Holly Lisle: Writer

Rebel Tales has closed.

Due to the nature of the actions taken by Ms. Ferrari, and to how these actions reflect both on Rebel Tales and on me, and because I cannot guarantee that some other person will never misrepresent himself and his actions while using my name and the name of Rebel Tales as cover for wrongdoing, I have made the decision to close Rebel Tales permanently.

I have not made this decision lightly—I have taken consultation and come to the conclusion that this is the only viable decision I can make. I do so with a heavy heart.

I apologize to everyone who held the same hopes I had for this endeavor.

I hope someone else will pick up the banner to create a new midlist for writers.

Holly Lisle

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98 responses to “Rebel Tales has closed.”

  1. Celise Avatar
    Celise

    Ditto times 50 to everything everyone else has said. And I am SO GLAD you called her out in public! I really wish you’d given her first name and the name of her so-called publishing company as well, so we could all look her up and give her a verbal smackdown. Not to mention put her on the Editors and Preditors list. So sorry, Holly. It sounded like it was going to become a great project. Life happens, we stumble, we fall, we get back up and try it a different way.

    Reply
  2. "Orange Mike" Lowrey Avatar
    “Orange Mike” Lowrey

    I’m deeply pained on your behalf.

    Reply
  3. Jim Avatar
    Jim

    Holly, dear friend. Words cannot describe my sorrow and anger at what has happened to you. I know you didn’t come to this decision lightly under the circumstances. But I also know you will come of othis stronger.
    If there is any way I can help, you have but to write or call.
    Jim

    Reply
  4. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    This makes me so sad…Rebel Tales was such a cool idea and the site was a thing of real beauty. The picture up there now makes me want to cry. I’m so sorry you were put in this position when all you were doing was trying to create something wonderful for readers and writers. There’s some truly strange and unscrupulous people out there. But know there’s a lot of people wishing you well too.

    Reply
  5. Jane Avatar
    Jane

    What a great disappointment for you — and for us all. It was such a great idea, such a great dream that you could create a situation that would be fun and support writers at the same time. It should have worked and I”m really sorry it didn’t. Like you, I have faith in mankind – and, despite Ms. Ferrrari (or however it’s spelled), I’m not giving up. I know you aren’t either – angry though you have every right to be. I’m angry and outraged for you too!

    Reply
  6. Dawn Avatar
    Dawn

    I hate when people stomp on dreams. 🙁 So sorry this happened to you – and the people who put their hopes in Rebel Tales.

    Reply
  7. Keisha Avatar
    Keisha

    I am appalled that you were violated this way along with potential authors, and although I am shocked I have come to learn real fast that the publishing business can be down right nasty. This person ruined the dream of so many writers I was polishing my novel in hopes to submit it to REBELS TALES. I adore you, your strength is like the top of a mountain and I gained that strength learning from you and taking risk I always believed nothing ventured nothing will be gained. I know that you were put in a corner and in your shoes I am not sure I would come to the conclusion to shut Rebels Tales down indefinitely, I was so happy when you were stoked about the progression of Rebel Tales. I feel the alleged culprit has won she messed up so many people and I am shattered. I pray that the darkness of this misfortune will be replaced by brightness and you will start something else that will be fabulous. Take care Holly you rock and I will always support and learn from all the great knowledge you offer aspiring writers.

    Reply
  8. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    My first reaction was too much? I understand.
    I do understand that the name is now headed into legal-debate-land, though, which is why it has to be left alone for a while. Emotionally, people want you to reconsider, but logically, it needs time to fix this problem and clear the name. 🙁

    Reply
  9. SMD Avatar
    SMD

    So someone committed fraud and you closed down? I understand why you closed down, but please tell me that you’re going to file a lawsuit for the damages…at the very least, they should be financially responsible for the destruction of the reputation of the project, which also reflects upon you, after all.

    I have a few words I’d love to share with the person who did all this, but I suspect your spam filter would pick up the cursewords and delete my comment, so I will hold off. Needless to say: this person is a total jerkface monkey toosh.

    Sorry you had to make this decision, Ms. Lisle. Maybe you can try something similar in the future, but I understand why you made the decision you did. It’s hard to clean up something like that…

    Reply
  10. Rabia Avatar
    Rabia

    I’m so sorry to hear this, Holly.

