The Reading Room

According to onlineslangdictionary.com to read someone is defined as: To lecture someone with a sharply worded barrage of painful truths about themselves.

With all the mess and non-sense on social media and lately in most books I think a read is necessary.

• Can anyone tell me what happened to love stories? Where the women had a backbone and abuse wasn’t considered being an alpha male and disguised as love. Don’t get me wrong I do read what is considered “dark” reads but it’s between two consensual adults. Lately these so called “dark” reads feature young kids and rape is considered ok because the so called hero had a bad past.  Does anyone else not see a red flag? I know there is an audience for this stuff. But what are we telling women about their experiences? I feel as a reader some subject matter should be handled with a little more care and tact. And this is from someone who read and went to see 50 Shades.

• I miss knowing what characters look like and not having to guess. What’s up with ambiguous descriptions of characters or none at all?  For instance, the women are described in terms of food and objects like heart shaped face, bow lips, long hair down her butt, and my favorite creamy skin. What is that? Sounds like you are creating an avatar and not a character.

• I agree reading has some element of fantasy but it was a time people read for both fantasy and to see a little bit of themselves in the stories. What happened to the stories with real women? Now they are all young, virgins, dating billionaires and blemish free. And the women writing them are real full figured women. Take a chance and write about something other than the mainstream cliché.

• And for my ladies who write in the IR genre lately a lot or posts have been devoted to color not mattering but its contradictory to what many write in their books. For example, you don’t have to demonize black men i.e. present them as a thug, no good, deadbeat to make them more appealing against the white man your character wants to be with. Men are men no matter the color. If color doesn’t matter as many of these authors say then don’t put down one race to justify being with someone of another race. Love is love and no relationship is easy. Another issue about race and representation is that there is no representation. Well let me rephrase that diverse representation. Newsflash we are not all the same color with long flowing hair. Which many of these authors know because they look nothing like who and what they write about. All I can say is self-hate is real and is reflected so much in these IR groups. I just want to give many a bell hooks book and say have at.

• Because this is a business and you want to put your best work out why not invest in a good editor and a few beta reader? Lately there has been issues with beta readers and arc’s being pirated which in itself is sad because it is stealing and not cool on any level. Nonetheless get a few well trusted people to help read and offer advice on your book. I have come in contact with many authors who don’t have either. Huh? Do you not want advice on your story outside of your FB group of fans? How can you be better without constructive criticism? I have people who reach out to me and say you spelled that wrong, or that sentence doesn’t make sense and I take what they said and correct it. I don’t cry, or post statuses about it for validation.

But I digress…..

• I just miss good love stories. What I mean to say is romance. There is no romance, no courting, it’s just I want you let me stalk and obsess over you until you cave.

•  Where is the plot in some of these books? What’s up with freaky/fetish titles and a book filled with sex scenes? I am no prude but I miss actual character interaction. I love a spicy love scene but some books well the ones lately you get to 13% in and already the characters are have raunchy sex and in love. Did it happen that fast? I read insta-love/lust stories but the authors rarely tell why the two are in love. Where is the connection? I know, I know its fiction but jeez.

• And the trolls. Once you say something about any story its let me attack and defend. If the author isn’t saying anything why are you? Especially when readers who are the buyers are asking questions about a story?

 

 

• Remember the days of getting paperbacks and your only correspondence was the sheet of paper in the back?

• Also, tagging your books as cook or whatever not related to the book just so you can get #1 on Amazon. Really? Really?

• My author friends I genuinely want to know what’s up with this phenomena of step-brother stories. Is it because its taboo?  

Note these are just my thoughts as a reader and blogger so please don’t take offense. This post is not toward anyone person in general but what is reflected on social media.

Side note: Coming up in March a good friend and mentor of mine are partnering up for a few posts in a series featuring some very well-known authors. So please stay tuned.

