Update on yesterdays blog

So today my daughter had the day off school to go to hydrotherapy. It took 4 buses to get there. 4! un-bloody-believable.

Anyway on my way I got a phone call from the head teacher at the school who was concerned about his teachers 'feelings.' o_O He asked if I would take my blog post down or he would take legal action. Quite hilarious considering it would be laughed out of court. Some people need to realise that there is a difference between 'Defamation of character' and 'Definition of character' as my lovely friend Andrew Kuligowski says ;) He goes on to add 'it's really embarrassing when libel and slander suits are dismissed when the defendant proves that they're TRUE!'

Nothing I said on yesterday was false. Everything I put was factual.

The school do know about my daughters conditions. We have also had this problem before hand when I assumed we had come to an understanding. You know what they say about assumption and all that.

The head teacher thinks that because my child attempts to go out and walk in the playground then there is nothing wrong with her walking around the rugby pitch o_O <----- yeah there were lots of these. Considering my daughter has only recently made friends then this is a huge step for her. This does not mean she is in any pain. She is also not being ordered to go walk either.

I have a meeting with this head teacher on Tuesday morning, but the same will happen as last time. He will side with the teachers and they will say it won't happen again because everything is in place. Yup I have heard this before o_O

I think they expect parents to sit on their arses and do nothing. I am sorry but I am a very loving and protective parent. The first time round I went through the right channels and it quickly got moved along because I threatened to go to the Education department. This time I did contact the school, so they were well aware of what had gone on. I just decided that this time I would share it a bit more vocally. Don't worry, if this does happen again it won't just be a blog I will be making ;)

As a parent who also is qualified in law I am telling all you parents now, if you are upset and are not happy with how things are being dealt with there are channels you can go down to get these things resolved. Don't ever feel belittled.

I am educated and I am one with my words.... obviously lol. I am also fiercely protective of things, especially things that I love. Most people know the back story of how my Erin the Fire Goddess series came about. I don't purposely go out of my way to campaign against no bullying for the good of my health. I will also not allow my children to feel as though them going to school causes them more pain. Teachers have a duty of care to their students. To put a students health in jeopardy means that the teacher is failing in their duties which means they are incompetent. I don't giving a flying hoop if one is pregnant and one has wont awards. But I want to go back to that issue. When I mentioned the head of the department I did not say anything bad about the guy. I said he did not apologise to my daughter. We all know if the shoe was on the other foot things would be different ;) I did however state that he has been nothing but helpful and bending over backwards to try and help my daughter. Where in that entire bit did I bad mouth him? The female teacher? well if the shoe fits. I am not the only other person who has been saying these things, I am just a little bit more vocal. My daughter often says that she found this particular teacher moody and just kept telling herself that it is pregnancy hormones. Could well be, but teachers need to remember where they are and leave their personal issues at home and not take them out on the students.

The head teacher asked what have I achieved by doing yesterdays blog? o_O I brought it to their attention pretty quick. It became a talking point. I had messages from other parents showing their support. I also tweeted the blog directly to the school because I am the type of person who will say what ever I have to say to the person directly.

I have had minor issues with other teachers that got resolved very quickly and these were an oversight on their behalf and I respect that.

With my daughters primary schools I have always maintained an excellent relationship with them, apart the from bullying issue that was eventually resolved beautifully. Communication has always been excellent.

I will be doing another blog about this issue after my meeting with the head teacher. In the meantime stay smiling people :)

High School Incompetent Teachers

Before now I have mentioned about my daughters condition. Last year the head of the P.E department made her walk around the astroturf for the entire P.E lesson because Erin didn't bring her gym kit.... why? because she had a medical note saying she couldnt.

At that present time my daughter was under going tests to determine what was wrong with her so the Dr had written a note saying no P.E until further notice except swimming, but the head of dept ignored this. Of course I was livid and even though it was sorted out the head of department,  did not actually give my daughter an apology of any kind. He did however bend over backwards to try and rectify what he had done and tried to put my daughter down for extra swimming where there were slots available.

So everything was in place. My daughter got her many diagnosis's and everything was going smoothly.

Start of year 2 in this high school everything was still going well, but she couldnt do double swimming because there was a primary school class using those slots. Fair enough. The next session was basketball and my daughter wanted to attempt it, but she knew if she got sore she could just sit it out.

Basketball session was up and the next one was Rugby. The teacher who was taking her  asked Erin is she could do it and she said she can't do Rugby with it being a contact sport. We thought this to be fair enough. But no. Mrs High and Mighty decided to make my daughter walk around the rugby pitch. Really? Was she not there last year? Or had she not been informed what had happened or about Erins condition? Of course she had but she doesn't actually care.

