I have been enjoying a certain mystery author's blog for a few months now-Deanna Raybourn. (At least I thought she was a mystery author.) Even done some commenting on her posts. But today, maybe we all should have just shushed.
She posted pictures of her newly revamped covers, and they were not received with unalloyed joy. I tried to tailor my comment so that it was not offensive or overly negative--but the new covers are generic bodice-ripperish, and the old covers were gorgeous--spare and elegant and understated. Very unique. I found this author because of those covers. I NEVER would have picked up the new covers. I really feel the marketing department must be a bunch of old men who think women who read only want heaving bosoms and "she felt the heat of his hand through her dress" because that's what's on the covers. "Pass the bonbons, honey, it's gonna be a steamy night." shudder.
My comment was one of many, none of them nasty, but most regretting the change. We all knew that the author had no choice in the matter...I think most of us were trying to be honest yet sympathetic. We are, after all, her readership. If we ain't happy, ain't nobody buying!
But apparently she received some very very nasty emails, and that on top of our comments obviously distressed her. She was excited about the changes, and our lack of enthusiasm burst her bubble. Her responses to comments were hurt and defensive.
I don't expect I will ever meet this author, and hopefully her distress will be short lived....but I still feel bad that I contributed to it.
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