    Reply
  11. Janice Avatar
    Janice

    Holly, this is sad that someone had taken advantage of writers who want to succeed and who have succeeded in publication and are published. For those writers, keep writing; share your joy and passion for your words and stories.

    When I saw your email, my stomach just turned. Personally, I was working on submitting a piece of work. When you come up with another idea, I will submit a story.

    Holly you have been so generous with all your help, advice and Rebel Tales just shows your love to make things happen. I hope that you can find another way to do something similar to Rebel Tales or yet create something even better. Big hugs to you and I hope that you are not discouraged by this person terrible action. You have many followers and I hope that you keep moving forward. Teaching us, encouraging us, motivating us, and making us, think.

    Big hugs to you!

    Reply
  12. Mark Avatar
    Mark

    Although I’d be REALLY tempted to do the same thing (close the site down) its a real shame the “bad people” get to run life. In 2001, two dozen (roughly) bad guys from 12,000 miles away have caused everyone in the US who flies to be searched, inconvenienced, etc. for a decade. Now ONE “Bad Guy” closes Rebel Tales. The bad guys win way too easily on this planet (what a subject for a book eh).

    Reply
  13. Hauckston Avatar
    Hauckston

    How dishonourable it is for someone you trusted to hurt you like this. All I can say Holly is this: Unfortunately people are not always who we believe them to be. This is truly character building and you will come back stronger and better on whatever path you are meant to be on. I know, trust and believe that about you! You’ve been there for us, we are here for you.
    Don’t let Ms F have the last word.

    Reply
  14. Layren Avatar
    Layren

    Holly, you aren’t responsible for what she did. You hired her to do a job within clearly defined guidelines. She is responsible for her own actions and only her. You are not. She used your name and misrepresented herself. Yes it is damaging. Yes it is horrible, especially since you have given so much to those of us who aspire to write stories that really matter to people. You have been not just walked over, but had your heart ripped out and stuffed back in your chest. You gave your whole heart and soul to this project only to have a bad apple try and ruin it for not just you but everyone involved. I agree with the poster above me who said that you might ought to look into filing charges against this person for what they have done. When I got your e-mail, I literally felt sick to my stomach. I hadn’t submitted anything yet, but I had high hopes for submitting things in the future. To know that something that could have been beautiful for you and everyone else is destroyed, is just heart rendering.

    I’m so sorry.

    I hope that you still have some faith in people even after this horror.

    Reply
  15. Thea Avatar
    Thea

    Oh. My. Gosh. I am so sorry that this happened. Rebel Tales was definitely one of the things I was looking forward to the most this year. The fact that Kate Ferrari was such a absolute jerk infuriates me -even more so now that what she did has caused Rebel Tales to die before it even got a chance to really start. But, please, you said once that Rebel Tales was a part of your dream for writing, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from you, it’s this: Never give up on your dreams. Even if it’s called something else, or done in a different way, please don’t let this be the end.

    Whatever you do, you will most definitely have support and I hope your dreams not only reach, but exceed their potential.

    Reply
  16. Wanders Nowhere Avatar
    Wanders Nowhere

    …
    Words can’t express how much this enrages me. And whatever I’m feeling must only be 1/100th of what you’re going through. Holly, I am really sorry to hear this, I had high hopes for your project, and while I understand that you’ve likely considered all avenues before coming to the decision you have, I would implore you not to give up. There have to be ways to protect yourself from this kind of fraudulent bullshit (which the internet is sadly full of – talk about a shark tank) or surely all kinds of online publishing would fall prey to the same.

    I’ve thankfully not been contacted by this person and wouldn’t have sent her my story if she had, but I’m extremely angry that someone would do this to you and to the team of hopeful writers you’d gathered. Is there any legal way to prevent the person who’s absconded with people’s stories from using them? Surely there would be laws in place to check this. This is fraud and nothing less.

    We’re with you through this, Holly, thick and thin. You have the support of some good people, and since you had no knowledge or control of the situation, I don’t think anyone in their right mind could consider this to reflect upon you OR upon Rebel Tales. If you ever decide to try publishing again, I’ll be there, and I won’t be the only one.

