Sun > Status Update

I hope no one got confused when I posted Megan Derr's link. I definitely did NOT mean to confuse the two. I just appreciated what she had to say and thought it should be shared here.

I just saw the post by L.A. Witt defending SH just now. Is she still defending him? She was a fav of mine and it hurts to read what she wrote.

I'm glad Riptide took a stand but I still think they need to take a hard look at their organizational structure. They allegedly have a sexual predator making executive decisions not to mention they seemingly have fostered an environment in which some of their authors have zero issues bullying readers & suffer no consequences for that behavior.

If they want to be a pillar in the LGBTQ community & advocate for queer-positive representation then they need to make a greater effort at safeguarding the community. Making snap decisions about bloggers without adequate information & blacklisting people for asking questions isn't professional behavior. At least in my opinion it isn't.

As far as Shams attempting to move into MF, unless they're counting on people forgetting all of this & continuing to leverage the Hassell "brand" then they're going to have to start over w/a new name & the MF pond is more of an ocean with a whole lot of fish, really big fish.

kelgar01 wrote: "I hope no one got confused when I posted Megan Derr's link. I definitely did NOT mean to confuse the two. I just appreciated what she had to say and thought it should be shared here."

You can just call me Derr if that's easier, or Maderr. Santino hasn't actually done anything to me personally, I've never really had anything to do with them, we occupy different spaces in MM. And I don't want to get involved too much because I know I occupy a precarious place being both an author and publisher.

But I don't think what he did was right, and I posted so the individuals who were hurt would know there were people out there listening and willing to defend them. I know what it's like to feel you're all alone against what seems like the world.

Jax wrote: "I just saw the post by L.A. Witt defending SH just now. Is she still defending him? She was a fav of mine and it hurts to read what she wrote."

Same here Jax. Also didn't like HelenKay's tweet from earlier today. I have her ARC up next.

I'm sad for all the great authors that I feel we're losing. But angry that it came to this.

Who is the person that's done all this? I haven't heard of this scandal until just now. I want to put them on my blacklist so I never buy any of their books.

Fabi wrote: "Jax wrote: "I just saw the post by L.A. Witt defending SH just now. Is she still defending him? She was a fav of mine and it hurts to read what she wrote."

Same here Jax. Also didn't like HelenKay..."

I do as well. I have a whole bunch of authors now to look at a lot more closely...

damn! it takes a LONG time to get through all the removing/unfriending/blocking etc. my "Never, Ever, Ever Buy" list just keeps getting longer :-(

Thank you Susan, for posting this thread and thanks to all the people who didn't let the harassing/hate/evil stop you from exposing this mess.

Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Fabi wrote: "Jax wrote: "I just saw the post by L.A. Witt defending SH just now. Is she still defending him? She was a fav of mine and it hurts to read what she wrote."

Same here Jax. Also didn't ..."

On a good note, I spent a lot of $$ today on some authors who I chose to spend my money on and added a bunch to my to-read list.

Between all of us on the thread, we have tens of thousands of followers. I have ~4,000 friends and followers just myself on Goodreads alone. I'd LOVE to spend my time reading and promoting and blogging about awesome authors. There are great ones here who deserve the recognition, and we, as readers, have the power.

I'm absolutly disgusted by all of this. I've been reading MM since the glory days of Torquere, when Sean Michael was the biggest deal around, lol. I dropped out of the scene for a while, but recently came back and found this shitstorm going on.

As a reader, I don't care about Santino's personal life. As a human, I'm appallled by the crass, vile things "he" has done and encourged to have done.

Someone doesn't give your book a 5 star review? Tough shit! People have different opinions. That doesn't give you the right to sic your posse on them and harrass them to the point of abandoning social media/suicide for Christ's sake! Grow up!

Alissa, I'm so proud of you. I know how hard that was for you. You will always have me in your corner. Let the countdown to GRL begin!

I also want to say thanks to everyone who has spoken up. I truly feared that SH would never be held accountable for what "he" did to my friend and so many others.

SH and their so called friends make me sick. They are bullies of the worst kind.

Tenae wrote: "Who is the person that's done all this? I haven't heard of this scandal until just now. I want to put them on my blacklist so I never buy any of their books."

