Or maybe I am misunderstanding? Or the point here is seriously lost, confused or just jack completely…
Gina Black (which btw who is that?) posted on Romantic Times regarding her friend Lisa Valdez:
Post Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 12:53 pm Yes! I have seen Lisa and I am delighted to report that she is well. Smile She is staying off the internet and away from email and other such cyberdistractions. I know she truly appreciates her fans, and I assure you she *is* working hard at the keyboard these days.
I can say with assurance that you have a treat ahead. Other than that I cannot say as I am not her spokesperson, but her devoted critique partner and friend.
Gina
Am I the only one who sees that as not all that and a bag of chips? My response is here.
No offense Gina but I think at this point Lisa really can’t assure anything. She is working hard? Is that to say she WASN’T working hard before but now three years later she has decided too? Is that suppose to reassure me? Or better yet as a reader should I care?
Cyberdistractions are all well and good. I can understand needing to ‘disconnect’. And when you have blown your deadline as many times as she has I think it is prolly a good idea to not be connected.
BUT I say this as a reader, a fan and someone who personally likes Lisa Valdez – what message is this sending? I am going to hope she has no idea you posted and this isn’t ‘from’ her. Either the message is insulting or poorly worded… or my reader comprehension is way off because what I get from your message is:
1. Lisa Valdez was lying before when she said she was hard at work on the novel and would soon be finished.
2. She is NOW working hard to finish the novel – the three? four? times before when she was ‘working hard’ to finish it were…. what? practice rounds?
3. “Playing” on the net is one thing but you are saying she can’t be bothered to update a monthly newsletter or follow through what she committed to – not once, not twice, not even three times – to her fans.
4. You can take the time to inform her fans of her status but that is too much trouble for her to do.
So really really, I just hope this was very poorly worded and or done without her approval or proofing the post. Because if she did… as her reader, her fan and someone who has stuck by her I am insulted.
I can say with assurance that you have a treat ahead. Other than that I cannot say as I am not her spokesperson, but her devoted critique partner and friend. Gina
uh, the idea you are her CP and this is your idea of an idea well expressed does not give me hope for the book. Other than that all I can say, is maybe I am just beyond annoyed by now and misreading but I don’t think you are doing your friend any favors with this post.
Sybil
Feel free to tell me I am wrong… and uh what the hell is up with RT website? Their coding seems to be screwed or is that yet another new and nifty screw up with my computer?
Can anyone think of any one book wonders? ‘Cuz, Karen, that is a great idea for a post. Although, as mentioned, Tiffany did have several moderately successful tunes.
Perhaps a romance Gary Numan or Kajagoogoo instead?
er. Not to geek myself, but Gary Numan had 2. Down in the Park and, the ever well known, Cars. Also, totally straying from the point…
I completely get your point. I know I’m fed up with the reassurances, the multiple release dates. I am so over it and there so many other books out there to read. Over it. Whenever you all review this book is when I can believe that the damn thing will actually get released.
One hit wonders? Hmmm – well there is one author who I loved, wrote the one book and disappeared -Remember The Time by Annette Reynolds (contemporary best friends to lovers type of book that sits on my keeper shelf.) She released only the single title and haven’t been heard from since.
Thanks for the inspiration Devon, I wrote a post that’ll be going up tomorrow!
That was a hit? Sheesh, who the hell was silly enough to buy her records? *runs and hides*
Well, a ‘classic’ one hit wonder would be the Macarena, or “I’m too sexy” by Right Said Fred, hehe.
With regards to books being delayed, I understand that real life, writer’s block, all kinds of things can intervene… I can commiserate, and hope that a book will come out soon. But delays, especially long delays, undermine buzz/excitement for the next release. I’ll look for books that I’m interested in and that are available now. A website and updates can help keep me interested in a new release – but that’s only useful if it’s a) updated at least once in a while and b) has some interesting or useful updates. Otherwise I just feel like I’m being appeased, and there’s no real progress or development – and the author will slip my mind. I’ll start thinking that it’ll never happen, or that the book is shelved.
Writing is a creative process, and it’s hard work. But authors are also putting out a product, and are relying on readers to buy that product. By building buzz, having an effective website or a great online presence, authors reach out to readers, and try to get them interested in their work. But if I start to forget about the author, or lose trust in the author’s ability to deliver a product, well, that weakens the author’s ability to market their product to me as a reader.
My rat bastard ex boyfriend used to love Tiffany. Therefore, I hate Tiffany.lol.
