tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post8069709986982770675..comments2023-09-16T05:02:59.946-07:00Comments on Heroines with Hearts: Beta ReadsDebra St. Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07154130275058459169noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-58755934885242328192017-05-24T11:24:55.144-07:002017-05-24T11:24:55.144-07:00I'm very grateful for the help and advice I ge...I'm very grateful for the help and advice I get from a Beta reader or critique partner. I have ones I know I can trust to be honest (yet gentle!). Without them I wouldn't be looking forward to publication.Carol Warhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05077480370693925624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-2456567584922780822017-05-16T08:44:36.426-07:002017-05-16T08:44:36.426-07:00Hi Joanne. That's such a good point about find...Hi Joanne. That's such a good point about finding someone who doesn't want to change your writing to match their own, but rather to strengthen.<br /><br />We always used to say, "I don't mean to rewrite your story for you, but..."Debra St. Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07154130275058459169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-82484073258126512262017-05-16T08:43:30.713-07:002017-05-16T08:43:30.713-07:00I think my skin just isn't thick enough someti...I think my skin just isn't thick enough sometimes. Something I REALLY need to get over if I ever want to improve my writing.<br /><br />Keep an open mind should be my new mantra.Debra St. Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07154130275058459169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-30099085750740977532017-05-16T08:42:53.052-07:002017-05-16T08:42:53.052-07:00You are so sweet, Ana. I do miss writing, so hopef...You are so sweet, Ana. I do miss writing, so hopefully this motivation will last and I'll be able to accomplish something!Debra St. Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07154130275058459169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-52954733384284097312017-05-16T08:42:24.352-07:002017-05-16T08:42:24.352-07:00I learned a ton, from my own and others' writi...I learned a ton, from my own and others' writing, during critique session at my RWA meetings.Debra St. Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07154130275058459169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-16494440815141068042017-05-16T08:41:53.357-07:002017-05-16T08:41:53.357-07:00I totally agree that a 'side effect' of cr...I totally agree that a 'side effect' of critiquing others make you a better writer.<br /><br />And it's so easy to miss things in our own writing that are 'glaring' in others. So interesting.Debra St. Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07154130275058459169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-5370611123475273312017-05-16T07:16:38.535-07:002017-05-16T07:16:38.535-07:00I don't do beta readers unless it's someth...I don't do beta readers unless it's something I'm unsure of or something I need to double check (like asking someone with a military background to double check my terminology and that I was using it right). But I do currently have 2 critique partners, and I too would be lost without them. For me, it's about pairing with someone who gets your style and doesn't want to just change it to suit their style, but actually points out potential problems (which, in my experience, is rare). I find both of mine invaluable. They challenge me, and like Jennifer mentioned, sometimes it's not what I want to hear, but the end result is always so much better than I would have done on my own. It's the same with my editors. I'd be lost without them. Joanne Stewarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17708364499624604625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-34037413650057606102017-05-16T06:03:48.485-07:002017-05-16T06:03:48.485-07:00I have several critique partners and they are inva...I have several critique partners and they are invaluable to me. I couldn't do this without them. It difficult to take, sometimes, but they make my stories better. So glad you're getting inspired again!JENNIFER WILCKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16218241106543538422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-64072302783714773112017-05-16T05:30:19.390-07:002017-05-16T05:30:19.390-07:00I am happy you are feeling the urge to get back in...I am happy you are feeling the urge to get back into a story, Debra.<br />Keep us posted on your progress! I, for one, am ready to cheer you on. You are a great writer. I have loved every one of your stories.Ana Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12325215832587691886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-64099901825661029062017-05-16T05:28:43.127-07:002017-05-16T05:28:43.127-07:00I have a critique partner, and I am in an online c...I have a critique partner, and I am in an online critique group. I could not live without either. Their feedback has been essential to my development as a writer. We trade in honesty, support and fast turnarounds. <br />Plus I get to read some good stories. Ana Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12325215832587691886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999125118927001112.post-17083551965395773772017-05-15T16:18:01.406-07:002017-05-15T16:18:01.406-07:00I have two critique partners and a beta reader (an...I have two critique partners and a beta reader (and also a brainstorming partner) and couldn't survive without any of them! I really value their feedback and ideas, and know they have all made me a stronger writer. Other people can see things that you miss (or get wrong) in the development of the plot and characters. Also critiquing/beta reading someone else's story can help you improve your own. Paula Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10040623635956769807noreply@blogger.com