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Writing, and a thank you to a beta
Apr. 14th, 2011 12:00 pmI'm noticing that as I write this story, my style is slightly changing. Not writing style so much but I've noticed that some of the conventions, the phrasing has changed. In other stories I've used it over and over again, but in this one, I'm more aware of that and I think that's making me a better writer.
Now, this doesn't mean that this story won't need to be edited. God, I'd never say that. This story needs edited and expanded and worked on. (Though, the character progression of one character has made me very happy*.)
But, there was a certain way of writing something that was consistently pointed out in the last thing she read. Now, there are some times when that construction is needed. But, when I'm doing it over and over again, when there's no need for it, my beta reader simply highlighted it and I could almost feel the "AGAIN, CAT?" written there. It wasn't meant maliciously, just in a chiding "ORLY" kinda way. Because that's her (and my) sense of humor.
Or maybe that was my sense of humor in reading it.
The point of this is this:
Good beta readers/first readers/whatever you want to call them, will change how you write. Not in huge ways. Not in bad ways. They won't change the type of writer you are. They won't make you something you aren't. However, they will change how you write. Even on the first draft. The good advice they've given you previously will point out the things that you should be aware of the next time you pick up a plot, some characters and see what the hell happens.
The same thing with editors.
See, that's their jobs. That's what they're supposed to do. They're supposed to point these things out and make you better. Even if they aren't physically there with you, and even if they only do it once, if things stay with you and make you think, then they have not only done their jobs, but they've done it well.
I like that her advice has stuck with me. I like that it makes me think and makes me remember her advice from before. This will never mean I don't need an editor (I'm not Anne Rice, and never want to be) but it does mean that it's making me a better writer. Honestly, what more could a writer ask for?
So, this big long rambling post is really a great big thank you to someone. Why? Because her advice has stuck with me, and deserves the kudos. K. V. Taylor, thank you, for what you've done. You deserve all the good things that have come your way.
Now, this doesn't mean that this story won't need to be edited. God, I'd never say that. This story needs edited and expanded and worked on. (Though, the character progression of one character has made me very happy*.)
But, there was a certain way of writing something that was consistently pointed out in the last thing she read. Now, there are some times when that construction is needed. But, when I'm doing it over and over again, when there's no need for it, my beta reader simply highlighted it and I could almost feel the "AGAIN, CAT?" written there. It wasn't meant maliciously, just in a chiding "ORLY" kinda way. Because that's her (and my) sense of humor.
Or maybe that was my sense of humor in reading it.
The point of this is this:
Good beta readers/first readers/whatever you want to call them, will change how you write. Not in huge ways. Not in bad ways. They won't change the type of writer you are. They won't make you something you aren't. However, they will change how you write. Even on the first draft. The good advice they've given you previously will point out the things that you should be aware of the next time you pick up a plot, some characters and see what the hell happens.
The same thing with editors.
See, that's their jobs. That's what they're supposed to do. They're supposed to point these things out and make you better. Even if they aren't physically there with you, and even if they only do it once, if things stay with you and make you think, then they have not only done their jobs, but they've done it well.
I like that her advice has stuck with me. I like that it makes me think and makes me remember her advice from before. This will never mean I don't need an editor (I'm not Anne Rice, and never want to be) but it does mean that it's making me a better writer. Honestly, what more could a writer ask for?
So, this big long rambling post is really a great big thank you to someone. Why? Because her advice has stuck with me, and deserves the kudos. K. V. Taylor, thank you, for what you've done. You deserve all the good things that have come your way.
