Hi Again Susan; I don't want to be the one who hogs the conversation, but, another writer friend of mine has been trying to combat theft of her work. She was doing a google search last year, and found a title that was similar to one that she had created. She looked it up and it appeared on Amazon. She started reading and it was almost word for word the same as her work. The beginning scene was the same and as she continued to read, she realized the entire plot was stolen.The only difference was, they had twisted it into some very unsavory imagery which she would never have used. Where she made a suggestive comment, the pirate used vulgar, coarse language. She was just heart sick. I haven't heard from her in a while, so I don't know what she was able to do to protect her rights. I wish we could get a lawyer to comment on some of this too.

It really is a shame, Marsha. And you're right - it's not on the scale of murder or war or, but at the same time, it's theft - and it's no less criminal just because the thieves don't have to see the victims' faces. Most artists make so little for their efforts - it's sad people don't respect the writer's right to be paid for his or her work the same way any other professional deserves payment for time put in.

It's unfortunate that we have to fight this kind of thing at all, Susan - but at least if we have the information, we can stop at least some of it. I'm glad you're protecting your rights.

Thank you for sharing the information, Marilyn. It's great when authors band together to help protect their rights, online and otherwise!

Thank you Judy! I hope the information helps.

Marilynn, Thanks so much for passing that on - I'm going there now!