Beta Appreciation Day, Week, Month?

[icarus]

Yesterday while glancing nervously at the pile of homework I had for Monday morning I ran across the Beta Appreciation week meme. I had hoped to do a rec-list of my betas' stories, but while that's a good idea, I'll have to put it on hold for now as I slip this in under the deadline (and then dive back into homework).


My betas have taught me how to write.

My first beta was Gabby Hope, who patiently trained me in pacing and coaxed me to cut those long, meandering Tolkein-esque sentences.

Connie (CLS) worked with me all the way through Primer to the Dark Arts, masterfully asking open-ended questions that drew much more out of the characters and story (including entire chapters). I miss you, Connie, and have been thinking about you the last few weeks.

wildernessguru has an eagle-eye for plot holes and real life understanding of men and gay sex. ;)

stellahobbit and teaphile are willing to bounce ideas around half-formed, and Stella's put me through three re-writes on one story, challenging me (gently) until I realized she was correct. enname is like a director, megaphone in hand, "Give us more detail, make it more vivid!"

electricandroid has always been there when I'm down on a story and ready to throw it in the trash, while lizardspots has turned story-writing into a spectator sport in chat. Some of you have even beta'd stories and pairings you didn't like.

cursive as well as several others (hi Maud!) have been willing to beta my original fic, too.

I try not to rely too heavily on one or another beta, and I'm usually waving a story at the last-minute at my friends list. So this list is long. In no particular order, thank you to:

tboy, switchknife, adred, hijja, Velveteen Thestral, cordelia_v isiscolo, rosesanguina, Grey Bard, lerah99, Faerie Mistress, underlucius, cheshyre, dphearson, angeluzion, Sue Barrett, cyanei, Fiona, Thalia, Read300300, Mike-the-geologist, sharp_tongue, wordwitch, theemdash, fairestcat, springwoof, libitina, salix_babylon, goseaward, mad_maudlin, 20th Century Vole, Anuanu, sparrowhawk, A. L. deSauveterre, Hainu, Fachel, Favrielle, Kat, Desiree, Belfrage, millefiori, Carmudgeon, Saar, Blackstone, Erin, and amothea.

Your advice, observations, and comments stay with me. I listen, not just for the one story, but let them sink into the bedrock slowly and change the way I write. Thank you.


ETA: I forgot four people. Gosh, I hope I didn't forget anyone else.

Comments

[enname.livejournal.com]

*laughs and laughs and laughs*

Do I get a chair and the glasses to go with?

Obviously I have a repressed ambition I am inflicting on those I beta for.

[icarusancalion.livejournal.com]

There's something to be said for that much enthusiasm and encouragement. You really pulled a lot out of Necromancy.

Funny, we have rec-lists for stories, but not for betas.

Icarus

[enname.livejournal.com]

Really, it is a lot easier to be enthusiastic and encouraging than it is to be the one doing the work. I didn't pull anything out of Necromancy that wasn't already there. Just pointed out a whole bunch of options for polishing and you chose what you wanted to accentuate. :)

Hmm. Never thought of a rec list for betas. There is that community of betas, somewhere, that you can go to to get one if needs be but not really anything like a rec list. Tends to be more word of mouth/in time of need.