Got Hacked

 


 Contributed by Margot Conor

I am not sure if this is true for every author, but when I created a pen name, she grew into a whole different personality.

She is far more confident and bold than me. She isn’t afraid to tell people she wrote something they would like and they should read it. She isn’t afraid to write about things I would hesitate to say. As I watch her spread out into the world on this writer's journey, I have grown to like her very much.

If it were me, I would have disclaimers and contingencies. I would make myself smaller, I would be apprehensive and wary of great things as if they couldn’t happen for me. I would hold myself back. But Margot believes in herself, she isn’t shy about making her mark. She’s willing to take risks, just for the hell of it, because why not?

In a way, I suppose it is like being an actress and stepping into a role. You’re able to suspend your hangups and leave your insecurities behind. You set your concerns aside too, especially those that whisper that you're not good enough… and let this other persona live larger than you ever dreamed of doing.

I created Margot to be the writer I wish I had the courage to be years ago. She is younger, more worldly, and more business savvy. She will market her books and have more success than I would have. Because I am an introvert. I am the woman who never lived up to her potential. The one who let time slip away and collected a stockpile of unfinished manuscripts and unpublished stories.

With a little luck, Margot will finish them. I created her so that I can stay hidden. I wear my anonymity like a comfortable coat. 

I like letting her take the lead. 

That is why when she got hacked and some stranger was trying to take over her social media, I felt extremely protective. I made myself sick over it, thinking that some malicious unknown force was trying to take away all that Margot had started to create.

It was a stressful few days, but with the help of someone near and dear, we got it sorted for her. Margot’s sites were recovered and we made her passwords much stronger. We also did that multi-factor authentication. Which seemed like such a hassle before, but it is far less difficult than getting hacked! Margot would like to encourage you all to do the same if you haven’t already.

Protect what you create and believe it is worthy because you have poured your heart into it, and it deserves all your hope and love.
 
~Anonymous
For Margot Conor

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margot Conor has been writing for as long as she can remember, but it wasn't until the COVID lock-down that she had enough time to dedicate to the craft and bring something to completion. Having finished her first novel, she went through the grueling two-year process of editing. Now she has jumped into the author's world with both feet. She's preparing to debut her first novel, which means learning how to promote it. The last year has been spent attending many writing retreats, seminars, and writers' events. She also listened to presentations specifically on the topic of publishing and book marketing. She will be sharing what she learns with the reader.

You can learn more about Margot and her writing at her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/margotconor/
@MargotConor (Facebook)



3 comments:

Karen Cioffi said...

Margot, I'm so sorry. This is a concern everyone has. I'm so glad you had help getting it straighten out.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

Margot, I actually warn authors of the many difficulties of working with a pen name in my #TheFrugalBookPromoter, the first book in my #HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is almost impossible to really hide a non de plume (pen name) from anyone--media, readers, publishing professionals or anyone else. And marketing is difficult because it can more or less prevent the author from showing up in person to market her/his books. However, I see how well it worked for you and that is definitely a plus. I have always had a theory that nothing is ever black or white. I am glad it has give you confidence to market because that is an especially hard barrier to overcome. I will mention that in my next edition. Sorry, though, for the scary moment.
Very best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T is the series’ page on Amazon--it is new and it’s free on Amazon and I have an article on it on this blog. Maybe you can find it. (-:

Terry Whalin said...

Margot,

Thank you for this article and it's terrible the challenges of using a pen name and getting hacked. Last year as an editor I wrote a blog post about using a pen name: The Pros and Cons of a Pen Name I hope it helps some of you.

Persistence and perserverance are something each of us have to do as writers, Margot. Keep going.

Terry

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