30 Day Fanfic Writing Meme – Day 24

[meridian_rose]

I don't usually use a beta. For things like Yuletide where the story is a gift, I try to, because a giftee deserves the very best I can give. If I'm very uncertain about a fic, I'll try to get someone to proof it. Whenever I do use a beta they've always been wonderful, giving me concrit and pointing out my silly errors as well as telling me what works.

However I did write a rant about sites that insist on a beta reader. When you're dealing with original fic or a small fandom or a rare pairing, it can be difficult to find a beta. And, as I write in the rant, some of the badfic on ff.net has allegedly had multiple betas. While I find a beta always makes my work better, that's because my betas are competent when it comes to spelling and grammar and, I'd hope, honest with their opinions.

I don't have any horror stories, just love for every beta reader who has taken the time to make my fic better :D


Filled questions available via the fanfic writing meme tag; index post will be completed at finish of meme.


25 – Music – Do you listen to music while you write? Do you make playlists to get into a certain "mood" to write your fic? Do you need noise in general? Or do you need it completely quiet?

26 – What is the oddest (or funnest) thing you've had to research for a fic?

27 – Where is your favorite place to write, and do you write by hand or on the computer?

28 – Have you ever collaborated with anyone else, whether writing together, or having an artist work on a piece about your fic?

29 – What is your current project or projects?

30 – Do you have a favorite fic you've written? What makes it your favorite? And don't forget to give us a link!

Comments

[hrhrionastar.livejournal.com]

Excellent point about the badfic on FF.net frequently claiming to have been beta'd - and yay for good betas :D Spelling and grammar, always the first things to check.

I'm pretty shy about asking people to beta for me - if I post something, people can choose whether or not they want to read it. But having a beta involves asking someone else to read what I've written, and I always worry it's not good enough for their time.

(Plus, sometimes after I finish something, I get so excited I just have to post right away ;D)

[meridian_rose]

Oh, yes, shyness is a big part of me not actively seeking out a beta more often. I think one of the joys of our collaborative efforts is the fact we beta for each other throughout the process :D

LOL, it's great when you're excited enough to want to post it immediately :D

[hrhrionastar.livejournal.com]

I think one of the joys of our collaborative efforts is the fact we beta for each other throughout the process :D Oh, agreed :D