I like to read and promote the novels of debut authors. As a result of my research for new releases by debut authors, I found the novel, THEY CALLED ME WYATT, by Natasha Tynes with reviews like:  “Inventive, fresh, brilliant. Tynes showcases a unique voice, seamless prose, and profound human insights.

An author to watch.” ―K.J. Howe, bestselling author of The Freedom Broker and Skyjack. And, “An intriguing novel that had me instantly engaged.”―Christina McDonald, author of The Night Olivia Fell.

I went to Amazon to get a picture of the book cover for this post. It said the book was out of print.

I thought that was odd. I did more research to clarify and found out that Ms. Tynes had tweeted a comment about something she felt was misconduct on the train. The tweet went viral.

Cause and Effect

The person the tweet was about was upset and contacted a backup: her union. There was enough backlash from the union that it affected Ms. Tynes’ deal with her publisher. There were death threats against her. She ended up closing her Twitter account and deleting her website.

You can read the full story here. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tasneemnashrulla/dc-metro-worker-eating-train-viral-tweet-author

Never Underestimate

This is a sad story of misjudgment. Everything you put on Social Media or express publically in any form is an advertisement for your personal brand. Saying something negative, making a personal judgment or political comment can offend potential readers, agents or editors concluding in a huge backlash. You never know who that person has to back them up, be it a union, or grisly gang members.

Be careful out there, authors!

Jo Butcher is a self-described research junkie who loves looking up everything from controlling bugs in her garden to the latest in personal development. She’s shopping a supernatural thriller about a college freshman who parties like he’s possessed and a reluctant exorcist. Her current work in progress is a medical thriller. She’s on twitter @JoButcher7 and you can find out more about her at JoButcher.com.