Just when I thought my latest story only needed a bit of editing, I’ve started adding bits. Big bits.
I think I’m going to have to break down and get a beta reader soon too. I just recently re-read Baby on Board and it’s full of bits of stuff that should’ve been deleted or repeating paragraphs. It’s so weird that I can read something and miss huge mistakes and then re-read the same piece, even a day later, and think “what the…?”
So, I’ll keep plugging away with my “almost complete” story and try not to be distracted by the new-ish one that I’m looking for an angle for. Also, the new one is very dark, not like my ‘usual’ stuff and I may have to put it away for a while cause it’s even depressing me and I’ve only just started it.
Hi Jot.
I’m glad to finally find a way to send you a message as I’d wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed BoB and couldn’t find an email addy for you. But this time, I found the ‘comments’,so here I am.
Re ‘fiddling again’… Believe me, I can relate about rereading your own story. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve done that and cringed in horror at what I thought at the time was pretty good writing. So don’t worry – you’re not alone, we’ve all done it.
I would certainly second your thought about getting a beta – they can be a godsend, although be prepared for brutal honesty. I’ve put aside more than one story because my betas, very politely mind you, tore them to shreds. But a good beta will also make a lot of constructive suggestions and you’ll end up a better writer for them.
I’m very much looking forward to you next one – the ‘almost complete’ – as well as the new-ish one, and will keep checking your webpage.
Take care.
Mary S.
Thanks Mary, glad you enjoyed the story.
I’ll start looking for a beta for my latest, I think. It can only help me, as you say.