I can’t believe anyone would ever accuse Sybil of being mean. Why, if that person can’t say something nice, she should disconnect her keyboard!
Srsly, the way Kay Hooper handled a missed release date was very good. She posted an apology on her website. Said that she found it harder to write in her brand new dream home than she did staring at an ugly wall in her old digs. (I too get more accomplished when I’m in my little office with the only distraction being a water stain on a ceiling tile.)
She said the book would be out 6 months later, and lo and behold the book was available exactly 6 months later.
New version of the Thumper rule: If you’re just going to repeat meaningless reassurances, then don’t say anything at all.
Oh, and Azteclady I think you’ve started a new trend. Cockpuppets, I love it.
SMOOCHES, Karen!
There, there, Meljean. *patting your back* There, there. LOL
I am so sorry. With Valenduckie Week I haven’t had a chance to answer most posts. BUT never fear I do plan too.
Sadly I am in BFE right now and on ::le gasp:: dial-up but I plan to be back in the real world soon.
As is my point does seem to be misunderstood by some. That happens when you come rushing in to the rescue and ‘get the back of a friend’ who was just le cry getting the back of a friend.
I mean really. WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TOO? We expect people to talk for themselves? Say it isn’t so! Next thing you know we will think making cockpuppets to agree with your points isn’t nice.
SIDENOTE: posting as many people DOESN’T increase your chances of winning contests it just makes me pissy and takes LONGER to get winners announced… just saying
Anyhoo… I like Lisa. I liked the book. I think it is grand it got such a great response and am happy if people are still buying it. Search her name on this here blog you have obviously never been to before there is a touch of history there….
MY POINT was and is unless there is something NEW happening. Unless there is something NEW to be Said. Unless the AUTHOR is going to do something AND FOLLOW through… than what are the ‘CP’s and or ‘friends’ doing other than giving false hope to readers? WHAT have those readers done other than enjoy a book and want to see more of the authors work?
Why lie to them? Why give them false hope? And DO NOT blame the publisher unless you are telling Lisa Valdez is a liar and the reasons she gave me for each of the past delays were made up. That road won’t lead anywhere pretty me think…
If the book is suddenly going to be finished, printable and in stores – GREAT. I will be more than happy to read it and pimp it if I like it. Well if we are saying I was used, lied to and manipulated… that might have a lil bit of a different outcome.
But I think it is very easy for authors to cry omg not my fault it is THEM those damn damn publisher peeps. And is it sometimes the publishers fault… sure. But if that is what we are saying here, if you are honestly trying to tell me ALL of her delays were because of her mean ol nasty publisher, honestly…. I would adore to hear more. So if you have something NEW to say – say it.
But remember, speaking FOR anyone other than yourself is generally a bad fucking idea.
Gloria, or should I call you Lin?
Why do I have my own blog? Because I want one. I like it. Tis shiny and purple… there are duckies that makes me squeee with joy. I like romance novels and I like to talk about them.
Being a bitch or not being a bitch really has nothing to do with it because I make it a rule to not say anything in print I wouldn’t in person. So, really, Lin hon, if we had been sitting at a table, and Gina said the same thing, I would have responded the same way.
Well I prolly would have said “fuck” more. But you know how that whole Internet communication thing can fuck shit up and some people have a stick stuck so far up their arses they take things way too seriously.
Thanks for asking!
What am I going on about? That it is bad form for a CP to call the author, for whom she is a CP for, in essence, a liar. In public. When said author doesn’t seem to want to post online or follow through with what she says she is going to do. It seems to be better to wait until at least the book is turned in. IMHO
1 – Don’t be stupid. No one owes anyone anything. Hell Gina doesn’t owe readers anything. We are each in charge of what we believe and don’t believe. So if people decided to go, “Woot, yay, lisa is gonna have the book done soon” based on what Gina sez, whatever. At the same time if I want to say “geeze that is shitty,” I can.
2 – It is bizarre behavior that you took this post as angry. Or that I had any feeling about Gina one way or the other. Well other than what I stated. But silly that… if you are one of her running buds you must be used to people not being able to speak their own minds and for themselves. So I understand your odd reaction.
3 – THIS makes me giggle… muchly… I do so lurve the rabid. No really. I gots the button!
