Kathleen Martin's Blog: The Halleluiah Baby

I recently got into a discussion with some authors on here about the Goodreads' giveaway program. Writing is a lonely profession and it's great to hear the struggles and pitfalls other writers go through so as not to feel so alone with my own. There was a back and forth, suggestions were offered, opinions were shared, grievances were made, which were relatively respectful and intelligent, but then it got quite nasty. I was relieved when Goodreads pulled the "thread" on this discussion and hoped that would be the end of it. But it wasn't - spite raised its ugly head. Two "reviewers" who took part in this discussion, took it upon themselves to attack my work on Amazon and Goodreads because I either disagreed or found some of their comments in this discussion offensive. They even got their followers to join in on the attack by giving me one-star ratings. I'm pretty sure only one of these people actually even read my book. I completely support the right of anyone to pan any of my books, but not when it's done just to attack me because I voiced an opinion contrary to theirs I'm sure Goodreads does not support this kind of vindictiveness and I hope no other author's work suffers this type of attack.

I'm not sure if other authors have received reviews from people in the "Giveaway Program" objecting to the language used in their books. I recently received a complaint from a reviewer that my book was not suitable for her "tween" daughter. I'm not sure who my book is suitable for and everyone is entitled to their take on the literary merits of my book, but for this particular book, even though it's about the struggles of a young girl, I always check off "This book contains mature content." when filling out the "Giveaway" entry sheet. Is there some other way I can warn parents about their "tween" children reading this book?
P.S. This book is written in the first person and is an intimate diary of a teenage girl. The language she uses is entirely her right.

Penny Maybe

The Halleluiah Baby