Goes by the penname Santino Hassell.

Vicky wrote: "kelgar01 wrote: "Megan Derr's FB
https://www.facebook.com/meganaderr/p..."

I may have to try a new to me author ♥"

Same! What a beautiful post.

Suzanne wrote: "Where is LA Witts post?"

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXN4g7fVw...

It's like she didn't take time to research or read any of the stories. So disappointed and I was so excited to read her Bad Behavior series.

Vicky wrote: "kelgar01 wrote: "Megan Derr's FB
https://www.facebook.com/meganaderr/p..."

I may have to try a new to me author ♥ Bought an audiobook
[book:The High King's Golden To..."

I sincerely hope you love this one as much as I did, it's an awesome series. Enjoy.

Fabi wrote: "Tenae wrote: "Who is the person that's done all this? I haven't heard of this scandal until just now. I want to put them on my blacklist so I never buy any of their books."

Goes by the penname San..."

Thanks! I blacklisted all of their books. There's no way in hell I'm giving pure scum my money.

Jax wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "Where is LA Witts post?"

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXN4g7fVw...

It's like she didn't take time to research or read any of the stories. So disappointed and I was so ..."

I'd like to hear her current opinion. That post is from Jan 28. A lot has come to light since then.

I sincerely hope that out of all of this, friendships are mended and new ones created. There are a lot more great folks in Romancelandia than there are jerks. (And much <3 to Susan and all of those who have come forward. I cannot imagine how difficult this has been.)

What annoys me is how they take down posts revealing all this info so some unsuspecting readers are in the dark, I'm not very involved in posting reviews so I had no clue this was going on until I saw Susan's post becuase I follow her reviews. It upsets me now that I've unwittingly been supporting a bully by buying their books and might still have done so if it hadn't been for brave Susan.

Thank you, Susan, and everyone else who has spoken up regarding this debacle. I've been following it for about a year now but I've kept silent on SM, mostly because I didn't feel I had any right to say anything since, with the exception of Vanessa's betrayal, this hasn't touched me personally. I've been following this thread since Susan posted it but I was too afraid to post anything because I didn't want it to hurt my new editing business.

I have since realized that by not showing my support, not speaking up, I was victimizing not only you all, but myself.

FUCK. THAT.

That's not who I am. All of you, every one of you, whether you had personal stakes in this or not, are amazing for showing such courage. I am in awe of you.

And for everyone going to GRL this year, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU! ♥

Jenni Lea wrote: "Thank you, Susan, and everyone else who has spoken up regarding this debacle. I've been following it for about a year now but I've kept silent on SM, mostly because I didn't feel I had any right to..."

💘 💘 💘 💘

Aissa wrote: "I originally made a small post earlier but under an anonymous name. I deleted it. But Jenn said I need to tell my story. I would feel better. I love you, Jenn, but I feel like throwing up...."


OMG! ALISSA!!!!!! I am in TEARS! I can't believe it's YOU! I...no really...I am crying! I am SO HAPPY to see you here. I'm so sorry the circumstances that forced you into hiding and those same circumstances that have brought you out. But, I am NOT sorry that you're here. I wish you were close enough to hug. (maybe I need the hug more than you do! :))

GIRL, just...you know...you know...I will do anything to make sure he doesn't hurt you again. So stay, ok? Don't go anywhere.

Susan wrote: "Aissa wrote: "I originally made a small post earlier but under an anonymous name. I deleted it. But Jenn said I need to tell my story. I would feel better. I love you, Jenn, but I feel like throwin..."

Aw, Susan, I am in tears reading this, because I know how much it will mean to her. Thank you, my friend. GRL can't get here soon enough!

I don't know if this has been posted yet. I'm gonna catch up with this thread in a minute. Just wanted this article known.

http://www.nj.com/jjournal-news/index...

Look at the pic and read the article.

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "I'm glad Riptide took a stand but I still think they need to take a hard look at their organizational structure. They allegedly have a sexual predator making executive decisions not to mention they..."

Going to bed at midnight reading this whole thread. Twitter is not really my playground so all of this ... speechless. More than anything it provokes sadness.

