Wednesday, September 2, 2020

IWSG & Wishlist Beta Partners

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.


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Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 

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September 2 question - If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be and why?

What a great question!

I think this answer would totally change depending on the genre I'm writing.

Currently, I'm focusing on contemporary romance with a mix of suspense and humour. The overall tone of my writing is hopeful and the endings are always happy.

I'd love to have Jill Shalvis as a beta partner. Her stories run from contemporary romance to women's fiction. I love the humour and emotion she injects in everything she writes. Her characters are complex - full of strengths and flaws. Her plots are tightly written with intriguing twists. Her writing always tugs at the heartstrings.

Working with someone who writes such fascinating characters and plots would teach me a lot. I also think she'd like the Bloo Moose romances and a beta has to enjoy the books!

How about you? Does your genre influence who you would choose as a beta partner? Anyone else write contemporary romance?


51 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's a common requirement of a beta reader today - characters with flaws.

Unknown said...

I love that you chose your partner based on the characteristics of the writing you admire. I bet you have a lot of those characteristics in your own writing!

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
I love writing about characters with weaknesses, flaws and who have come from a distorted childhood.
Take care and all the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm sure her style shows up in your writing.

Jennifer Hawes said...

I think there should be a contest that we could enter and have this dream of our choice of beta-reader come true!

nashvillecats2 said...

Seeme like a good Beta partner.
Keep safe and well.

Yvonne.

mshatch said...

I definitely agree that the genre would inform my choice. I chose two to try to cover the bases...

M.J. Fifield said...

It's always nice when you can learn from your betas. I have no doubt she'd enjoy the Bloo Moose series. :)

emaginette said...

Sounds like a match made in heaven. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Chrys Fey said...

I learned a lot about writing and editing through beta readers, and having an author like that as a beta reader would be invaluable.

cleemckenzie said...

A good beta partner is invaluable. Glad you have one!

C.D. Gallant-King said...

I keep reading everyone's interesting choices for beta partners, and now I wish I had answered the monthly question myself.

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's great that your choice writes in your genre.

Carol Kilgore said...

Jill Shalvis sounds like a great match!

Jemi Fraser said...

It took me a long time to realize my characters were too nice :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Tbreit! I hope so!

Jemi Fraser said...

Me too - but I need to have my happy endings too! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I do think there are a few style similarities!

Jemi Fraser said...

Jill has written dozens of great romances - love her books!

Jemi Fraser said...

Great idea!!! Love that idea! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

She's WAY above my league, but I'd love to work with her!

Jemi Fraser said...

Good idea!! I have SO MANY people I would love to work with!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, MJ! I hope she would too!

Jemi Fraser said...

LOL - for me, anyway!

Jemi Fraser said...

Agreed! Crit buddies and beta readers have taught me so much!

Jemi Fraser said...

Working with Jill is a fantasy - but I do have good people around me!

Jemi Fraser said...

LOL - but you have a LOT going on, so skipping it is okay!

Jemi Fraser said...

She's amazing!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks! I can always dream!

Elephant's Child said...

A huge hooray for writers - and for those who fuel their fires and support their journeys. Which includes but isn't limited to beta partners.

Anonymous said...

My choice, George Orwell, is definitely influences by my interest in the genre. And frankly, by my general world view these days. :-)

Jemi Fraser said...

Agreed! I can't imagine who I would be without the books that have led me on so many journeys!

Jemi Fraser said...

That's a great choice. Orwell's 1984 hit me hard when I read it in high school. Might be time for a reread!

Donna Hanton said...

Another author I was not familiar with (have now made note to check her out), but she sounds perfect for you.

Jemi Fraser said...

I adore her books so I hope so!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Genre definitely has a huge influence on who I'd pick.

I'm looking forward to reading your next book!

Denise Covey said...

So Jemi, you've been busy. Love your landing page. Never heard of Jill Shalvis. It's wonderful how many new authors I'm hearing about today.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I hadn't thought about genre, but yes, I think it makes a difference! Nice choice!

Olga Godim said...

Genre would definitely influence my choice of a beta partner. As I write speculative fiction, I would choose my beta among the writers in my genre.

Deniz Bevan said...

A new-to-me author! I think I could use her as a beta reader, too -- my stories lack a bit of humour :p Lots of romance but less humour...

A Hundred Quills said...

That makes sense actually... The genre you're writing in. I just got to know of Jill Shalvis. Thanks for that.
Sonia from https://soniadogra.com

Jemi Fraser said...

Exactly - I have so many authors I admire, but Jill would work great for this series!
Yay! Hope you enjoy!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks! It's definitely been a busy year so far!
I've got a list of new authors as well!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Tyrean! One of my fave authors is Tolkien but his style wouldn't work for my genre!

Jemi Fraser said...

Yes! I have a bunch of SF authors I really enjoy who would make great betas too!

Jemi Fraser said...

I think you'd enjoy Jill Shalvis books, Deniz! She writes great romance!

Jemi Fraser said...

Jill is a great author!!

Lynn J Simpson said...

I hadn't thought of picking a beta reader according to genre. It would be favourable to pick a reader who likes the books genre, for sure! I can't think of a genre I don't like so think I might make a pretty good beta reader. haha!

Damyanti Biswas said...

Jill Shalvis is really good!


Damyanti at Daily (w)rite

Jemi Fraser said...

I bet you would!!
I'm a multi-genre reader as well :)

Jemi Fraser said...

She really is!!