    Cheers,

    Chris

    Reply
  17. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    I’m terribly sorry this has happened and you have come to this decision. Not only for yourself but for the writers and the writing community. I don’t know any of the circumstances or information concerning this issue but I want to say your decision doesn’t sound like you. The Holly I’ve come to know through your courses, forums and wonderful emails is a fantastical giving human. The amount of damage must be great for you to decide to end something you have worked so hard on. I wish you would change your mind and fight but I understand when its best to retreat and look for another path. Please know that your kindness and strength plus your reputation for paying it forward will carry you through this. You have single handedly made me a better writer and for that I thank you.

    Reply
  18. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    I’m so sorry to hear about this. Although most people are good and honest, those minority unethical people make a disproportionate amount of headaches for the rest. :-/

    I’m sorry you needed to ground the liftoff.

    Reply
  19. Robert Billing (Astropolis) Avatar
    Robert Billing (Astropolis)

    Holly, that’s dreadful!

    If it happened over here I’d sue her for so much that she’d not even own her teeth when it was over.

    Having said that I have a glimmer of an idea for saving something from this. Contact me if you are interested.

    Reply
  20. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    I’m new to this forum, having signed up only days ago. However, I’m very sorry to hear what’s happened. If I understand the matter correctly, an individual named Ferrari misrepresented herself for the purpose of defrauding aspiring authors, possibly for the purpose of financial gain. On the surface, this sounds like both a civil and an interstate (federal) criminal matter, and I suggest you consider getting an attorney to examine the issues. There may be grounds for a civil suit as well as criminal charges against this individual.

    Reply
  21. Lorraine Avatar
    Lorraine

    What a terrible thing to happen. I’m with all the others in outrage and sadness. The other day I was just wondering when the first issue might be out so I could get a copy. Hopefully one day it might work out to re-open again, maybe under a new name. There was so much good that could have come from your magazine.

    Reply
  22. Becky Avatar
    Becky

    I am so sorry that this has happened to you. It really saddens me that someone would ruin this for others.

    Reply
  23. Deborah Avatar
    Deborah

    I’m so sorry your dreams were dashed by someone willing to cheat and steal and get ahead the easy way. I wish there was a way to do this without closing down. I wish you all the best and keep believing in your dreams even when it seems they kick you in the teeth.

    Reply
  24. Daniel Edward Sapp Avatar
    Daniel Edward Sapp

    I don’t understand the kind of person who would do what happened: well, I do write about evil sometimes, but I never imagined this kind. I’m sorry Holly. You were and are my inspiration for getting back into writing, and I am truly sorry.

    I think you had a great dream that was compromised by the worst side of human nature. You know, Ursula K. Le Guin wrote a book: The Left Hand of Darkness. The book’s title comes from a Gethen poem, which begins, “Light is The Left Hand of Darkness”, and I suppose you have then ran into the right hand of darkness.

    Blessings on everything you further undertake, and always remember….

    Namaste (the light in me sees the light in you)

    Daniel

    Reply
    1. David Avatar
      David

      I’m a huge fan of Ursula K. Le Guin, and that book, which I’m pretty sure was the first SF of hers I read after I had inhaled the Earthsea Trilogy. I never knew that was the origin of the title. I’m off to google the poem now. 🙂

      Reply
  25. Greg Avatar
    Greg

    So sorry, Holly. Others have said it, but I repeat: thank you for all you do, and please don’t allow the underhanded acts of an unscrupulous person to taint the reflected light shed by your own acts of generosity, your feeling that the things you do are worthwhile, or your belief in the fact that those who love and respect you are legion.

    You are loved.

    Reply
  26. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Of all the dishonorable things to do! How awful! I hope that what goes around comes around. My voice joins the chorus of support and I wish only the best for you.

    Reply
  27. Helenee Avatar
    Helenee

    Don’t! :S

    Reply
  28. Corie Weaver Avatar
    Corie Weaver

    I’m so, so sorry – you’ve given so much to me, and to everyone – how horrible.

    Reply
  29. David Marshall Avatar
    David Marshall

    Holly, I’m so sorry to hear this.

