I’m not sure if it’s the same everywhere, but on my state’s website the incident doesn’t even have to be written defamation, it can be hearsay. Too, if the slander/defamation revolves around a person’s livelyhood and not just their character, or if it causes potential damage to a person’s status in the community, they can face not only fines but up to 6 years in prison. That’s pretty serious.

the next time someone makes you mad, just use your character building directions to see if they’re a well-constructed character. if they’re not, then they’re not worth your time.

if they are… then maybe they could be a good arch-nemesis?

sometimes, the anonymity of the net is an atrocious thing.

If Ms. Little did not think she was participating in libel when she wrote her post, that snide and obviously venomous letter including her “retraction” certainly seemed purposefully damaging.
The sadest thing about this whole situation are the others involved. The booksellers and potential readers who rather than searching out the whole truth, ate her grule and called it apple pie. People can be lazy and will believe anything for one (or more) of three reasons. Either they fear it is true. The want it to be true. Or they are unwilling to see whether or not it might be false.
What makes it worse is that in defending yourself, which you have every right (if not the duty) to do, people will cling to a lie even more.
I hope none of this ends up truly hurting your career. It is one I have enjoyed greatly and I have let many people know not only of your books and site, but of your character.
The truth, although it is a wonderous thing, is often a burden for those who tell it.

One thing I truly cannot understand is how hard it is for people to apologize. A simple, “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.” Have we become the kind of society where an apology is a liability?

And even as the person on the receiving end of her shit, that’s just too funny.