Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Trying Something New

I did something different. I've been writing and suffering with one of my WIP's for a while now. I don't know why this particular WIP is so hard for me. Is it because I'm writing a genre I've never written before? Or is there something seriously wrong with this story?

I've never let anyone read my work until it's actually published, but now, I did something new. I found a few beta readers to read my WIP. I wanted to know if the storyline makes sense and if it draws the reader in.

One of my betas already got back to me with her impressions of the story. It's in a genre she normally doesn't read and I managed to pull her in. Yay for me! This beta is not only a published author but she's also an editor, so she pointed out a few things that will help me when editing it before subbing. It's great to get an editor's perspective on this.

My first beta experience wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Not only did I learn some of my writing flaws, but I also got my writing confidence back. I can tackle this WIP!

Have you ever given your work to crit partners or beta readers? Does it help you?

7 comments:

  1. I chose my CPs very carefully many years ago. Not only are they eagle-eyed, but global, giving me a wider perspective on what word choices might be misunderstood.

    I couldn't publish without them. :)

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  2. It definitely helps me, but I've learned not to do so until I'm sure what I'm doing. I need to figure it all out myself, and then once I have a clear grip on it, I can take feedback.

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  3. I find beta readers are a necessitiy. Having another set of eyes fresh to the story is most helpful. I'm working towards doing my first draft first then revise before getting it to my beta readers. But good betas are the best.

    Sounds like you've got some great stuff going on. Wish you well with your WiP :-)

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  4. Yay, for your bravery. I have seven crit partners. They don't all always read the same stuff.

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  5. Hi Angelina,
    Yes I have critique partners. I have recently addded another one and it is scary sending work out to someone you don't personally know, but well worth it.
    She picked out repetitive words I couldn't see, and a few other things.
    As writers we become too close to our work, and therefore a new set of eyes can spot difficulties we are unable to see.
    I recommend that every serious writer have critique partners.

    Good Luck with this novel. :)

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  6. I love my crit partners AND my beta readers - so invaluable to me! But it's still scary putting things out there even in that safe environment. They help make me a better writer, though. Glad you had a positive experience with that as well!

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  7. I have one CP. Both of us are kind of relaxed in our writing and critiquing styles which is great for me. I haven't sought out hardcore betas yet. I'm really terrified out of my mind about doing that.

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