(no subject)

[turps]

I was just reading through Boxes at my site as digital_diva pointed out typos at the same time. The problem is there shouldn't be any. I had it beta read by a few different people which suggests it's me who screwed up. My question is, how do you use a beta reading? For example, I read from the beta read file and change it on my original one. Obviously that's not fool proof or there wouldn't be any typos at all. So how do you do it? Learn me so I don't make embarrassing mistakes again.

Also, do you ever read something and know it could be more? I still love Boxes but think it could be better. It could be made richer I guess. So does anyone want to teach me how to work on a really long story and stop being so impatient? It's what I want to do next, write something long and detailed. Spin out a story that captures the interest and keeps it.

So yeah, I know I can't really be taught patience, that has to come on its own but I'd love to know about how you approach beta reading.

Comments

[turps33.livejournal.com]

The comments really are interesting and I've picked up some good tips for next time. I felt awful when Eva pointed out those typos. Not so much for me but you and the others who helped because I know it was me that screwed up.

I really like track changes and am going to try what you said next time, that is changing things on that file but have the master file saved somewhere safe just in case.

I'm relieved that you like the beta process. The problem I have is I always think I'm taking too much time, especially yours as you're always my primary beta reader. I know how busy you are so sending file after file seems inconsiderate. Which I know you'd say if you were too busy but I can't help feeling that way, like you should be doing something fun and not checking over yet another version of my story.

Posting in a locked post helps me a lot as like you I catch more things that way, maybe because I've moved from being the writer to a reader, and in doing that get fresh eyes that catch more.

Yeah, I know I could work on it I just don't know what to add. Which sounds silly after what I said in the post but I just got the feeling it could be more you know?

Which probably ties in with all the thoughts about my writing I've had lately, about POV and tense and stuff like that. I'm not putting myself down, honest, but I just want to get better.

You've hit the nail on the head about preview readers. I wish I could be self supporting too but I can't. I need that interaction, which is partially a confidence thing, someone to say I'm not on crack with what I'm writing. I really do want to break the write/post habit because I know it's a bad thing. I also want to get that long story out of my head. Which has no plot or anything but I know it's there *g*

Crit makes me happy too, I know getting it from some awesome people has helped me improve a lot. And you know I'm always pleased to read anything you throw my way. It's a pleasure to do so.

*smooches you*

Thank you for your thoughtful answers.