Let's Talk with Nancy J. Cohen
Let’s Talk with Nancy J Cohen
April 6, 2017
Trolls – Darling or Dangerous?
Nancy J. Cohen
Trolls come in varied flavors. They can be cute little guys like these dolls from my childhood. Would you believe I still have my collection? These have happy faces and hair you want to pet.
Then there are ugly trolls from Norse mythology. I used these mythical creatures in my romantic fantasy Drift Lords Series. Here they’re called Trolleks and are invaders from another dimension. In the old world, trolls may have asked you for a toll to cross a bridge. These fellows are not kindly and cute like the ones above. They’re as mean inside as they look on the outside. Trolls in Norse mythology had magical powers. I could tell you lots more about them, but that’s another story. At least you can recognize them on sight.
Lastly, we have invisible trolls. They’re invisible because they throw virtual sticks and stones at you online and you don’t have any idea who they are. Their attacks may be nasty and personal. I’ve met one of these recently. This person’s vitriolic remarks made me question everything I’ve been doing on my blog for the past ten years. 
I turned to my wonderful Booklovers Bench team for support, and they gave me wise advice: Don’t engage the trolls. Next I received some private emails that countered the troll’s comments with supportive remarks. And so I decided to ignore the troll and carry on. These creatures are insidious, because they make you doubt yourself. All it takes is one nasty remark to cause turmoil and self-doubt. I prefer the happy trolls on my shelf, thank you.
Have you run into any of these creatures, real or virtual?
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Posted in Let's Talk, with Nancy J. Cohen • Tags: BLB Discussion, Let's Talk, Nancy J Cohen, Trolls: Darlings or Dangerous? | 5 Comments
One of my friends and I have a pact that we must remind each other to not engage with trolls. Because nothing good comes of it. But I read a story recently about a women who did, and what she learned. And how after some engagement, the troll actually apologized. But such stories are rare methinks.
Yes, I like the advice to not engage with trolls. Better to let the negative energy slide by.
I’ve never understood why some people do the things they do, and when someone attacks an author for some perceived slight or mistake, it affects all of us. Worse, that behavior continues because the person is further inflamed by any hint of feedback and if the current target doesn’t provide it, they will move on to another target.
Very few people are perfect, and I certainly never have claimed that status. The older I get, the more I realize how it’s often possible for more than one right answer to a question and that there are a lot of gray areas in the world. But if a “troll” exists in a black and white mentality they won’t accept any answer other than theirs. That’s why authors are best served by a non-engagement policy.
But, still, it is very hurtful when they attack.
The same can be said for bad reviews. Best to leave them alone and not respond.
I, too, have a troll collection and even put them out for many holidays. I do love the fantasy trolls (my favorite reading genre) and do ignore the invisible trolls.