I know you're a fan, Annery. I'm sorry that anyone has been hurt by this no matter what the degree. If you want to talk/vent/whatevs you know how to get me. xx

I'm in awe of everyone on this thread. I'm not a regular on GR anymore, but I'm happy to be here today to see women laying bullies in the dirt where they belong.
I'm also a bit misty over seeing friendships mended. This is an ugly mess that's going to have a very happy ending. Well done to all of you!

The first I heard of all this today was Riptide's statement -- and I'm a Riptide author.

I would like to say though (and this may absolutely not be the case with any of SH's co-authors) that it's possible to write a book with someone without knowing anything about them apart from what they put on social media. I've co-written with three different authors now, and only met them in person afterward. Luckily none of us were lying about who were were. Because fuck... who's got the energy to keep all those lies straight?

I'm really sorry for anyone who has been hurt by this, and I have no words to express how disgusting it is that people will fake cancer to solicit donations or boost sales.

Lisa wrote: "The first I heard of all this today was Riptide's statement -- and I'm a Riptide author.

I would like to say though (and this may absolutely not be the case with any of SH's co-authors) that it's..."

I appreciate what you are saying, Lisa. Unfortunately SH's co-writers are a different breed than yours. They do a lot of SH's dirty work for "him" and are just as guilty of bullying, ostracizing and overall nastiness as "he" is.

Viv wrote: "I appreciate what you are saying, Lisa"

That does seem to be the case here, the more I read. I just wanted to put it out that writing a book together doesn't necessarily mean you've even met the other person IRL.

I'm a smallish fish in this smallish pond, and I've often found myself side-eyeing the "popular kids" a little bit. There does seem to be a real cult of personality with some authors in the community--something that I don't buy into because I'm a total introvert--and funnily enough it always seems to be those popular kids that are exposed for lying.

Lisa wrote: "Viv wrote: "I appreciate what you are saying, Lisa"

That does seem to be the case here, the more I read. I just wanted to put it out that writing a book together doesn't necessarily mean you've ev..."

I ♥ you, Lisa! You'll always be a big fish in my pond.

I am really upset by this, I met Santino at Shameless Book Con, and was so freaking excited to actually meet him. Now to find out that this has all been a set up. Why not just be honest with your fans? I see now that he/she is quitting writing books, but is still keeping their Patreon open, and planning on publishing the last two 5B books their serial style. I feel like that is a slap in the face also to people who are still supporting the work despite the author drama.. so you have to be a patron to see how the stories go now...wtf

Susan wrote: "I don't know if this has been posted yet. I'm gonna catch up with this thread in a minute. Just wanted this article known.

http://www.nj.com/jjournal-news/index......"

Hudnell? Oh, that makes me laugh!

Susan wrote: "Why am I so inept when it comes to posting pictures on GR? Grrr...

Anyways, Kate Pavelle, whoever you are, you're CANCELLED:

From FB:
"Publishers are bound by contracts. If a publisher breaks a ..."

Susan, Kate Parvelle did respond to my post. I can't do pics on GR either. LOL

From FB:
"An hour of catching up... dang. I hate to be wrong in this case."

I was more referring to this. ;)
Saturday’s event attracted residents from across the tri-state area, including Alicia and Mavin Hassell, both 26, of Staten Island. They had been looking to add a kitten to their home for at least a month and finally settled on “Pittiebull,” who is 2 1/2 months old."

Of course that includes a pic of 'Santino' and his famous cat.

T.M. wrote: "ME's comments...

https://www.facebook.com/meganjericks..."

T.W. commented. Interesting, because it was alleged that T.W. harassed people: http://www.theyakitten.net/2018/02/12...

Following.
Sickened.
Pissed off - Blog Owner/Reviewer

Susan wrote: "I was more referring to this. ;)
Saturday’s event attracted residents from across the tri-state area, including Alicia and Mavin Hassell, both 26, of Staten Island. They had been looking to add a k..."

Oh! I completely missed that - I thought he was using "Earl Hudnell" as yet another name
Great find btw

Did you guys see Riptides statement... I can't get through this huge thread lol ... http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...

Whoever found the pic of Marvin and Alicia adopting the cat... huge score.