 

Reviews vs. Opinions: Sorry I Don't Speak Basic

Recently I had a fellow reviewer comment with a five paragraph paper on why she thought my review on a book I rated three stars and she rated five was not to be taken seriously. The person went on to say that they were trying to help me understand the book and that my review wasn’t a review but in fact an opinion. Immediately I was thrown a back because this person was very delusional and went into a whole rant on what a relationship is and defined and gave examples of her relationship comparing it to the fictional characters in said book. They also went on to verbally attack me about how my review was a joke and to not be taken seriously. Of course I responded and let the person know that this was just my opinion and we don’t all like the same things.

The reviewer proceeded to tell me that my “review” wasn’t a review but an opinion.

 

So I decided in true CoCo fashion to educate this person and others who think that they can harass a person or expect a justification for one's opinion. I used Webster’s Dictionary to define the following words.

• Book Review:  A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is analyzed based on content, style, and merit. A book review can be a primary source opinion piece, summary review or scholarly review.
• Opinion: a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

The last time I checked book clubs were used for book discussion. The book in question had over a 100+ reviews and the fact that this person went trolling for reviews that they found didn’t line up with their opinion is a bit scary. To go as far as to write an elementary paper on why I didn’t understand the book and to attack me is just beyond. But….

This is part of the reason why people don’t review because delusional fangirls take fictional characters and fictional books way too seriously. Newsflash we don’t all like nor feel the same way about stuff. If we did how boring would the world be? I am all for book discussion but I don’t tolerate attacking or rudeness.

 It’s nothing wrong with stating your opinion and why you like or dislike a book. But when you go to battle over one person’s review what purpose does it serve? Are you getting paid? Does this behavior help your favorite author?

Seriously have several because you are doing way to much for a book that you didn't even get paid for.

Again this is just an opinion about one bloggers experience with crazy fangirls. While you are trolling for reviews and getting upset over a review I'm laughing because its funny yet sad at the same time.

Oh The Shade!

As a person who loves to read and discussing books I thoroughly enjoy author groups and fan pages. It gives readers and bloggers the chance to interact with authors, and other readers amongst other things like contests and snippets. My issue with these mediums is that sometimes authors, admins and other readers use such platforms to bully and alienate others. It’s really sad and disheartening when you join a group and participate in discussion to get called out by admins because of difference of opinions. We are adults here although that doesn’t equate to maturity but, nonetheless, we are adults so why not agree to disagree?

I always mention that publishing books is a business for authors. In conjunction with publishing you must promote and market yourself. That means using social media to your advantage. Unfortunately most are about making friends and don’t want to rock the boat and stand for anything. For instance, when a group discussion occurs its understandable emotions run high and things can get taken out of context but it’s not ever okay to call out other readers and verbally attack them because they don’t agree with you. What’s worst is that when authors are notified about this they do nothing and stand by their admins or whomever. But the point is it will never be acceptable to sit back and allow someone to attack another. Understand that this hurts your brand and alienates readers who in turn pay you.

Maybe I should refresh people on what cyberbullying means. According to Webster dictionary Cyberbullying (noun) is defined as the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

This definition is extended to memes as well. I think its comical how bullies talk in memes so since this is a language they understand here are a few memes for ya’!

I thought the purpose of these groups/pages was for readers to come together and discuss all things books. Unfortunately it is anything but. Most have become a cesspool of negativity and the discussions are rarely about books. Sadly I have witnessed this activity go one for way too long and it honestly turns me off from the authors since it is their group. So to all the bullies and others who condone this behavior here is a meme for you.

 

 

This is not the gospel but just one persons opinion about what I have seen and experienced in these groups. I would love to hear what other readers and authors hopefully have to say about this issue. I hope bullies take heed and authors realize that this behavior will not help you only hurt you. Please find yourselves......

 

Stop Posting and Publish!!!!

This is one of those what's up with that posts!

Let me start by saying that a lot of Indie authors do not write full time. For some that is a dream but as of right now many work full time jobs. Social media in my opinion has helped many Indie authors spread the word about their books. But sometimes social media can hurt your rather than help you. I completely understand books being delayed and wanting to get the work just right before you publish. Trust me I prefer you put your best work out instead of something to please fans.


My issue is that so many authors are doing all these posts on social media about personal drama and I really want to say, "save that for the book you are supposed to be publishing." Don't get me wrong I know authors are people as well and have lives. But please create a personal page and stop putting all of your personal business on your author page. It honestly turns fans off more than anything. I personally prefer drama in books.



