tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591963962547240042.post4649302307169618644..comments2023-04-10T03:20:23.344-05:00Comments on HanLeiaFanFicWriters: The Beta Reader: Why You Need OneZyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04860113813294303312noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591963962547240042.post-35528236922843753622012-03-31T19:15:56.365-05:002012-03-31T19:15:56.365-05:00Grrrr. I tried to post to this twice yesterday an...Grrrr. I tried to post to this twice yesterday and somehow managed to delete the post both times. Sad isn't it.<br /><br />This is what I need, a beta reader. I actually do a significant amount of technical writing professionally (I write drug applications for countries ministries of health (aka FDA, etc.)). I am a bit intimidated switching to creative writing. I am eager to try. Well I think I am eager to try. So who out there wants to be a beta reader for me. Not sure when I am going to get that first story done, but I am slowly working on it. <br /><br />What a special relationship must develop between a writer and a beta reader. The trust to share your work, feelings, "baby" with someone to help you shape it even further. Wow almost makes me have goose-bumps. <br /><br />So are the members of this blog interested in a beta reader role, or is it best to go to ff.net and randomly pick one?<br /><br />All I can say is "Trust me." I take feedback well.IndyLishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07955303904693731258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591963962547240042.post-75716856896666605792012-03-31T14:54:22.153-05:002012-03-31T14:54:22.153-05:00I would never in a million years ask anyone in my...I would never in a million years ask anyone in my house to ready my stories. And I am pretty sure I wouldn't ever get my stuff published at all if I didn't show it to someone first. so thank goodness for beta readers.jzhanfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07376308728767558575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591963962547240042.post-73092637919834492692012-03-30T08:50:27.282-05:002012-03-30T08:50:27.282-05:00Aw, man. I lost my whole post. And that's a lo...Aw, man. I lost my whole post. And that's a lot to lose when you're typing on an ipad. Yikes.<br /><br />Anyhow, I whole heartedly agree, Zyra. I couldn't imagine sending something out and not having someone else look over it. I know I sometimes hear words in my head when I'm reading something that I didn't actually included. And I agree family may not be the best choice, but it depends. Can they give you an honest answer. And I usually like someone to check characterizations as well. A checklist would be interesting. I'd still like a way to count number of times words were used in a story. I'm sure some of the software specifically for writing, besides Word, would do it. I'm so guilty of repeating myself. =)<br /><br />Seams, that is so great about your daughters. I think it's awesome there are mother/daughter writers out there. Very cool. And it's nice that you are encouraging/inspiring them.amara zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03344117896874708549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591963962547240042.post-20918743260938874892012-03-29T15:57:01.208-05:002012-03-29T15:57:01.208-05:00Yeah, that's really great about your daughter ...Yeah, that's really great about your daughter writing. I LOVED writing when I was a kid. Well, I still do, but it's always been something I've enjoyed so much. Literally from when I could write pretty much I'd write little stories. So it's really cool to hear about kids participating.<br /><br />I agree that when you're writing sometimes you get caught up in the story or something and just don't notice certain things. Sometimes I'll go back and re-read what I wrote and I'll have said nearly the exact same thing twice in the same paragraph with almost the exact same wording. Sometimes that stuff just happens and you need a critical eye. I agree, a family member probably isn't best because they're just like, "It's great!" And it's nice that they're supportive, but that's not always as helpful as you need it to be.<br /><br />Happy birthday!Zyrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04860113813294303312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591963962547240042.post-23262085421149477102012-03-29T15:10:32.869-05:002012-03-29T15:10:32.869-05:00Aww, that's great about your daughter writing ...Aww, that's great about your daughter writing Seams. Oh and hope you're having a lovely birthday.<br /><br />I don't write (unfortunately), but I totally get why this is important. Very good advice. And I agree with what Seams2Be says about maybe having someone outside your close family read it through, that makes sense. That's why finding someone in cyberspace is a good option.claire1976https://www.blogger.com/profile/04285049568087268653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591963962547240042.post-89923523881606844112012-03-29T12:33:54.509-05:002012-03-29T12:33:54.509-05:00Zyra, excellent advice. I would also add that you...Zyra, excellent advice. I would also add that you may want to have a non-family member (i.e. someone who doesn't live in your home) read your story. I personally think that close family members may not be as much of a "critical eye" that one really needs to improve a piece. I had two additional set of "eyes" (who live in my house) read my piece before publishing, and they missed some very obvious spelling errors. I found them on my own but well after the story was already published. I think they just wanted to appease the crazy lady who kept asking "what do you think." Yes, I feel like an idiot however, I take it all as a learning lesson in life. I think I am going to start a little notebook of "reminders" of things to watch out for, like everything you mentioned above. I find when I am in the midst of writing I get caught up in the story and I'm not paying attention to varying sentence structure, watching my word choices, etc. It would also help if I could find my stinking glasses. Thanks for the advice and encouragement. Writing fan-fic was something I would have never ever tried if it were not for this blog. <br />Just a side note, my youngest daughter hates to write due to her dyslexia. When she saw me writing, she sat at her computer and started typing a story of her own. This is significant! Your encouragement and advice has reached across the generations. Thank you.Seams2Behttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743144026790154782noreply@blogger.com