It is a shame when you get teachers like this who ruin it and put a bad name to the school for their incompetence.

I do have to say that I am annoyed at my daughter too. She walked around the rugby pitch. She could have said no or walked away, but my daughter is a good girl who strives to do her best and not get into trouble so teachers like this take advantage.

Am I angry? Too right I am. I phoned the high school and they refused to let me speak to this teacher. I also refused to get off the phone until I spoke to someone. I got one of the guidance teachers though, who was helpful and said she is angry on my behalf too because this is an ongoing thing. My daughters condition is a lifelong condition. I do not need someone who thinks that because they are a teacher then they are above it all. The holier than thou attitude does not fly with me.

I have demanded something be done about this teacher because I am fed up. I have had enough. As a parent you want to protect your child whilst encouraging them to grow.

My daughter has a lot of time off school due to all her medical problems and due to the fact she is in constant pain, but still she thrives in school. She is one of the top in her whole year because my daughter purposely ensures that she is on top of all her work and ensures she has all the work she has missed and she tries to get any homework done, even those she missed, handed back in on its due date.

This teacher should be ashamed of herself and the school should be ashamed for employing someone like this.

Someone is planning on calling me tomorrow. In the meantime I decided to write this blog to share with people, because last time I said I was going to the education dept but then it was resolved, but for it to happen twice...... yeah enough is enough.

24 Gaming Marathon

For those of you are aware I have one child then spends a lot of time in Edinburgh's Sick Kids Hospital. The Dr's & nurses are amazing and we would like to return the favour. 

For months now I have had a hospital wish list set up on Amazon where people across the world can go on it and buy books and dvds for the kids at the hospital to enjoy. This is an ongoing thing so feel free to donate. I have also been lucky enough to have some awesome friends who are authors of Children & YA books and they have been donating copies of their books too. If you are an author and would like to donate then please send me a message.

Amazon Hospital Wish List

Now today, 11th October 2014, my husband is doing a 24 gaming marathon to raise money for the hospital and what I would like you all to do is to click the follow link and donate. You can also donate via PayPal, you just have to click GBP as a currency to do so. Remember no amount is too small because it all adds up.

You can also follow my husband on twitter @sopac4lyfe   and if you donate why not send him a tweet with and dont forget to hashtag #sksp.

Click here to donate

In advance I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who is helping out. It really means a lot and so many children will benefit.

Tyler's Undoing Blog Tour

She was what he wanted … but she was also his undoing.

Through mutual understanding, Tyler’s secret affair with Gabriella Reynolds has come to an end. It’s a decision that not only saves their friendship, but it’s one that will change his life forever.

For the past couple of years, Tyler Rushing has been known as one of the UFC’s most memorable and sexy heavyweight fighters. Now he has the chance to win the title and claim the fame he so deserves. He has everything he could ever want until Kacey Andrews walks through the door of his gym, wanting nothing to do with him. Keeping his eyes off of her is a challenge; there’s an innocence about her that draws him to her, and he’s not going to stop until he makes her his. Little does he know that Kacey Andrews isn’t a stranger. She’s a part of his world; he just doesn’t know it. It’s a secret she’s worked hard to keep hidden.

Kacey spent years trying to get away from the fighting world, away from the man who’s hated among the MMA elite … her brother, Kyle Andrews. Unfortunately, she’s brought back into it when Tyler’s relentless battle for her heart wins her over, drawing her in. The only problem is that secrets never stay buried forever. In the end, Tyler has a decision to make, and it’s one that can possibly destroy his and Kacey’s life … forever.

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21795450-tyler-s-undoing?ac=1

EXCERPT:

Down the hall, I saw Gabriella, dressed in a white sundress with her long, dark hair pulled high into a ponytail.

What the fuck? Tell me she’s not knocking on Tyler’s door.

My stomach coiled into knots and I held my breath as I waited on whoever was behind the door to answer. Please don’t let it be Tyler. Slowly, the door opened just a crack and when I saw who was there I gritted my teeth tight, the pain exploding into my head. It was Tyler, wearing only a white towel around his waist. Blood boiling, I watched as he opened the door and she walked in, kissing him on the cheek as she passed.

Frozen in place, I clenched my hands into tight fists and felt the anger boil through my veins. Before Tyler shut the door, he stopped and slowly directed his attention to me. Immediately, he glanced into his room and then back at me, wide-eyed and shaking his head. “Kacey, no,” he shouted. “It’s not what you think.”

Turning on my heel, I glared at him one more time over my shoulder before taking off down the hall.

“Kacey, stop! Please, beautiful . . .”

I didn’t stop; I kept going. The last thing I wanted was to be made a fool of in front of everyone—possibly people who knew my brother and who could recognize me. Instead, I kept running in hopes of getting as far away as I could, away from Tyler’s voice screaming my name.

