Chat about whatever you like: the weather, good stuff, bad stuff, family or pets!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Very sad Marianne. They're spelling it Mosley so possibly not the one you've linked.

[Marianne]

Brenda wrote: "Very sad Marianne. They're spelling it Mosley so possibly not the one you've linked."

Thanks, Brenda, fixed

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

👍

[Sarah]

Marianne wrote: "DH and I went to a Michael Mosley literary lunch, very sad to hear of his death."

Very sad, I agree Marianne. He was someone who had the gift for translating complex and important information into an accessible and entertaining form.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

For those of you who read and reviewed The Burning Rooms by Anni Taylor it now has a cover, and is on Amazon. It's up with a publication date of 30th June (Amazon) so we'll have to wait to post our reviews there.

[Carolyn]

Thanks for letting us know Brenda :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're welcome Carolyn :)

[Rowan]

Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?

[Krystal]

Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Fortunately, I've yet to experience this. Most I've had is comments from authors and they've all been quite gracious.

[Rowan]

Krystal wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Fortunately, I've yet to experience this. Most I've had is comments from autho..."

I'm glad you haven't experienced this, Krystal. Hope it stays that way! 99% of my author interactions have been gracious and positive too - until now.

Leaves such a sour taste in the mouth.

[Krystal]

Rowan wrote: "Krystal wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Fortunately, I've yet to experience this. Most I've had is com..."

Oh that's so disappointing, sorry you've had that happen! It's quite poor of the authors to stoop to that I think.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Sorry this has happened to you Rowan. I have seen messages from other reviewers on Goodreads when this has happened to them. The advice is usually just don't engage. Delete the author's comments and move on.

[Rowan]

Thanks both Krystal and Phrynne. Certainly doesn't come across professional on their behalf. I'd heard about it happening to others - but didn't think it would happen to me.

The author private messaged me on Instagram. I'm not sure what their goal was doing that. I gave a quick, respectful reply and hopefully that's where it ends.

I spoke to one or two friends about it who said it was super inappropriate. And to an author friend (perspective from the other side) and she was amazed (for all the wrong reasons) and said it shouldn't have happened.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Rowan wrote: "Krystal wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Fortunately, I've yet to experience this. Most I've had is com..."

Rowan, I'm so sorry this happened to you. We had a nasty experience (not me personally) from an author to one of our members, and he was actually reported to GR support, as that is against GR rules.

[Andrea]

Rowan wrote: "Thanks both Krystal and Phrynne. Certainly doesn't come across professional on their behalf. I'd heard about it happening to others - but didn't think it would happen to me.

The author private me..."

Hi Rowan, sorry to hear that happened to you. Can I just clarify why the channel was Instagram? Presumably you publish or link reviews on that platform as well? The main reason I ask is because I had a suspicious new follow from an author today, and I don’t review there (although I do promote what I’m reading in Stories). Wondering if it might be an elaborate scam-flag.

[Dale]

Andrea wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Thanks both Krystal and Phrynne. Certainly doesn't come across professional on their behalf. I'd heard about it happening to others - but didn't think it would happen to me.

The aut..."
Very disappointed and sad to hear that happened to you Rowan.

[Rowan]

Brenda wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Krystal wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Fortunately, I've yet to experience this. Most I..."

Oh wow, I didn't know about that, Brenda. Awful that an author would give someone a nasty experience like that. This should always be a safe place for readers and reviewers. Appreciate your kind words!

While this experience wasn't 'nasty' as such, it felt slightly intimidating.

Andrea wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Thanks both Krystal and Phrynne. Certainly doesn't come across professional on their behalf. I'd heard about it happening to others - but didn't think it would happen to me.

The aut..."

Thank you, Andrea! It sounds like we use Instagram in much the same way. I only publish my reviews on Goodreads. Sometimes I'll share what I'm reading on Instagram (in Stories) and occasionally link to my review here. I enjoy following some Australian authors on there and always had positive experiences - until now.

Dale wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Thanks both Krystal and Phrynne. Certainly doesn't come across professional on their behalf. I'd heard about it happening to others - but didn't think it would happen t..."

Thanks, Dale. Due to this experience, it has become a book I'd rather forget! Grateful for the otherwise positive interactions I've previously had with others though.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Can you let us know the book Rowan?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just letting everyone know that Booktopia has gone into voluntary administration.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/boo...

[Carolyn]

Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Sorry to hear about this Rowan. I’ve only ever had positive feedback from reviewers, but have seen some ugly cases of reviewers being attacked by authors - usually first time authors who haven’t learnt that not everyone will love their book. As Phrynne says, delete the comments, don’t engage and put it behind you.

[Rowan]

Brenda wrote: "Can you let us know the book Rowan?"

Yes, Brenda. It is Why Do Horses Run? by Cameron Stewart.

(Also, had a feeling things weren't good with Booktopia, as noticed their 'coming soon' sections were removed last week.)

[Rowan]

Carolyn wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Sorry to hear about this Rowan. I’ve only ever had positive feedback from revi..."

Thanks for your kind words, Carolyn. I'm grateful for this wonderful community. It also helped to follow that book with a lighthearted read!

I've always had great experiences with authors - until now. But seen a few ugly cases of reviewers being attacked etc. It unfortunately seems to be happening more frequently.

In my case, the comments section was also highlighted - not a good feeling to know an author is floating around like that, obsessing over things that friends may talk about.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Rowan wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Can you let us know the book Rowan?"

Yes, Brenda. It is Why Do Horses Run? by Cameron Stewart.