4 – hmmmm. Oddly I think that you thinking this should prolly make me feel very secure in my own intelligence. If, that is, the day ever comes that I need reassurance from strangers that I RAWK. I will keep this bookmarked. Until then I will just keep on keeping on and making up my own mind, stating my own opinions and all that wild and crazy stuff that makes me a blogger.
No worries, you too can be a blogger! Gloria/Lin said so! So, really, you go with your badself.
Lin said:
Hey Lin/Gloria welcome to Cockpuppet Land.
Aztec, I think you’re onto something here. I think Cock is much more appropriate than sock.
There’s a short updated news page on Lisa’s site. It basically states there are no publication dates at this time for Patience and Primrose. I think it just went up today and do appreciate the update. Do you think she heard about your post, Sybil 😉
Hmmm
Well she updated yes?
I would say she didn’t make any promises she isn’t going to keep and I would say most would be happy if she finishes it and does publish it.
Did she hear about the post? Prolly. Did that matter? Doubt it. Honestly the title of the post was me being a smartass and cheeky not meant to point the finger at Gina in any way more than just mocking the silliness of restating the same thing (2 or so years later) when NOTHING had changed.
I am closing in on 99.9% again.
Hi all! I’m new here, but I had to comment on this one. Everyone seems to be coming down hard on Sybil, but I have to agree with alot of what she wrote. I know it’s been said a thousand times, but I’ve really have lost “patience” with this book. I read Passion so long ago and I just loved it. I can’t believe how long I’ve been waiting for this second book. I actually lent out the first book to some friends and they keep asking me “Where’s Patience? Is it out yet? WTF is happening!?” I have no idea what to say. I don’t buy all this bullcrap about not communicating with fans. I read books from so many authors and they all find time to keep in touch with their fanbases. I love Lora Leigh, Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR Ward. They always communicate with me and their fans, letting us know how far along they’ve gotten with a particular book and even asking our opinions on certain things. Lisa Valdez is a new writer, just starting her career. It’s incredibly foolhardy of her,IMO, to alienate her fans this way and stay so silent in this matter. I think Patience is already written, or so I remember reading a long time ago, so what exactly is holding this up? Why is there no definate answer to this question? Is it top secret information? If she could just tell us why this is happening, it would go a long way to appease the masses. I would still bitch about it,lol, but at least I’d feel appreciated as a fan. Right now, I just feel cheated and real let down. I wish I could say that even if the book came out now, I wouldn’t buy it just to prove a point. Unfortunately, though, I’d probably be at the book store at 6am, waiting in the snow like a nutjob with my money clutched tightly in my frozen fist. lol Hopefully, whatever problems are going on will eventually be fixed and we’ll get our book. As for a one hit wonder, I have doubts about that. Passion was just too well written and just so damn HOT! The preview for Patience was incredible, also. I recall reading somewhere that LV was finished with the second book and was already almost done with Primrose, so I don’t think the hold-up has anything to do with writers block or lack of story ideas. I wish someone would tell me WTH the hold-up is about.
I am new and I have to say I love Sybil. I think she tells it like it is and that I agree with her and all the Patience stuff. IT really is becoming a drag to find info about the book.
I am reading Passion as now. When she mentioned her sister I thought — oh goody another book to read. I then looked at the front of the book to see published date for Passion. And thought — oh yeah all the books should be out by now since this was published in 2005. I hate waiting for books to come out. So off I go to search on the internet. If it a series I like will normally buy all the rest of the books at once. You should see my TBR stack!
Ended up here – had a few giggles – now off to read the rest of Passion. Now, if I remember will check back to see if/when Patience released! But can’t image the horror of having to wait 3 years.
I’ve read most of the postings listed here and I for one am a little dissapointed!!!! What is the meaning of a true fan? Yes, Lisa’s “Passion” was fantastic!!!! I also want “Patience” to come out. I wrote to Lisa about a year ago and told her that “Passion” was one of the best books I’d read in a long time. She told me of her frustration and time contraint with finishing “Patience”. I told her that whatever it took, I personally would wait years for her sequel (her writing is that good!!!) In the meantime, I’ve been reading other books. Go figure…..reading other books!!!! I’ve kept “Passion” in my reading library and when I feel I want to read Lisa’s book again, I go to it. It reminds me that when Patience comes out, it will be all the better. I won’t put pressure on Lisa. I’ll just wait it out like a good and truly devoted fan would do. Just my opinion!!!!!
Hang in there Lisa….I’m not dissapointed it’s taking longer than you anticipated!!!!!!!!
Cheryl