Looking back, I didn’t see him behind of me, but when I turned around, I ran right into a set of arms that closed tightly around my waist.

“Kacey, what the hell are you doing here?”

Immediately, I froze and glanced up into the same set of sea green eyes I used to look at almost every day of my life. “Paxton,” I breathed.

Tyler shouted my name and Paxton instinctively held me tighter, protectively.  “What’s going on?” he demanded, glaring down at me.

He looked like he was about to leave anyway since he was dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans with his bag slung over his shoulder. Quickly, I pushed him toward one of the doors. “I can explain, but first, I need you to get me out of here.”

“Is that Rushing calling after you?”

“Yes, now let’s go!”

Keeping his arm around me, he rushed me toward the door and out into the heat-filled night. What the hell was I going to do now?

TRAILER:

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR1LM99C1IY&feature=youtu.be

Embed:

About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries. 

Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols. 
Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over nine novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpdover

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6526309.L_P_Dover

Website: http://www.lpdover.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/LPDover

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/LPDover/

Cover Revamp for Star Struck & Love Struck by Amber Garza

Cover Revamp and Re-release

Cover Designer: Kris @ C & K Creations

Blurb for STAR STRUCK: BOOK ONE

I don’t go for bad boys, or rockers. And I don’t believe in love at first sight. 
Until I see Beckett. And things only get worse when I hear him sing. There is no one like him. The problem is that he wants nothing to do with me. And I know I should stay away from him. It’s the smart thing to do. Only when it comes to Beckett I don’t want to do the smart thing. He makes me want to take a risk. I just hope he decides to take a risk on me too.

Purchase on Amazon US: http://amzn.com/B00DCC6ITU

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DCC6ITU/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Blurb for LOVE STRUCK: BOOK TWO

Since I was little I've had a list of carefully constructed plans for my life. But when I meet sexy musician Ryker Collins I'm prepared to give it all up just to be with him. Until one single act makes me question his true feelings for me. Now I'm left to wonder if falling for him was a huge mistake. I just hope he can prove to me that it wasn't before it's too late for us. 

This book is part of the STAR STRUCK series, but each book can be read as a stand-alone.

Purchase on Amazon US: http://amzn.com/B00F9J8TJG

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00F9J8TJG/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

~*~About the Author~*~

Amber Garza is the author of the Delaney's Gift Series and many contemporary romance titles, including Star Struck, Tripping Me Up and Break Free. She has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Tea and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they're real people. She currently lives in California with her amazing husband, and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years. 

Amber loves to connect with her readers. You can visit her at ambergarza.com, or find her on facebook or on twitter @ambermg1.

Accepting the Moon by K.S Haigwood

Synopsis

There is a new Alpha Wolf in town, and she is about to change everything. Mena had all she wanted in life: a nice house, money, a successful husband who treated her like a queen. That was, until she found out her marriage was all a lie, and things she never thought could exist, did. Vampires are real. Werewolves are real. And Mena is not human anymore.

Buy Now

(links to be sent when available)

About the Author

Ever find it hard to talk about yourself? Yeah, I have that problem, too. I have been married to my soulmate for 8 years, who wouldn't pick up a book unless promised that it was filled with pictures. I have a beautiful 7 year old daughter, Riley, that talks too much and has a very vivid imagination. I have no clue where she got those traits. My step-son, Hayden, is 16 and very into football and hunting. I am a writer of paranormal suspense romance. If you enjoy a great love story with a massive amount of drama about angels, demons, ghosts, vampires, witches and fairy tale creatures brought to life through a twisted mind, then you might just enjoy reading my work.

Hosted By:

Constructive reviews v's Trolls

As an author I absolutely adore reviews.  Even if it is a low rating they can be great reviews, as long as they are written constructively.

I know from reading lots of books that what one person can love another person can hate. 

The world would be a very boring place if we all loved the same things.

I remember when I first released Erin the Fire Goddess:The Beginning I got quite a few negative reviews, a lot of these were down to editing issues. I put my hands up to this, because I released a book without the proper editing. But I took on board every review that mentioned this and I worked hard to find the resources to solve this issue. So for that I thank every single person who pointed this out.

So that aside I released more books and on 15th August, this year, Midlist advertised my first book. The response I got was truly amazing, but then I noticed a review on Amazon. It was a negative review and it sent me into a panic. The review mentioned bad grammar etc. I knew that a couple of months ago I noticed the opening sentence of my first book wasn't there. Well it was a friend who noticed it, so I grabbed, what I thought was the recent edit and added the opening sentence and uploaded it. But seeing this review I thought 'Oh no, maybe I uploaded the wrong copy.'