(Also, had a feeling things weren't good with Booktopia, as noticed their 'coming soo..."

Ahhh the one I remember your review on that one. Thanks Rowan. And yes, very sad about Booktopia :(

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Rowan wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Sorry to hear about this Rowan. I’ve only ever had positive fe..."

Unfortunately he sounds like a grub! I doubt his career will go very far if this is his attitude. Silly man...

[Carolyn]

Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?
If so, what happened?"

That's a pretty complimentary review you wrote Rowan. He should have been very happy with it and not obsessing about the couple of things you didn't like. Most authors appreciate hearing feedback from readers on what didn't work for them.

[Rowan]

Brenda wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?

If so, what happened?"

Sorry to hear about this Rowan. I’ve only ever h..."

It's quite unfortunate, Brenda. After my review, I actually had a YouTuber invite me to discuss that book via Zoom for their channel. I happily accepted - only to then get that message from the author. Understandably, I've now canceled because I just wouldn't feel comfortable talking about that book.

Carolyn wrote: "Rowan wrote: "Has anyone here ever had an unhappy author private message them after a review?
If so, what happened?"

That's a pretty complimentary review you wrote Rowan. He should have been very ..."

That's what I thought too, Carolyn! There are literally only 2-3 sentences about things I disliked and weren't to my taste. And that formed part of my reply to him: "Hope you’re instead able to focus on the 80% of my review that was overwhelmingly positive."

[Carolyn]

Sounds like you handled it as well as you could have Rowan.

[Marianne]

I had an author get a bit snarky about a question I asked about the book here on GR, the whole question was marked as a spoiler so I wasn't revealing anything without a warning, but they didn't like that I'd raised it. Needless to say, I haven't bothered with the rest of that author's books, although several Aussie Readers love the work.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Who is the author Marianne?

[Rowan]

Carolyn wrote: "Sounds like you handled it as well as you could have Rowan."

Thanks, Carolyn. I would usually ignore something like that, but felt the need to politely stand up for myself.

Sorry to hear of your experience too, Marianne. I think authors should be grateful people are engaging with their work, asking questions and showing interest - not being snarky.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I've just had 6 reviews returned from Amazon, saying they "don't meet their guidelines" without saying why. I went there to do a review again, and they've removed every single review - thousands - and said I can no longer review. Even books I have bought from Amazon!

[Helen]

Brenda wrote: "I've just had 6 reviews returned from Amazon, saying they "don't meet their guidelines" without saying why. I went there to do a review again, and they've removed every single review - thousands - ..."

Oh no, not again what is with them I haven't had this happen yet I hope they sort themselves out I am so sorry Brenda

[Rowan]

Oh no, Brenda, that sounds so very frustrating! Especially not even giving a reason! I hope things somehow sort themselves out. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! 🤞🏻

[Dale]

Brenda wrote: "I've just had 6 reviews returned from Amazon, saying they "don't meet their guidelines" without saying why. I went there to do a review again, and they've removed every single review - thousands - ..."

Very annoying for you Brenda.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks guys! I've just spent half an hour on the online "chat" with someone on Amazon, who was very helpful. I was given an email address and have used it. Hopefully they'll be back tomorrow. The Amazon person said it was probably a technical glitch etc etc. I asked to please explain why it happens.

[Helen]

that is good news Brenda

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

There is still no result Helen. I've got everything crossed, but I'm not hopeful even after the chat person was reassuring.

[Carolyn]

Brenda wrote: "There is still no result Helen. I've got everything crossed, but I'm not hopeful even after the chat person was reassuring."

Keep trying Brenda. It doesn't sound like there's any good reason for Amazon to do this!!

[Helen]

Brenda wrote: "There is still no result Helen. I've got everything crossed, but I'm not hopeful even after the chat person was reassuring."

I have everything crossed as well

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carolyn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "There is still no result Helen. I've got everything crossed, but I'm not hopeful even after the chat person was reassuring."

Keep trying Brenda. It doesn't sound like there's any go..."

No and they won't explain it either!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Helen wrote: "Brenda wrote: "There is still no result Helen. I've got everything crossed, but I'm not hopeful even after the chat person was reassuring."

I have everything crossed as well"

Thanks Helen :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

That is so bad Brenda. I believe Jonetta had it happen to her. Maybe ask her about it?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I was wondering if I should. Thanks, I will.

[Lucinda Skeats Miller]

Hi 👋🏼 I’m Lucinda, I’m new to good reads and would love some book recs! Just got a kobo 🙌🏼 Please add me as a friend 😄

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Welcome Lucinda. We have an introduction thread and lots of recommendation threads as well, if you're interested in checking them out :)

[Odette]

Brenda wrote: "There is still no result Helen. I've got everything crossed, but I'm not hopeful even after the chat person was reassuring."

Have you heard anything back yet? Hope it is all sorted out.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

No Odette, they're not answering my emails now. I'm hoping it's because it's the weekend over there, so if they're going to answer or do anything, it should happen tomorrow. But I'm not hopeful!

[Odette]

Brenda wrote: "No Odette, they're not answering my emails now. I'm hoping it's because it's the weekend over there, so if they're going to answer or do anything, it should happen tomorrow. But I'm not hopeful!"

Hope you get some good news tomorrow. It is not right to remove all the reviews, and they should provide a reason.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I agree Odette. But they have us over a barrel I think. They're too big for us small reviewers...

[Helen]

Sadly, I think that is true, Brenda I really hope they gat their act together soon