A message to my lovely friends who follow my blog: Today I was supposed to post about a blog tour I had committed to for a new book by a debut author. Unfortunately, I won’t be doing that, and it was a really difficult decision for me to make. I received the book to review only after committing to the tour. The book excerpt provided is not an indication of the actual book content. Had I been given the opportunity to read the entire book first, I would have politely declined to participate.
The reason this is difficult is because I don’t feel I (or anyone else) have the right to decide what people should and shouldn’t read. Nor do I want to discourage any author in any way by my personal decision not to participate in this event. However, in all conscience, I just can’t do this tour – I honestly don’t believe it’s a good fit for my blog, or for you who follow me.
There are some really cool prizes with this tour (some that I as a participant would have been eligible to receive as well) – but you have to purchase the book in order to qualify. I am going to provide the link to the contest for those who do wish to enter – but need to emphasize that, even though the main character is a 16-year-old Asian girl, the language, theme and explicit sex is definitely rated 18+. Here is the link for those who wish to enter: http://www.novelpublicity.com/2012/04/the-sykosa-whirlwind-tour-starts-today-welcome-to-blogaganza-where-the-questions-are-fun-and-the-prizes-are-huge/
I wish the author every success in the tour and with the sales of his debut book; and again, apologize to my readers for reversing my decision to participate. I also want to stress that these are my opinions only – and some decisions are just very difficult to make.
~ Julie
Bravo, Julie! It’s always best to stay true to that little voice inside!! Have a great day, Sis!!
Thank you so much for your support, sis Caddo – I agonized over the decision for days, but in the end, just couldn’t do it. Have a wonderful day also! ~ Love, sis Julie xox
Way to stick to your morals, Julie! You did the right thing – it’s the same with movie trailers, you only see the best parts…
Marc, thank you so much … these comments make me feel a lot better. I don’t like to think I’m letting anyone down, but sometimes you just have to. I appreciate your support.
As Shakespeare once said Julie: “To thine own self be true”. And I believe there is no greater truth. Your soul always knows what is right for you. It’s your blog… people will follow if it resonates and if it doesn’t, they won’t. I, for one, applaud your truth
Thank you so much, Angela, I really appreciate your support.
I have to admire your stand here. It takes a great deal of courage to say no. I have to agree with you, I don’t think I would have been able to participate either.
Keep up the great work, though I don’t comment on all your posts, I do try to keep up with you on them
Much love,
Shell xx
Hey, girlfriend, your comment and support mean a great deal to me – I totally respect you as an author and love your books and your work. Thank you so much. ~ Julie xoxox
A very admirable decision and an excellently written retraction of participation. As writers, as people, we have to stand by our morals and beliefs. Two thumbs up.
Thank you so much Jenny, your comment and support is much appreciated. xox
I totally agree with the others that this was a tough decision, but you stood by what you thought was best. That’s so admirable. Just another reason why you’re an amazing woman.
Tameri, thank you so much for your support and kind words, my friend, they are much appreciated.
I echo everyone else’s comments; stay true to yourself and do what you feel is right. Sending supportive hugs your way, Julie! xo
Lauren, I’ve really needed to hear yours and everyone else’s comments today – thank you for always being so kind and supportive. ~ Love, Julie xoxox
Julie,
Thank you for sharing such a well-written account of your decision about my novel, Sykosa. You know, this was a hard book for me to write, too. It is very true to my high school experience, and some of the group dynamics between the characters reflect my own group of friends and our “Lord of the Flies” type of lifestyles. Before writing Sykosa, I often romanticized my youth and thought of it fondly, but through writing it, there was definitely some behavior and things I discovered I wasn’t proud of, and I discovered that young people, who have so little experience at life, can sometimes be viciously cruel and thoughtless at the turn of a hat, for no reason whatsoever it seemed. The question of what to include, what not to include–it drove me mad on some nights, and at the end, I tried my best to present it as accurately as I could. I appreciate the decision you came to and I wish you and your blog lots of luck in the future.
Best,
Justin
Justin, I really appreciate that you came to my blog to comment about my withdrawing from your book tour. My decision has nothing to do with your ability as a writer, nor would I ever disparage an author or his/her novel, please be assured of that. This was a completely personal decision that I really did agonize over – which is why I provided the link to the contest for those who wish to participate. I honestly wish you every success with your tour and with your novel. Your comments are much appreciated, thank you again. ~ Julie
You did right Julie and thank you for the taking the trouble to explain.
Every genre has its place and readership and you did well by posting the link. You made your choice but also respected others to make theirs. Good gal
My novels contain some adult themes but I like to think these are tastefully presented – as I never write something I wouldn’t share with my (young adult) children or my mother.
All good wishes, Eric
Eric, thank you so much for adding your kind comments and support; it’s truly appreciated. My blog friends are wonderful, and I’m so honored to know every one of you!
I understand and I knew and believed it is not an easy decision to make from your part, it is our own prerogative to stand what are things we believed in, hats off to u and sending lots of support, God Bless!
Thank you so much, willofheart, for adding your support and kind comments to everyone else’s – they are so much appreciated!
Julie, I think you are smart to stick with your true vision for your blog. The road is not always easy but choose the one that you feel is best for your writing. We’ll stick with you!
Christy, my lovely friend, thank you so much. You are always, and endlessly, supportive – and that means a lot to me.
xoxox
JulieCath, I respect your decision here completely. I agree completely with ChristyB above that you should stick to your true vision for your blog–absolutely! That is not at all the same as implied criticism of this book, this author, or any other. I love your blog as you have it now and will continue to do so with great joy, I know.
Granbee, I’m always delighted when you come by, and I truly appreciate your kind words and support, thank you so much.
xox
always stay with your self indeed, Julie ! Taste differs and we don’t have to like all what is written.
Ciao, Francina xx