BETTA is a fish whose face blooms while preparing to attack.
BETA lost the videotape wars in the 80's to VHS.
BETA is the second letter of the Greek alphabet.
BETA is a measure of the volatility, or systematic risk, blah blah blah some Wall Street thingy.
BETA is a motorcycle.
BETA is the last round of testing before software gets released.
BETA blockers help fight heart disease.
BETA is a night club in Denver.
(You now you just head bopped to this pic. Hee hee.)
If you are blessed enough to have a Critique Partner you will one day get to BETA read their entire MS.
It's a celebration of sorts. The end of a journey.
And it's refreshing to read something you love so much all over again.
But 'tis a bit of work. You must read with keen eyes, dotting all the i's and crossing the t's. You read it as you would a novel, in a flow. Not chapter by chapter over the long months of critiquing.
Here, you may find some plot holes, timeline mistakes, and things you flat out missed before.
The whole time you are remembering why you love your CP so much. Why, out of all the other aspiring authors, you chose this one person to share your writing journey with.
This week I had the immense pleasure and honor to read AJ Wilson's A Princess For York.
Holy HOT Highlanders batman!I'd never read a historical romance before reading for AJ.
Never wanted to and I have to admit I was skeptical when I opened the first chapter over a year and a half ago.
It's Historical Fiction with one hell of a love story at it's heart.
I never wanted to see a man in a skirt so bad in my life. Ha-cha-cha.
This tale is smart, action packed, sexy as hell, endearing, and has you tearing up at the end, begging to read the next adventure!
Go to her website and be blown away! I mean really, it will leave you wanting more.
'Tis truly The Tudors meets Braveheart!
This experience has me talking in brogue on occasion, typing it. Aye, 'tis truth! I cannae lie. The story is verra, verra moving. Never read the like!
For all you aspiring authors, the BETA read for a fellow writer in an honor. I relish the next tale I get to devour for my CP.
*This was a totally blatant arse kissing post for when JAWS tears me MS a new one!*
Stunning introduction to the act of BETA writing. (I love the fish.)
ReplyDeleteHow did you become a BETA reader? Did the author just send you his manuscript and asked you to read it?
Nahno ∗ McLein ™
Actually I met AJ in a yahoo writing group. We've been white on rice ever since. :)
ReplyDeleteBETA writing sounds intriguing! :D
ReplyDeleteAs Nahno said, how did you get into BETA reading?
It's really BETA reading. You have a writing partner where you critique each other's work. When the work is complete you BETA read it, all the way through as a final check to make sure it's a very polished final product.
ReplyDeleteAJ and I just found each other in a critique group. When I started this writing journey I googled writing groups and found the lovely lassie. It takes a while, like any relationship, but its worth it. :)
awww shucks you guys! you can certainly feel the CP love!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictorial introduction. (Nevermind that I can't spell) this was cool.
ReplyDeleteI've been a beta reader about 11 times over the last 18 months. An experience worth repeating, for me obviously. Few of those have been in my chosen genre. But boy did I learn a lot through the experiences.
Yes, so different than a chapter by chapter or excerpt critique. I hope every writer out there is able to procure a beta reader. And, to volunteer to be a beta as time permits. It is fulfilling both ways.
...........dhole
Thanks, Donna. This is my first major BETA. Tis sooo awesome! CPs and BETAs are priceless, I agree.
ReplyDeleteNothing is better than loving your CPs AND their work/writing.
ReplyDeleteI can feel the love here. :) 'Tis a verra fine thing.
LOL! I love the pics you use--well done!
ReplyDeleteLove the pics! Betas are priceless!
ReplyDelete