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New writers beware. There are many scammers that sound official, but all they want is your money and you won't see any of the promises to your career that they claim. I had fallen for one of these fake marketers with my first book. If it sounds too good, it is probably one of these scammers. My writing coach gave me this list and I am passing it on. Many of these people impersonate reputable literary agents, movie producers, and production companies with fake publishing or movie rights offers requiring the author to invest thousands of dollars. Writers that ask too many questions, or balk at spending more money are usually ghosted. Or the scammers try a different approach to make you change your mind and tell you they are reputable. The one that got me was called, The Maple Staple Bookstore. It is also Creative Media Marketing, Bookside Press, and Inks & Bindings. They offered a movie deal, a U-tube page, and a chance in their store. They started out saying it was going to cost $900.00 to be included in this movie setup in LA, then another fee for U-tube, etc. When I complained of all the costs, they kept insisting everything was legit, yet I never saw anything they promised. I refused to talk with the guy anymore, but he sent other people to call me, trying to ask for more money etc. When I asked my writing coach about this, he informed me there is a list of these fake marketers. Visit the Writers Beware Website for the full list. It is quite extensive.

This is a true story of my sister and I that I decided to share since it is spring. It won a flash fiction contest through the Pikes Peak Women. The Feed & Seed store sold rabbits and chicks every spring. My sister and I rode our bikes to see their latest addition. Kathy plastered her face against the aquarium glass and stared at the baby chicks. "They're so-o-o cute!" She counted out her allowance. "I'm getting one." "You better ask Mom first," I said. "I'm spending my own money. I'll take care of the chick." The lady, behind the counter, put the chick inside a container that looked like a carry-out box for Chinese food with holes in it. Kathy held tight on the aluminum handle of the box as she walked out. She struggled with the container while balancing her bike. "Here, give me that thing." I placed the container in my bike basket. "When we get home, you better hide it." My sister's freckled face beamed up at me. It was our little secret. Kathy rushed inside the house with her prize. The house was too quiet as I entered. I peered out the kitchen window and spotted our parents in the garden. Kathy lined her bottom drawer with a doll blanket, then placed the baby chick inside. "Close the drawer. They'll hear her," I said. "But Rosie can't breathe if I shut it," Kathy said. "Rosie?" "The lady at the store said she's a Rhode Island Red. Roses are red." "Leave the drawer open a bit. What are you going to feed her?" I asked. Kathy ran out of the bedroom with her beach bucket and shovel. She returned a few minutes later with some bugs and worms. She opened the drawer wider and dropped them inside. The little things squirmed, and revulsion rippled down my spine. The chick didn't know what to do with the worms, but she gobbled down the bugs. "Take the worms back outside," I said. I filled a small tin with water and brought it into the bedroom, but Rosie wasn't in the drawer. I found her under the bed. Butch, our Pekinese squeezed under the bed and barked at the poor chick. I shoved Butch out of the way and snatched Rosie. I could feel her little heart pounding. Kathy came back inside and took the chick from me. Butch hopped on his hind legs, trying to get Rosie, but I shooed him away, and shut the door. Kathy put the chick in the drawer and shut it. A few minutes later, Mom opened the door and stood in the entranceway. She glanced from me to Kathy. Peep, peep, peep. Busted. Kathy pouted and opened the drawer. Mom took Rosie and marched outside. We followed her. Mom opened the hen house and put the chick under one of the hens. We never got in trouble, but Kathy had the duty to care for the chickens. Over the years, Rosie grew huge. She pecked at Kathy's arms when she fed her. One day, Mom served Rosie for dinner. When Kathy found out, she refused to eat. I thought Rosie was the best tasting chicken though.