Author's Note:
Despite how much I've enjoyed this story, it will be discontinued shortly due to a complicated conflict that I came across after returning to check my stories after an extended break. This author's note will contain information on why I feel very bitter and upset about this fiasco.
Recently, I have been accused of plagiarizing The Courtship by Bellantry. It upsets me that such strongly negative words have been aimed at me for the striking similarities between our stories, and I never once had the idea of even replicating Bellantry's ideas from her story into mine. First point to address: yes, my idea for this story was a courtship. To the criticism I received for repeatedly using the word, a courtship is what it is and nothing changes that. Yes, I could have used 'arranged marriage', or 'betrothal', but perhaps I used the term because it fit with the 18th century setting of the story? I can't be accused of anything simply because I excessively used a specific word and I find that a silly reason for anyone to give. I personally find many aspects of our stories to differ, such as The Courtship involving much more different types of characters and situations than mine. For example, the King and the use of the English court. My story does not include that, despite settings that are the same.
Please don't misunderstand me when I say that I read The Courtship around the time that I was working on My Fair Charlotte, and I highly admired Bellantry's work. However, it never struck me to 'lift her ideas' and use them as my own. I'm a writer, therefore plagiarism is not something I would intentionally and knowingly do and it offends me that anyone would openly accuse me of doing so and barb my pride as a writer. There are several other wonderful stories out in this fandom that have the concept of a love-hate courtship between Lord Beckett and an OC, countless ones and it should be deemed as an outstanding coincidence due to the narrow idea of the plot. I realize that certain elements are the same, such as a stroll in the gardens and the double-sided reactions of the characters to one another, and perhaps they were noticed to be the same because you've come across the exact sort of situation in another story. It doesn't mean that I'm strictly copying another's work and that my work will follow theirs explicitly down to the resolution.
I also found it a tad rude that the reviewers did not PM me with their thoughts so that I could reply to them and explain, but had to threat reporting me in a review in so blunt a manner. It was extremely accusatory and harsh for an issue that they had not even personally messaged me with. I feel it would have been more professional if they had PM'd Bellantry and I about the problem and allowed us to speak to me directly as two authors who enjoy writing and hope to resolve any issues between our works without two ghastly, paining missives that honestly made me feel like a piece of complete shit. It discouraged me because my writing is something I'm insecure about, yet something that I immensely enjoy because I write for me and anyone who cares to read what I come up with. It makes me happy if people enjoy my writing as much as I do, but it doesn't matter to me if someone doesn't. My writing is what I have floating in my head that I want to share, and yes, I admit that sometimes, it will be very close to something else you might have read because many people share the same ideas and thoughts. It does not mean that I'm intending to be malicious and copy someone else, and I will discontinue this story in respect for Bellantry and her beautiful writing.
I apologize sincerely to her for the mishap and wholeheartedly did not mean for such a dreadful situation to happen. Also, I will definitely keep in mind not to lift others' ideas and use them as my own next time. Thank you for the accusations. (:
Have a wonderful, lovely day.