Everyday its a new post about this that and the third but no book in sight for years. Which begs the question at what point do readers get tired of waiting? Especially if they see their favorite authors flooding timelines but when asked about said book it's nearly finished. This is just my opinion as one blogger and avid reader.

What's Up With That?

In the author/reading world there will always be a what’s up with that question to be asked. I have noticed a trend with authors as of late and I honestly can’t help but ask the question what’s up with that?

Authors who have other authors as their beta readers. What happened with getting a reader as a beta reader? I understand authors are readers as well but because more than likely these people are your friends they will not be very objective in their assessment of your work. Versus say a reader who you are actually selling to. Not to sound rude but aren’t these other authors your competition and lets be real some of them will sabotage you. I am all for uplifting other women but this is a business. For instance you get a focus group (those who are your target audience) to give their honest opinion on the product. You do not go to the competition another company to review your product.

 

Another side-eye moment is the fact that some authors charge for snippets. I noticed a few authors have blogs that they charge readers for to read their work. Who does that? When Amazon samples are free. Seriously you charge your fans for your blog posts on your books. Listen newsletters, blog posts, and snippets are free!!!!! This is pure foolishness. Which brings me to my other issue authors who over share. I love a good sneak peek every now and then but when an author shares 3-4 snippets a day everyday as a reader I feel like I know the story and now will be less likely to one-click. I think it has to be a happy medium share just enough to whet the appetite. I understand you want to keep readers interested and its good marketing but some authors share so much when the book has no release date in sight.

 

 

Keep in mind these posts are not about one author in particular but issues I have seen as one reader and blogger on social media.

What's Up With That?

*** Disclaimer**** The purpose of this post is not to attack anyone personally or any one author in particular. Its to bring attention to a few issues I have noticed as a reader and blogger within the IR community. This is not the gospel just one person's opinion. We all have them but leave your negative comments to yourself.

It’s been awhile since I have done a “what’s up with that post” I only do these when something triggers it. My fellow blogger and friend Musings of an IR Junkie recently did a blog post about how there is no U.N.I.T.Y. in the IR (Interracial) genre. This post was one of those triggers as well as the foolishness I have been seeing on social media and Amazon.

Here goes……

Regarding no unity being in the IR community the simple fact is that there is none. I don’t want to rehash everything that was said but I will add my spin on it. This is a business first and foremost. As an author you are your own brand. So I don’t understand how you expect to sell if you don’t market yourself. I am speaking of the authors who only stay within their own group and don’t step outside of their circle or clique. Frankly speaking you don’t support others but want to get in your group and whine woe is me. Newsflash: You Get What You Give!!!! I have seen new authors come in and do blog takeovers, offer contests, and hold discussions about their up and coming books. For a genre that was made for us by us I don’t get why we tear each other down. I have seen authors allow their admins, and street teams bully reviewers, fans and other authors. Are you that insecure that you will tear a fellow author down? And you wonder why your stuff doesn’t even make the U.S.A. bestseller list. Focus more on actual writing quality work then what others are doing. It doesn’t take anything from you to help another author out.

On the flipside you do have authors who support each other but they only support those who fit inside of their clique. Like I mentioned earlier this is a business shouldn’t you be focused on making sales? I think it’s funny when some of these authors take to their social media and post all about love and harmony but then the mean girl comes out. It’s really sad that some people are stuck in high school. I believe the lack of unity and support of fellow authors hurt this genre. Maybe it's why the genre is seen as a joke? This is displayed by the fetish type books that are now flooding the genre. We have some very talented authors in this genre but the talent is overshadowed by the bad behavior and blatant lack of support amongst fellow authors and fans.

