account of how people felt at the time?

[D.J.]

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.- George Santayana.

Things happened. And whereas it would be great if we could go back and stop some of those things from happening-we can't. The best we can do is learn from the mistakes the human race made. Erasing history won't help that. Writing books that sanitise history won't help that. I don't believe in sugar coating history to make it more palatable. If a work of fiction is set in the past and is supposed to represent the realities of that past-I would prefer to see historical accuracy over sanitisation. I don't care if it makes people uncomfortable if that was the truth.

As a cop-out, my fear of offending people is one of the reasons why I write pseudo real-life situations in unreal worlds and universes. I would hate to write something set in the past because of the fear of getting it wrong. And by getting it wrong, I mean not being historically accurate.

In my view it is not insensitive to write something that says 'in this time the world was like this. This was their reality.' That's just being historically accurate. In my mind, depicting anything other than historical accuracy should be classed as fantasy.

[Theodore]

D.J. wrote: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.- George Santayana.

Things happened. And whereas it would be great if we could go back and stop some of those things from happening-we..."

I mix fact with fiction in all my writings, and frankly, let the chips fall where they may. I'm not much for rewriting the historical record. If someone doesn't like what I've written, Amazon can refund their money.

[Matt]

Theodore wrote: "...If someone doesn't like what I've written, Amazon can refund their money. ..."

Well said. I AGREE 100%. I'm not hiring "sensitivity readers" to read through pre-publication drafts to advise me on what's "culturally appropriate"...lol

[Theodore]

Matt wrote: "Theodore wrote: "...If someone doesn't like what I've written, Amazon can refund their money. ..."

Well said. I AGREE 100%. I'm not hiring "sensitivity readers" to read through pre-publication dra..."

What's next? Safe shelves in libraries? Bwahahaha

[D.J.]

Exactly. Don’t like it? Have a refund!

[Theodore]

I have to tell you in all candor, though; once I passed 70, I gave up worrying about other people's opinions. (;>)

[D.J.]

I’m certainly getting there.

[Theodore]

D.J. wrote: "I’m certainly getting there."

It certainly cuts through the nonsense fast.

[D.J.]

It does.

[Evelyn]

Theodore wrote: "I have to tell you in all candor, though; once I passed 70, I gave up worrying about other people's opinions. (;>)"

Me too.

An ancestor of mine was deported to Australia for poaching pheasant (I still have his recipe for catching them!) He served his time, an equivalent to slavery, learned and then worked hard becoming a successful farmer. He came home years later on a visirt and gave everyone a chicken. Point is that I am proud of a man, who deprived of his freedom made the best of it.

Williams Marks claims that “happy slaves” making a cake for George Washington is hurtful and insulting. Why? That was their situation and terrible as it was they made the best out of it. Rather than insulting their memory she should join me in thanking ancestors who rose above their condition and passed on those positive genes to future generations.

[Theodore]

Evelyn wrote: "Theodore wrote: "I have to tell you in all candor, though; once I passed 70, I gave up worrying about other people's opinions. (;>)"

Me too.

An ancestor of mine was deported to Australia for poac..."

Life is what is was. Look at what is happening in Poland today as that country's government is attempting to legislate their WWII history vis-a-vis cooperation with the Nazis. The truth will always out. Only yesterday, the Supreme Court overturned the vile order that sent 110,000 Japanese to internment camps in the early 1940s.

Truth is truth. You may not like it, but that's the way it is.

[Carole]

But who says any slave could be happy? That illustration alone could be a lesson on slavery- What was the price for a slave showing anger or hurt in any society? Slaves were subject to their captors and as such had to use any means to survive- that picture alone could be used as a lesson of understanding horrible circumstances.

[Carmel]

I had read about these sensitivity readers and was shocked. It smacks of censorship and white-washing reality. I know, in hindsight, that if someone wants to view some of the characters in my book that way, they will. But they were based on the realities of what I've seen in thirty years of working with highly challenged people, and are an accurate reflection of our current culture. I would not change a thing, regardless of what such a reader might interpret. I consider myself sensitive to the feelings and beliefs of others, but not to the point of hiding truth. What world would be created if we all were forced to sanitize reality?

[Theodore]

Carole wrote: "But who says any slave could be happy? That illustration alone could be a lesson on slavery- What was the price for a slave showing anger or hurt in any society? Slaves were subject to their captor..."

On the mark!