    The amount I’ve learned from you and the forums in the short time I knew Rebel Tales existed has made me a better writer.

    Reply
  30. Michelle Avatar
    Michelle

    I’m so sorry Holly. I can’t imagine what you must be going through, losing something that meant so much to you, and that you put so much work into. I hope things get better. My blessings are with you.

    Reply
  31. Kelly G in ATX Avatar
    Kelly G in ATX

    That’s truly awful. I try to believe the best of people and hope for the best, but sometimes I am disappointed by the actions of our fellow human beings. I know this meant a lot to you and it probably hurts like hell to have that dream stepped on and drug through the muck. But you still have so many of us who believe in you! Please keep fighting the good fight and don’t give up. There is sunshine after the storm!

    Reply
  32. Alynia Avatar
    Alynia

    Holly,
    I have learned a lot from you over the years… quitting was never one of them. Granted, I do not know all the details – legal, emotional, etc. – but I am certain that authors have met and suffered the consequences of bad agents and publishers for years… That Ms. Ferrarri is one of those baddies, I have no doubt. But I don’t think you should have thrown out the baby with the bath water. Consider this a growing pain… readjust your policy… make good the wrongs done and carry on. Lift your banner high and don’t let someone take it just because they knock you back a step.

    You have love and much support from afar…

    Reply
    1. Holly Avatar
      Holly

      Unfortunately, in some situations, the only option you get that does not make disaster worse is to pick up whatever you have left that hasn’t gotten smashed to bits, and walk yourself home.

      Reply
  33. Janet Avatar
    Janet

    I am so sorry this happened. I’m outraged and disgusted by the actions of the woman who misrepresented herself. I was so excited by the idea of Rebel Tales, and I’m sad to see it ruined by this woman’s maliciousness. Holly, know that there are many of us out here supporting you. You’ve given so much to the writing community in mentoring, advice, and support. Personally, I have learned so much from your classes. We appreciate all you’ve done for us. I hope that, while Rebel Tales is closed, the dream it represented is just on hold for now. We’ll be here to support you in anything you choose to do.

    Reply
  34. Nan Roberts Avatar
    Nan Roberts

    Feh, Holly, it isn’t your fault. THanks for letting us know.

    Reply
  35. Kristen Avatar
    Kristen

    Holly, I’m so sorry this happened. It’s terrible that there are people who would do something this awful to anyone, especially to someone as generous as you. You are constantly giving of yourself, pouring your whole self into creating programs to help writers become the best they can possibly be. It truly sucks that someone would try to take advantage of you.

    Please know how much you are appreciated for all the amazing things you do!

    Reply
  36. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Oh, Holly…that sucks! All along I see the hard work you are doing to help new authors. You’ve helped me a ton–through your courses, inspirational articles and your willingness to go for what you want. I wish there was something more I could do, but I’m just going to throw my hat into the condolences/outrage ring. One of the great injustices of this world is the fact that truly horrible people can ruin things for the good people.

    Reply
  37. Deb Salisbury Avatar
    Deb Salisbury

    Hugs. It’s sad that someone so unscrupulous can ruin a beautiful dream.

    Reply
  38. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    Just remember there are a great many people who have faith in your courage and integrity, and another person’s actions will not change that.

    These kinds of things always make me remember what Kipling said:
    If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
    If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
    If you can meet with triumph and disaster
    And treat those two imposters just the same;
    If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
    Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
    And stoop and build ’em up with wornout tools;
    …
    If you can fill the unforgiving minute
    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run –
    Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

    He may been talking about becoming a man, but his words are just as true for any human being who dreams.

    Keep going, and whatever you decide to do, you have an big crowd of people behind you.

    Reply
    1. Holly Avatar
      Holly

      Thank you. Very much. I’ve always loved Kipling, and that poem especially.

      Reply
  39. Ellsea Avatar
    Ellsea

    OMG Holly – what a nightmare. I am so sorry, and just feel so disgusted and outraged that anyone could stoop so low as to completely wreck a great project before it even got off the ground. I just hope that there’s a way for all that precious time and energy you put into this, and the hope you offered to writers with potential and determination, to rise phoenix-like from these ashes. ((hugs)). Know that we are out here, and we love and appreciate everything you do.