So I sent the first book back to my new editor and asked her to take a look. Which she is doing right now, and I am very grateful to the reviews who have commented on this otherwise I would not have realised I had uploaded the wrong copy. Yup I am a complete douche lol.

However, this review was playing on my mind. Not because it was a bad review, but because something about it sounded familiar. So I decided to go through Goodreads and look at old reviews. That is when I came across the exact same review 14 months ago, which was before the book had been re-edited. I first found it strange that a person would wait 14 months to copy and paste their review to Amazon, especially on the day it was advertised on Midlist. Then I saw a comment from another reader thanking the person for the review and that they wouldn't get my book. So I left a comment to both the reviewer and commenter explaining that the review was originally posted 14 months ago  on Goodreads and since then it has been re-edited. I left it at that, but Amazon chose to remove it. <----- that statement is apparently up in debate because the reviewer reckons they removed it themselves, but after a talk with this person I honestly don't believe a thing that comes out of her mouth. Let me explain:

One of my readers had commented on her Goodreads review, explaining about the re-edited version, then the reviewer had commented and then another person - who was standing up for the reviewer. The latter person had made an assumption that the first person commenting must be a relative of mine, so I decided to jump on and leave this comment:

Hi Peter, I am just replying that firstly nope Joyce is not related to me.

Secondly, Amazon actually removed this persons review for what she actually did. They felt as though she was personally trying to discredit me.

Not everyone will love my books, I get that. If this isn't your thing then fair enough.

I saw this review 14 months ago and never commented because it is the reviewers opinion and everyone is entitled to it.

I think some people took offence because the reviewer decided to wait 14 months after my book had been re-edited to leave an old review.

But hey ho, that was her prerogative ;)

Thank you for jumping onto the comments :) 

Now these comments went on and on and on, each time the reviewer would say something to contradict themselves, but when I pointed these things out she would go back and delete or edit her comments to try and put me in a bad light. Kind of clever but I took screenshots ;)

Now if you actually find the original review you will find message 7 has disappeared *shocking* she said that I did not comment on her review on Amazon, but later on she said that she knows I had. (Message 6 is from someone else.) You will see on message 9 that she contradicts herself.

Later on she said that I was lying and she never said any of that, I had already commented saying I won't be commenting on that particular thread again, but I sent her a pm telling her that I had screenshot the conversation. Lo and behold she edited more comments.

In the whole process of all of this I made one mistake by saying she had replied the day before, when it was the day before that. Woohoo big deal *rolls eyes*

Now let me put this out there........... As a rule authors are not supposed to comment on reviews. 

This reviewer kept pointing this out to me as she continually tried to talk down to me. Goodreads even emailed me saying it can effect my public image.

Let me tell you this............. I do not care, I will never ever just sit back and let anyone slander my name. 

I find the whole thing strange why a person would wait 14 months to copy and paste an old review just as my book was being advertised.

Why did she feel the need to keep contradicting herself and deleting and editing her messages.

There are genuine readers out there who leave a low star review, and when they are done on my books I will read them and see if there is anything I can change, whether it be editing or something similar. If it is the style or the fact that the person fell in love so quick then no I can't do that. I have seen reviews saying no one falls in love that quick............ bull.

I met my husband and within 4 days we were engaged. Yeah fast moving for some people, but guess what....... it happens, and we have been together for 14 years :)

But that is that particular reviewers opinion and if they don't like that type of thing then fair enough, my books aren't for everyone. It is like me and my husband, what I read, I am 99% certain he would never read and vice versa.

Now let me get back to the whole reviewing process. If you do not like a book please put what you don't like as authors love constructive criticism as it helps them learn and grow. Do NOT go on a bashing spree, this gets you the label of a troll. I label this particular reviewer a troll. Why? Because of the labels she started putting my book in and the comments she made towards me and my readers, even though some - not all - were edited or deleted.

If this troll wants to think of me as a bully because readers commented telling her that the book had been re-edited then so be it. It is kind of lame and pathetic in my opinion.

Some of you may think this blog is lame and pathetic too but if this is your opinion then..... oops I honestly do not care. The reason for this is I work my arse off writing books. Being an Indie Author is not easy especially when there are Trolls who have nothing better to do with their time than to leave messages slagging off authors. I saw one the other day where an author had left a 1 star review on a book because she didn't like the editor. Not because there were editorial issues, but because this author personally did not like the editor of this book. When someone else had commented saying that a review isn't a way to make a personal vendetta the reviewer commented saying it wasn't personal it was business. Either way...... you're a troll and that is disgusting.

So let me summarise: 

* I love reviews but please be constructive.

* I hate Trolls who give genuine reviewers a bad name.

* I will never sit back and let anyone slag me off. I am, after all, only human.