As a writer my biggest concern is lack of critique or even the incorrect type of critique. Now before you think I'm ungrateful for the people who help me with my writing, let me explain. Not all feedback is created equal and I thrive off of the great critique. Here's a great article I found that explains a bit more how find a great beta reader and as one how to help a writer by being a beta reader and providing feedback that is valuable. How To Avoid The Writing Critique From Hell |
Choose wisely. Your critique partner should be qualified to offer feedback on writing and publishing. Consider asking a writer who has experience, as well as knowledge about your genre. Try to find a reader who is also willing to point out what’s good about your writing, as opposed to someone who only focuses on the negative. |
But providing honest feedback doesn’t mean the reader offering the critique gets to be a snarky bully! Stay away from any critique partner whose big head comes with an equally big, disagreeable mouth.
Define boundaries. Be clear about what you expect from your critique partner.
And don’t forget that your beta reader will have some expectations too. Know up front how and when you’ll be expected to reciprocate.
Decide whether to meet in person or online. Both options have their benefits. Communicating online offers more scheduling flexibility and interacting online also gives your beta reader an opportunity to carefully word his or her comments and lets you take some time to process any criticisms before you respond.
However, meeting in person also has merits. Since writing is often a solitary pursuit, exchanging ideas face-to-face can offer a nice change of pace and lead to more productive results.
Or are you an author looking for a beta reader?
Leave your information below or PM me and we can chat. :-)
Signs and Symbols by Vladimir Nabokov

Synopsis: A family struggles with the decision of committing their boy to a mental institution, and after discussing their choice over his birthday gift, they decide to bring him home.
Review: The agony and pain this family suffers from with their decision is evident and their struggle is so well written it tugs at the heartstrings.
Recommendation: Cryptic and full of symbolism, a sad read that is well worth it.
Sea Oak by George Saunders
Synopsis: A struggling family grieves over their self-created depressing lives and when their family matriarch passes a surprise visit changes their outlook on life forever.
Review: The abuse and lackadaisical attitude of this family is maddening and overused, that pair with the vulgar language and treatment of loved ones made it a difficult read.
Recommendation: If the language/themes do not offend you, the moral and theme of the story is sweet and profound making it worth reading if you can.
To Build a Fire by Jack London
Synopsis: A deeply compelling story following a man and his dog as they journey through the frozen north and struggle to survive.
Review: The mental journey that this man undertakes is just as interesting to read as his physical one.
Recommendation: The dark and twisted content is highly entertaining and as the characters continue on the read trudges along with them.
Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut
| 3 Stars | fiction, political, fantasy, oppression | Synopsis: 2081 and the Constitution has over 200 amendments to help create the "equal" American dream through suppression and lowering standards. Review: Harrison Bergeron's story is compelling, madding, and heartbroken. This story is a classic for a reason. Recommendation: Read it. Then read it again. Every time you read it you'll get more out of it and it will continue to surprise you. |
the book report2104 has been a big year for Brandon Sanderson and in a recent blog post he highlights what 2014 brought him and where he'd love to go in the future. If you're not familiar with Sanderson take a few moments to check out his work and his site. You won't be sorry you did. Norman Bridwell passes away at 86. Bridwell was the author of the 'Clifford The Big Red Dog' series and having read those books as a child I'll be passing them onto my children in the future. Thanks for the adventures Mr. Bridwell! J.K. Rowling is at it again! December has been a busy months for the author of the Harry Potter franchise with short stories released on Pottermore, the announcement of a screen adaptation of 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by BBC, and both flack and praise via twitter for her decisions. | new releasespeople you should knowPaul Barrow @VelvetTortise Lesley James @lesleyjames123 Ruthanne Reid @RuthanneReid Anne Leonard @anneleonardauth |

For those of you who aren't aware, the last few years I have been studying at a college here in Washington state. Well, as of a about an hour ago, I passed my last class and have graduated my bachelors program. I'll be walking in the spring with some of the best friends a person can have, and I am thrilled to be able to check this life milestone off my list.
In the next few weeks I will be posting the backlog of articles I've be hoarding, a few book reviews (and short story reviews), and I'm even looking to post a few original short stories I've been slaving away on these past few months. I'll make sure to post/tweet/facebook when those are available and where to find them.
Lastly, due to school this semester I was unable to participate in NaNoWriMo and to make up for that loss, I will be participating in a self run #JanuWriMo (hashtag it... you know you want to make it a thing!) and will be finalizing the second draft of Keepers (finally!).
As always, thanks for sticking by me and checking back for new content. I promise Monday Blogs and Articles will be back with the new year along with more Reviews and the Monthly Newsletter.
Happy reading!
~Eliza
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