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?
50 comments:
That's a common requirement of a beta reader today - characters with flaws.
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
I'm sure her style shows up in your writing.
I think there should be a contest that we could enter and have this dream of our choice of beta-reader come true!
Seeme like a good Beta partner.
Keep safe and well.
Yvonne.
I definitely agree that the genre would inform my choice. I chose two to try to cover the bases...
It's always nice when you can learn from your betas. I have no doubt she'd enjoy the Bloo Moose series. :)
Sounds like a match made in heaven. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
I learned a lot about writing and editing through beta readers, and having an author like that as a beta reader would be invaluable.
A good beta partner is invaluable. Glad you have one!
I keep reading everyone's interesting choices for beta partners, and now I wish I had answered the monthly question myself.
That's great that your choice writes in your genre.
Jill Shalvis sounds like a great match!
It took me a long time to realize my characters were too nice :)
Thanks, Tbreit! I hope so!
Me too - but I need to have my happy endings too! :)
I do think there are a few style similarities!
Jill has written dozens of great romances - love her books!
Great idea!!! Love that idea! :)
She's WAY above my league, but I'd love to work with her!
Good idea!! I have SO MANY people I would love to work with!
Thanks, MJ! I hope she would too!
LOL - for me, anyway!
Agreed! Crit buddies and beta readers have taught me so much!
Working with Jill is a fantasy - but I do have good people around me!
LOL - but you have a LOT going on, so skipping it is okay!
She's amazing!
Thanks! I can always dream!
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.
My choice, George Orwell, is definitely influences by my interest in the genre. And frankly, by my general world view these days. :-)
Agreed! I can't imagine who I would be without the books that have led me on so many journeys!
That's a great choice. Orwell's 1984 hit me hard when I read it in high school. Might be time for a reread!
Another author I was not familiar with (have now made note to check her out), but she sounds perfect for you.
I adore her books so I hope so!
Genre definitely has a huge influence on who I'd pick.
I'm looking forward to reading your next book!
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.
I hadn't thought about genre, but yes, I think it makes a difference! Nice choice!
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.
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...
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
Exactly - I have so many authors I admire, but Jill would work great for this series!
Yay! Hope you enjoy!
Thanks! It's definitely been a busy year so far!
I've got a list of new authors as well!
Thanks, Tyrean! One of my fave authors is Tolkien but his style wouldn't work for my genre!
Yes! I have a bunch of SF authors I really enjoy who would make great betas too!
I think you'd enjoy Jill Shalvis books, Deniz! She writes great romance!
Jill is a great author!!
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!
Jill Shalvis is really good!
Damyanti at Daily (w)rite
I bet you would!!
I'm a multi-genre reader as well :)
She really is!!
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