    Reply
    1. Alex F. Fayle Avatar
      Alex F. Fayle

      I with Ellsea here, hoping that you will be able to use all your work in some other way. It truly sucks what what person has done. People are evil at times.

      Reply
  40. Robert Avatar
    Robert

    Holly, I am really sorry this happened. You give so much. I know you have to protect yourself, but I hope you able to continue helping others perfect their craft as you do.
    Take care and thanks for all you do.

    Reply
  41. Connie Avatar
    Connie

    This is inconceivable that this could happen! You’ve put your soul into this for months and for it to just be gone now? Isn’t there something that can fix this? I’m not involved here like the rest of the writers, yet, so I’m sure I don’t understand how this means closing the site. Is there not something that can be done to turn this around? A signed agreement with consequences for misrepresentation? Surely, there has to be another avenue Holly! You’re in my thoughts and prayers dear.

    Reply
    1. Connie Avatar
      Connie

      Sorry I didn’t read the top all the way through. I’m so sorry Holly. This is truly unfair.

      Reply
    2. Holly Avatar
      Holly

      I’ve actually been working on this for several years now. It was finally to the point where I had real editors and planned seasons and a first publication date. (November, with the first fantasy season.)

      I did what I had to do to make sure this doesn’t happen to any other writer with my name used by someone unscrupulous. But doing what has do be done is a miserable bitch sometimes.

      Reply
  42. Deidre Avatar
    Deidre

    Wow….thats all I can say is..wow! I agree with every comment already posted – how can someone do this to you. You have been so generous, kind and as someone else said – ‘ a pay-it-forward’ kind of person.

    I can only hope that in the future you may reconsider or re-structure how the publishing company was set up.

    Finally, know that I stand by your decision 1000% and trust your evaluation of things. I am so sorry to hear this as I know it was a major dream of yours. Other than that I cant really express the rest of what I am thinking because its a public forum 🙂

    Reply
  43. Sharon Avatar
    Sharon

    Holly,
    We who have been touched by your goodness and mentoring are outraged. So many of us were looking forward to sharing the joy of your endeavor to offer a new outlet for quality writers and their writing. I sincerely hope, that you can transform this tradgedy of abuse into something else that will be a safe haven from this unscrupulous person who has preyed upon you and your flock of writers.

    Reply
  44. Nicole Andrews Avatar
    Nicole Andrews

    How’d you find out. Tweet me @greenmellissa.

    Reply
    1. Holly Avatar
      Holly

      I found out when a couple of writers contacted one of my real editors to find out what had happened to their books.

      Reply
  45. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    I’m so sorry this happened. There’s nothing worse than having someone steal from you-and you have to give up a dream because of it. Good luck with everything you do, Holly.

    Reply
  46. Leah Avatar
    Leah

    Good gawd! I’m sorry, too, Holly. That someone would go and ruin it for everyone shocks me. It really felt like you had a great community in the works at Rebel Tales and I was really excited to read what you, the editors and writers came up with.

    Reply
  47. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    I’m so sorry. I’m just so so sorry. I don’t understand how anyone could do this, and especially to you, the icon of paying it forward. Outrage doesn’t even touch what I’m feeling. It is inconceivable to me why anyone would want to hurt you — and consequently, the rest of us writers — in this fashion.

    Reply
  48. Tracey Avatar
    Tracey

    So sorry to hear about this, Holly. It’s very sad that the dishonest actions of one individual can cause something like this. I know that making a decision like this had to *suck*, to put it mildly. Thanks for all that you do, even when it’s just protecting writers from said dishonest people.

    Reply
  49. Quinn Ainsley Avatar
    Quinn Ainsley

    Holly, I am so sorry this happened to you. You are so generous in how you teach and empower writers, this is just wrong. May all the good karma catch up with you quickly.

    Blessings,

    Quinn

    Reply
  50. Lisa PT Avatar
    Lisa PT

    (((Hugs)))

    Just (((hugs)))

    Reply
    1. Chris Avatar
      Chris

      That’s really tough. I’m so sorry, Holly. It sucks when people pretend to be who they are not . . . messes with your trust issues. ((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) Hang in there.

      Reply
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