Now regarding the fans lack of support:

I have seen fans say that they don’t support some authors because of how they were treated in groups or the author’s disposition. The fact of the matter is social media is a blessing and a curse but a necessary evil. For instance an author commented on an Amazon review after her fan girls attacked the reviewer for a difference in opinion. Really? Is it that serious? Why do you care about what one person is saying about you when majority of the reviews are all positive? Not everyone will like you. Hell I know many don’t like me or my reviews/posts. And guess what? That’s fine because no one pays my bills. Back to the issue at hand. Well this author goes on and on about how they don’t read reviews and so forth but explains why the reviewer’s issue with the book were unfounded. First many complain because they don’t get reviews and now you want to tell a person how they should review? Do you see why reviewers get frustrated? Who has that kind of time? My issue is that this behavior turned me completely off from the author. Your admins represent you. Granted you can’t control other grown people but you can correct behavior. I still don’t understand why fan girls and admins spew such hate. Are you getting paid? More than likely you are getting free books. Which in itself is laughable going all out of your way  to bully another for what a $5.00 book. Honey if it’s that serious e-mail me and I will send you the book.

I understand reviews help authors but the fact of the matter is some simply don’t review. I have seen posts where people mention that their t.b.r. pile is so long. You know that that means? Maybe they just haven’t had time to review your book yet. And then some simply don’t like to review. Who am I to judge them or condemn them? Heck at least they bought the book when most are pirating books these days. The point is pick your battles. You know what I miss? Book chats/character chats. Lately these groups have been flooded with penis pictures or what’s happening in pop culture. I feel like we should all get back to basics. It’s only so much bloggers can do to help.

My other issue is the darkened photo covers on books. I know that there are select stock photos to choose from but just like with this genre create them. Please don’t darken photos it looks cheesy and fans aren’t stupid. Another issue I have seen as a trend as of late is the demonizing of black men in these books. It’s as if the black woman in the book can only be with the white man because the black man was this horrible monster. What is that? So in order to date a white man, black men have to dog you out? In the beginning the reason why I loved IR books was because it didn't focus more so on race but on the love story itself. Not that I don't enjoy stories that discuss race in books because lets be honest race is still an issue with some but be tactful in how you handle the issue of race.

Also what’s up with the lack of descriptions of the women in these books? Are you trying to appeal to a larger audience or don’t feel the descriptions are necessary? I genuinely want to know.

To sum all of this long post up:  We have to support one another and get over our own insecurities it’s enough room in this genre for everyone. Step outside of your groups and your fantasy world and support, like some posts, hell say thank you to your supporters.

 

 

What's Up With That

I have been noticing a trend lately with authors when they get bad reviews and is disconcerting. As a person who loves books and to chat about them I take offense to the fact that if you offer an opposing view than the majority you are a hater and that’s when the bullying begins. I left a very tasteful review once explaining why I didn’t really enjoy a certain story I even mention as I do in all my reviews judge the book for yourself. So tell me why this particular author goes on a rant on her page trashing my review and then proceeds to allow her “fans” to follow suit.

I wasn’t upset I actually found it quite comical. My thing is that if you open yourself up on any public forum then you open yourself up for public opinion. Like anything that’s open to the public there will be criticism. Even with my reviews I receive the, “you don’t know what you are talking about or you are not a writer.” And they are correct I am not a writer no do I proclaim to be. But this is my opinion just like they are entitled to theirs. But what I don’t understand why are these authors in their feelings about an opposing opinion? I get it’s your craft. BUT, Stephen King has criticism that doesn’t stop him from writing or doing what he does. He doesn’t take to his twitter and focus on the negative reviews. What’s sad is that I have noticed a lot of Indie authors whom I fully support doing this on their website. Why are you focusing on the few bad reviews and not on the positive? Just like with anything take it with a grain of salt.

 I am starting to feel with the time these authors focus on the bad reviews and posting it to every social media account they have there may be some truth to it. It annoys me because it seems like they are seeking validation and sympathy from their readers. Let naysayers and people do what they do. Focus on fine tuning your craft. Even with my blogging I am new to this and have a long way to go. I appreciate the help with how I can do better. Criticism is fine as long as it is coming from a loving place. With the way you can just easily publish a book on Amazon and how the IR genre is being flooded with work. You should want to put out your best work. i.e. edit, review, and get beta readers. This is a business get a thick skin! Ok that’s the end of my rant. So what do you think?