Along those lines, I sent the following note to the local newspaper the other day, which they published:

"Television and talk show host Laura Ingraham’s assertion that the migrant children’s intern facilities were “essentially summer camps” ranks right up there with the tour the Nazi's gave the Danish Red Cross of the Theresienstadt concentration camp."

[Theodore]

Carmel wrote: "I had read about these sensitivity readers and was shocked. It smacks of censorship and white-washing reality. I know, in hindsight, that if someone wants to view some of the characters in my book ..."

No matter what you write, someone will interpret it differently from what you intended. It's called the "intentional error." Will was correct: "To thine own self be true!"

[Evelyn]

Carole wrote: "But who says any slave could be happy? That illustration alone could be a lesson on slavery- What was the price for a slave showing anger or hurt in any society? Slaves were subject to their captor..."

Humanity has a cruel side. The fact is that throughout history ordinary people have shown the loving good side of human nature by finding happiness, even fleetingly, in small things and ways. If people were unable to rise above their condition there could be no humanity and homo sapiens would no longer exist.

It is pointless to judge the past through today's lens. After all future generations may find us as abhorrent as we find some of our ancestors. In my view we need to celebrate the human spirit and although not PC, yes, I can well imagine slaves being happy making a cake for someone who treated them well.

[Carmel]

Theodore wrote: "Carmel wrote: "I had read about these sensitivity readers and was shocked. It smacks of censorship and white-washing reality. I know, in hindsight, that if someone wants to view some of the charact..."

Agreed....or an indication of confirmation bias. One will see what one looks for. I can only represent my own "truths".

[Theodore]

I'm not sure where I previously posted on this issue, but my editorial condemning the Administration's separation of infants and children from their migrant parents was published on the Editorial page of the Bucks County Courier Times newspaper in this morning's edition.

This paper serves communities in and around Philadelphia, PA, and Trenton, NJ.

[Carole]

Great job, Ted.

[Theodore]

Carole wrote: "Great job, Ted."

Thanks!

[Judy]

Theodore wrote: "I'm not sure where I previously posted on this issue, but my editorial condemning the Administration's separation of infants and children from their migrant parents was published on the Editorial p..."

that's great, Ted

[Alexis]

I’ve been headhunted for a nice legal counsel position. Problem is, it’s a 3 interview process. The first one is tomorrow (I’m not prepared at all but that’s another story.) but if I make it through, the whole thing could take up to four weeks and I’ve made plans to go to Greece. I’m trying not to be shortsighted but damn it, I need this vacation! But I also don’t want to miss out on a good career opportunity. Ugh. This is a luxe problem but damn it, I don’t know what to do.

[Alexis]

Alex wrote: "Alexis wrote: "I’ve been headhunted for a nice legal counsel position. Problem is, it’s a 3 interview process. The first one is tomorrow (I’m not prepared at all but that’s another story.) but if I..."

It’s a nice feeling but it’s mostly because my resume states that I speak a lot of languages — many which I haven’t spoken in ages lmao. Tomorrow should be fun.

[Evelyn]

Alexis wrote: "I’ve been headhunted for a nice legal counsel position. Problem is, it’s a 3 interview process. The first one is tomorrow (I’m not prepared at all but that’s another story.) but if I make it throug..."

I guess you have to ask:
A) Is this a job I really want?
B) Is Greece going to disappear while I interview?
C) If agencies think a holiday is more important to me than my career will they continue to offer opportunities?

Whatever you decide, good luck and above all remember that the future is in front of you and the best way to stop good things in your future is to regret the past.

[Alexis]

Evelyn wrote: "Alexis wrote: "I’ve been headhunted for a nice legal counsel position. Problem is, it’s a 3 interview process. The first one is tomorrow (I’m not prepared at all but that’s another story.) but if I..."

A) It’s not my dream job. But then neither is this one. The dream is writing but .. yeah. Lol.
B) No, but I can’t reschedule my vacation days. They’ve been set for a while.
C) I really need a breather. =/ Companies pretty much went insane in 2018 due to the new privacy laws and we went insane with them.

I guess I’ll go tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks for the advice.

[Carole]

Greece? No question about it. Have a great time- Uzo, the beach, omg the tomatoes there are divine.
One of the best vacations I've ever had.

[Dale]

Alexis wrote: "I’ve been headhunted for a nice legal counsel position. Problem is, it’s a 3 interview process. The first one is tomorrow (I’m not prepared at all but that’s another story.) but if I make it throug..."

