There’s something really satisfying about seeing someone who knows what they are talking about absolutely destroy someone who only thinks they’re informed. I honestly wish it would happen a bit more online, but this week we got to witness as an absolute master class in the art form as Nora Roberts demolished a so-called fan who had presumed to tell the master romance author of more than 215 novels how publishing worked.
The drama started on Fall Into The Story, the official blog for fans of Nora Roberts and JD Robb. Official meaning that Nora and other publishing professionals that work with and for her hang out there. On a post about The Awakening, which will hit shelves in 2021, a fan going by “Debra” got a bit too full of herself explaining that the publication dates for the whole trilogy the book is part of should be changed.
When you’re such an asshat on the Nora Roberts discussion thread, insisting you know more about publishing than Nora Roberts, and then Nora Roberts shows up to handle you.*
*Note to self: Find a way to work, “I have personally explained the process to you, Debra” into anything. pic.twitter.com/QfgiaE5hOI
— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) December 3, 2020
Here’s Roberts response to Debra, if you can’t see it:
I have personally explained the process to you, Debra. You are not stating facts but opinions. But you continue to contradict me, as you apparently think you know more about publishing than I do, and more than the industry professionals I work with.
FACT: Publishing the trilogy a year apart is not a marketing strategy.
I haven’t finished writing the second book, and won’t begin to write the third until next fall.
Your opinion that the publisher should wait a year or two—holding a completed ms, or two —is in fact not how publishing works.
You’re not commenting, but contradicting and insisting against every fact given you that you’re right and I’m wrong, that Laura’s wrong, that everyone who disagrees with you is wrong.
Once again, I ask: Do you work in publishing?
If so you’d know that in order to publish a major release in less than 6-8 months means serious added cost—it’s called crashing for a reason.
This is not how the process is intended to work or should.
You can keep insisting you’re right, you know better than I do how publishing works.
But that won’t turn your opinion into a fact.
What a way with words! You know, I think Nora has a future in publishing!
As this response went viral on Twitter, “I have personally explained the process to you, Debra” became an instant meme, especially on Romancelandia twitter.
Y’all out here in these literary streets arguing with NORA ROBERTS about how publishing works?
Debra, I don’t know who you are but pic.twitter.com/yBtU7OQgca
— Dylan St. Jaymes (@Dylan_StJaymes) December 3, 2020
No one:
Debra: tries to trollsplain publishing to Nora Roberts
Romancelandia: pic.twitter.com/or5WfCtJiB
— S.S. Jaxon (@BooksbySSJaxon) December 3, 2020
Sometimes Debra becomes the main character in Romancelandia Twitter just because it’s so refreshing to have someone who we can all agree is completely wrong.
And also because why are you telling Nora Roberts what to do with her life?
— Courtney Milan 🦖 (@courtneymilan) December 3, 2020
Preview of third book of the Nora Roberts trilogy:
This installment is dedicated to all of you* who have taken this wonderful journey with me.
*except fucking DEBRA
— Bunny (@BunnyNC) December 3, 2020
For anyone who’s curious about the #Romancelandia hullabaloo regarding a woman named Debra having the gall to come for Nora Roberts who is a literal titan of the industry
Remember when Miranda Priestly obliterated Andi with her iconic Cerulean sweater speech?
It’s like that pic.twitter.com/QgjuylmpE4
— KarenWalkerTXRanger (@SH3rmit) December 4, 2020
I guess it’s like what they always say: If you come for the queen, you better not miss.
(image: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Unbridled Eve)
Here are a few other things we saw today:
- Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff will, sadly, not be going by “Second Dude.” (via Huff Post)
- Ummmm … is Disney considering merging Hulu and Disney+ into one service? (via /film)
- Would you wear Nintendo NES sneakers? YES, but sadly these beauties are already sold out. (via ComicBook.com)
- KOALA IN A CHRISTMAS TREE!!!!
— Alison Book (@AlisonBook) December 3, 2020
- Want to hear Supernatural’s Ruth Connell chat about magic, the end of the show, and fandom? Check out the Reel Magic podcast’s latest episode. (via Reel Magic)
- Daveed Diggs has released a Hannukah song! It’s perfect. (via Alma)
- The NY AG still has her eyes on the Trumps. (via CNN)
- And finally, the Glee cast is raising money this holiday season in honor of Naya Rivera.
Our friend Naya Rivera never let a holiday season pass without giving back to those in need. We’re keeping Naya’s spirit alive by raising funds for one of her favorite organizations, @AHouse_LA. Give what you can & help spread Snixxmas cheer!! https://t.co/zXirwz1YLy pic.twitter.com/qgMaB9nybN
— Chord Overstreet (@chordoverstreet) December 4, 2020
Have a safe and nerdy weekend out there!
Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!
—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—
