Scammed again, darn it! Sometimes the writers' world makes me want to scream.

So, it's official. I have been scammed out of money. Again. It's a part of being a writer. You not only have to be creative. You also have to watch for warning signs of potential scammers. But what happens if none are given? I've worked with someone in the past and I've loved their feedback with editing and cover design. When they ventured out on their own, I was quick to follow them. I wanted my second story in the series I was working on to be edited by her.

When we talked, she said she would work on my cover design, as well. When she texted me, telling me she usually takes payment at a certain point, I eagerly paid. Sigh. Many months later, this person has dropped off the radar. The money wasn't the big thing. It was the idea of this great partnership going down the drain.

Where does that leave me? Trying to pick up the pieces and edit again. This wasn't the first time I've been taken in by a writing scam. It probably won't be the last. I have found the perfect cover design that, if I don't say so myself, works better than the cover she found for me.

That is one thing I've found in the twenty-plus years in writing: perseverance.

If something gets you down, take it in stride and take notes. It's the only way. If you let it get you down every time something does something says something bad about your, or takes your money by subterfuge, you'll never get anywhere. So, just remember, keep your head about you, and tell yourself if it sounds too good to be true, it might well be.

Stay weird!

Penny