If I'm not too late on this . . . go to the interview, but let them know that you will be traveling during (whatever the dates are). If they are interested in you, they'll be more than happy to schedule interviews around your trip.

I've taken a few jobs with the understanding that I have a trip scheduled for after I start, and there has never been any problem accommodating it..

[Alexis]

Update: I went to the interview. The two legal counsels were late (30minutes — they were finishing another interview (this firm is really expanding)) hadn’t been told by HR that I was coming and practically had to read my resume right there.

What a waste of my time.

[Alexis]

Carole wrote: "Greece? No question about it. Have a great time- Uzo, the beach, omg the tomatoes there are divine.
One of the best vacations I've ever had."

I’ve never been! A friend of a friend is Greek and we can stay with her family so no hotel costs!

@Alex probably! I’m dreaming of days just enjoying the beach and a cold cold cold glass of wine lol.

[D.J.]

Doesn’t sound like the firm is too organised. When is your holiday? Go. If they want you they’ll work around plans you’ve already made. I mean, you turned up for an interview they weren’t prepared for. What will they be like to work for? Good luck.

[Carole]

You are going to have the best time!!

[Alexis]

D.J. wrote: "Doesn’t sound like the firm is too organised. When is your holiday? Go. If they want you they’ll work around plans you’ve already made. I mean, you turned up for an interview they weren’t prepared ..."

Exactly. I don't even want the job anymore. What a messy place.

[D.J.]

Go on holiday. I’ve been to Kos and Rhodes a few times each. I think Rhodes Town was the only culture I took in other than food and drink. Sometimes it’s about getting away and soaking up sun for a bit.

[Alexis]

D.J. wrote: "Go on holiday. I’ve been to Kos and Rhodes a few times each. I think Rhodes Town was the only culture I took in other than food and drink. Sometimes it’s about getting away and soaking up sun for a..."

Exactly. The sun and cold, cold, cold, wine.

[Carole]

I saw Mama Mia 2 yesterday and reminded me of the great time we had in Greece. I loved it there.

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Hi & Hugs to Everyone,
Stopping by to apologize for not being very active in the group. Most of you know I have numerous physical and mental illnesses. Those of you who follow my Medium articles know I've had some very bad days recently.

My husband has been out of town over the last week and it's been emotionally and physically difficult. Besides missing him dearly, I don't like being in the house alone, so I'm extra-anxious. Plus I've had extra household and doggie chores that have exhausted and pained me. I hoped the thoracic shots would start working, but I've had 16 shots (yup, 16) over the lasts two months and I remain in great pain.

I sound like I'm whining and I don't mean to. I'm sorry. Just trying to explain lack of input, though I've done my best keeping up with everyone's Medium postings. I apologize if I missed any and I plan to check on that.

Luckily Hubby is on his way home and will arrive after midnight. I may or may not be awake when he comes home, but I will be on the sofa waiting for him along with our furry family.

I'm a worry bean and am always concerned I may have offended someone or hurt their feelings when it is never my intention to do so. I don't mean to be a social buffoon, it just happens naturally. So if I owe anyone a reparation, please, please, please give me the chance to make amends.

I care about all of you and don't want my recent demeanor to cause a rift with anyone. However, if you find me personally offputting, I completely understand and will back off. Of course, I'd be sad, but I respect other people's feelings and know I can be a real downer at times.

Love & Hugs to All! Sincerely, Sam

[Carole]

No worries, Sam. You are wonderful. Stop worrying about it and enjoy your homecoming with hubby!!

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Thank you, Carol, for your understanding. Worry should be my middle name. I don't have a middle name and I think that would be a great fit! Hugs

[Theodore]

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger) wrote: "Hi & Hugs to Everyone,
Stopping by to apologize for not being very active in the group. Most of you know I have numerous physical and mental illnesses. Those of you who follow my Medium articles kn..."

Hope you feel better soon.

[Carmel]

No worries from me, Sam. I go quiet sometimes, too, when I'm out of town or too busy with life to keep up with it all. And I've never seen you say or do anything the least bit offensive. Enjoy your reunion with your honey, and sleep better now that he's home. :)

[D.J.]

I don’t know what you think you’ve done Sam. As far as I’m concerned you haven’t done anything wrong in any way. I understand the worry. I do it myself. I could have a qualification in worrying. I hope you enjoy your husband’s homecoming.