Jaime wrote: "Whoever found the pic of Marvin and Alicia adopting the cat... huge score."

The nasty birds were talking about an article on the internet somewhere, so a Google search was easy after that. (I'm definitely not taking credit for that. It's brilliant they found it)

It's awesome.

Susan wrote: "Jaime wrote: "Whoever found the pic of Marvin and Alicia adopting the cat... huge score."

The nasty birds were talking about an article on the internet somewhere, so a Google search was easy after..."

And still, with all these evidence that is piling up by the minute, ppl are sending them hugs, supporting them and throwing blames at the victims.
I never did get this “cult-following” behavior, I’m running away like I’m on fire whenever I stumble upon such groups.
Have some back bone & character people!,

But I've heard from an undercover friend who's in the Hassell FB group that there are still 900 people in it and most are supporting 'him'.. :(

Alona wrote: "Susan wrote: "Jaime wrote: "Whoever found the pic of Marvin and Alicia adopting the cat... huge score."

The nasty birds were talking about an article on the internet somewhere, so a Google search ..."

I don't understand the behavior either. I fully support your opinion about those groups. A man is just a man, regardless of him being an author, engineer, movie star, etc.

Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Heather K (dentist in my spare time) wrote: "Fabi wrote: "Jax wrote: "I just saw the post by L.A. Witt defending SH just now. Is she still defending him? She was a fav of mine and it hurts to read ..."

Agreed!

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "I'm glad Riptide took a stand but I still think they need to take a hard look at their organizational structure. They allegedly have a sexual predator making executive decisions not to mention they..."

If they do have an alleged sexual predator making executive decisions, they might want to have their attorney advise them on that, too, before they're sued by someone who's been harassed (or worse, harassed and then basically fired.)
I know of a person in my town who was fired from her job with plenty of justification for it, but because her boss had made sexual advances, she ended up with a substantial six-figure settlement after suing him.
If the alleged harassment is factual, the true professionals at Riptide should take steps to make sure they're not left vulnerable to damaging lawsuits. The authors deserve better.

Catching up on the thread... Riptide surprised me by doing the right thing and by issuing such a clear and open statement. I honestly was wary whether they would drop him AND apologise for standing by him when they should and could have known better.

I am glad to see some people are finding their way back into the fold after having been bullied into near silence. I am glad to see many more authors speaking up.

I am not active in the community but I feel in recent days I’ve gotten to know it better and the awesome people in it, as well as those who played an ugly part. I know now which authors I will stop reading.

When I discovered GR years ago I was thrilled to find a site for readers. Where I didn’t have to rely on the opinions of professionals but of passionate lovers of stories, like me!
I was surprised the first time an author liked my review. I was thinking: what are you doing here? I didn’t write this to please you. Naive of me perhaps. I became aware that authors could be reading my reviews too, not just fellow readers. And I learned that this was not always a safe space for people to share their reading experiences, and that is what this space should be, first and foremost. That we can agree to disagree on our opinions of a book but that this should never get personal or a reason to gang up on someone.

After having seen this whole SH situation unravel and having seen readers get bullied for their opinions over the years, I will more actively defend everyone’s right to express their opinions safely in future. Zero tolerance for bullies.

Love to all!

LenaLena wrote: "Giulio wrote: "Thank you Susan, Jenn, Dani, Francesca and all the others who have helped revealing the truth that lies behind this ugly individual(s). You are very brave.
..... Julio, dude, you were harmed."

Thank you LenaLena, but I think you mixed me up with someone else with a similar nickname :)

I just cancelled my Patreon pledge for him/her, and increased my pledge with KA. Merikan! Love them!

So, I have been reading all the stories on Twitter about SH. Holy Cow. Just crazy. I am so flabbergasted that all of this has been going on. Now to see SH wiped the twitter account. Its all very strange behavior for someone who proclaims to be innocent.

And even if by some chance.. this turns out to all be a huge misunderstanding (which I highly, highly, highly doubt) -- i still want nothing to do with that "crew of authors" -- I can't in good conscious support or condone this type of behavior. The lies, manipulations, deciet, and everything else that has gone on we still dont know about.. its horrible.