8 Comments
User's avatar
Emily's avatar

Wow, that’s really frustrating. Especially that a friend took your words and ran with it. Is there any way that you could share the book that includes your plagiarized ideas so I don’t accidentally buy it?? Also, I remember this happening to you at least once before (the other time I remember it being a woman who was trying to do the faith influencer thing). It must be maddening.

Expand full comment
Jamie S. Harper's avatar

I really love this. I don’t write books (yet), but I know what it is like to have your words taken and maybe distorted even as I have written for people and then they changed my message with my name. That may not qualify as plagiarism, but words matter.

I am not sure a lot of people really understand the value of words. I wrestle with it a lot as a learner and writer and how much has infiltrated me that I may be using and give credit to someone else.

I think it helps if you work to develop your own voice and style.

Expand full comment
Lore Wilbert's avatar

It absolutely helps to work on your own voice and style, not only to prevent you from plagiarizing, but also so others can spot and alert your plagiarized work in public =)

Expand full comment
Katie Rouse's avatar

This essay completely captivated me. Thank you for [always] sharing so vulnerably, and can I just say I hope your book performs much better over the long-haul that his viral moment of icky tactics? It's so easy to not do this. I write down things people say in conversation often. I'm *that* friend, always jotting down notes. But I put quotes around them when I do. I label the note so I don't forget who, what, when. It's just not that hard. Anyway, ranting in my head with you & for you.

Expand full comment
Lore Wilbert's avatar

Thank you. That means so, so much to me for you to say that. Of course I hope that too =)

I do that too! I'm always jotting down notes, but always labeling who said it, just in case!

Expand full comment
Seth Haines's avatar

As a lawyer and a writer, I'm always disappointed when I see plagiarism. And I see it... a lot. Glad you wrote this, Lore.

Expand full comment
Lore Wilbert's avatar

I know you do and I know you've had it done to you and it's so disheartening.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jul 7, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Lore Wilbert's avatar

Oh, thank you! I never thought of that =) Maybe I will. I'm so glad to hear it has changed your life! Seriously. That is beautiful to hear.

Expand full comment