16 Comments
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Sylvester Barzey's avatar

When I grow up, I want to be like you because you're better than me. I’d let it all burn to the ground. That was some shady stuff you dealt with, and I’m sorry it happened.

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Felix I.D. Dimaro's avatar

Haha. I appreciate that. Trust me, I had to learn a lot of hard lessons before I was able to be patient enough to handle this level of nonsense.

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Lucas Mangum's avatar

Well, that's some bullshit. I'm sorry you went through that. Where do you recommend that I start with your work? I'd love to support.

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Felix I.D. Dimaro's avatar

That's a great way to sum it up, haha. Thank you. And that's awesome of you. I would recommend starting with Black Bloom. But if you're into more hardcore horror (with a bit of humour), I would go with Humane Sacrifice. Much appreciated!

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Lucas Mangum's avatar

Black Bloom is great so far! Reminds me of early Brian Keene.

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Felix I.D. Dimaro's avatar

Nice! I've yet to read Keene, but I appreciate the compliment. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

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Hannah's avatar

thank you for putting this out there & I’m sorry this happened to you, it’s disgusting. reminders to read widely & check what kind of actual publishing practices are going on behind the scenes of companies we buy from is always needed. like another commenter said, being a canadian who loves horror/dark fiction this is sad hear, we can all stand to do better. I mean to say, thank you for this

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Felix I.D. Dimaro's avatar

I appreciate you saying that. And thank you for reading and leaving a thoughtful comment.

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Frank the Emcee's avatar

Well expressed, author Felix! You told me about this negative experience in-person, a day or two after the event. Reading it in more detail made me realize the extent of how poorly you were treated. You showed class, and held your head up, above it all. That is something most people cannot do. And most importantly, handling it the way you have done now, will make them realize that you are not the stereotypical angry black guy that most of them have preconceived beliefs and assumptions about. This is a very well written piece about your unfair treatment. I hope people read this and open their eyes to see the ongoing inequality black authors, black entrepreneurs and black people as a whole, constantly face on a daily basis. I also hope for change and to see others fight and express their true desires for change. Keep going Felix!

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Felix I.D. Dimaro's avatar

I appreciate that, brother! Thanks for checking this out and sharing your thoughts. 🙌🏾

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Chiara's avatar

Thank you for this! As a white privileged woman (although I've experienced sexism many times) I'm oblivious of these situations and I shouldn't.

I should make an effort and take a second to see how inclusive publishers and book cons are, because otherwise I fail to "walk the talk". I want to see a diverse world, but it starts with me as a reader as well and I thank you for reminding me of that.

I have purchased from that publishing company before but I've never thought of checking the authors background for diversity..

Thank you as I will now be more inquisitive and I won't be afraid to ask for change.

Chiara

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Felix I.D. Dimaro's avatar

I appreciate your thoughts. I'm glad you plan to ask for change going forward. It will help. Thank you.

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Danielle Vinson's avatar

I am so sorry that you went through such a hateful experience. As a Canadian, and indie dark fiction reader, I am appalled. This is a very thoughtfully written piece and I hope that a lot of people read it, and take note.

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Felix I.D. Dimaro's avatar

Thank you! I hope so as well.

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Paul Preston's avatar

I appreciate the reminder on this Felix. I try to go through life and just see everyone as equals. I really should pay more attention to who is represented.

As a straight White guy I can never know what it is like to truly feel bigotry and racism and I rely heavily on my reading to give me a small taste of what it is like and try to use that to make myself an empathetic person.

To see you write “this sort of thing happens too often for me to feel outraged each time I’m discriminated against” makes me disappointed in a community that I expect the best from.

You are an outstanding author and more importantly an outstanding human. I will be here to support you however I can

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Felix I.D. Dimaro's avatar

That means a lot to me, Paul. Thank you for the support.

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