I can't keep up with writing two books at the same time. I work full time and I've got many interests. It's sad because I was really enjoying writing Derby City, but I need to finish "Mud Creek" first. I know where the story is going to go.
A few weeks ago I posted for a beta reader on reddit and surprisingly found one. They have ripped me to shreds, but also gave me deep and meaningful complements and insight on the story. They've done a tone of suggesting and commenting. I tried to pay them and they said no. I was just expecting a few comments on the direction of the narrative. I know that the story needs extensive repair to make it worthy for publishing.
I think, besides my totally lack of ability to write, they showed me the problem with my character, Grace. They said she occasionally reads like a kid, but more often then not a 40 year old woman. The entire idea of a 18 year old living alone in the country and seemingly having very little social contact is kind of off anyway. But she did have friends and the story will eventually why she currently doesn't have friends.
I think if I was 18 and transitioned I would have lost most my friends from before too.
Anyway, in Sarah news I've made some big advancements in my life in the last few months. This is something I haven't really talked much about here, but if you read my story, "The Gift" you'd know that the ABDL fetish is a part of me. The more I've leaned into my gender identity, the less this fetish has meant to me. In fact I've been selling off articles of clothing that I once considered some of my most valuable possessions.
Thanks for reading!
Comments
So many stories!
I think even the best writers profit from good beta reading. That goes double for writers like me! I have benefited enormously from beta readers for most of my stories, including Rachel Moore, Joanne Barbarella, ‘Drea DiMaggio, Sara Keltaine, Angela Rasch, Robert Louis, Erisian, Dee Sylvan, Iolanthe Portmanteaux, Dallas Eden, Persephone, Bouncy, and Maeryn Lamonte. People here have been incredibly generous with their time, and I’ve learned heaps. I’ve also benefited tremendously from comments on posted stories. It’s a great community that way.
I get what your beta reader is saying about Grace. Although, it’s clear even from what we’ve learned so far that she had a difficult, unusual and stressful adolescence, so it’s less surprising that she seems young in some respects and very old in others. Living alone in the backwoods at 18 may have a similar explanation. But it’s always good to really think through a key character and try to make them both believable and consistent.
Final note: I may not be a good writer, but I know good writing. You are being way too modest — this story is very well-written and it has depth and heart. Any writer would be proud of it. :)
— Emma