Bye, Kindle Direct Publishing

I have to consider myself fortunate that my writing life isn’t dependent on the Amazon platform to enable me to call myself a writer. I’m still finding my way as an author, but that’s not why I’m writing this. Amazon is making small steps to control the media on its platform, and we cannot be assured that censorship isn’t waiting in the wings.

Under “president” Donald Trump, the United States government is being ripped to shreds and fed to the highest bidder. Even those who voted for Trump’s platforms are beginning to see the effects of his lies. That will continue until it stops. Crazy, right? What is clear right now is that no one has the courage to stand together. A few individuals are vital to the movement, but without unity, they are candles against a tsunami.

I want to be angry at him, but I know that’s not right. Jesus Christ taught “that we must forgive all men” (D&C 64: 10-11), and carrying anger and hatred in my heart only clouds the decisions I have to make. So it is with all of us. It’s easy to court hatred – to blame the “other” for our lack of good choices. We must not forget that now is the opportunity for us to do good works, even when we don’t think we have anything to give.

How we treat our most vulnerable is the measure of who we are, even when the most vulnerable is us. Take care of yourself as best you can and stand together. That’s the hope we have. I sympathize with those whose livelihoods are being threatened by censorship and economic instability. Those who can afford to make noise are going to do so, while the sensible quiet folks (read: anyone without a platform) clam up because they feel like they have no other option. None of it is right. Even the platforms we have now won’t last long against a wholly corrupt dictatorship.

We are the human family, and none of us are divided by any classified trait or virture: We are Children of God. So let us look to gather together and strengthen each other in these tumultuous times. Things aren’t going to get better until we do so. They may not look the same when they do, but the power to choose is an individual right that no one can take from you.

As for my voice…well, I’m refining it. Draft2Digital is providing me many options with their distribution platform, and once I’ve got the energy I’ll be shifting my stories there. It’s been a long eight-month ride with spontaneous uritcaria – yes, I’ve finally got a diagnosis. There’s hope on the horizon, though, and I’m glad for that. How they fare in the times to come remains to be seen. Of course, I’m still on Campfire and will continue there as well. For the foreseeable future, Amazon will not be part of my distribution arrangements. Watch this space as I make use of the opportunities Draft2Digital is offering.

And take care of yourself.