BRAD (and not Whitford)

[sab]

pilfered from Zendom...

Beta Reader Appreciation Day (BRAD - October 13, 2000) questionnaire

Who was your first beta?
Laura Taylor, I believe.

What was the story and fandom?
I can't remember which story. Fandom was definitely DS9.

Are you still writing in that fandom?
Haven't in a long time, but one never knows, do one?

Which beta(s) had the most impact on your writing?
Punk, of course.

What is your favorite story or series of what you've written?
Probably "Where Have You Gone, Tom Glavine?"

Why?
Because it was exactly what I wanted to say about Dan and Casey, and I've tried to say it again since, not as well.

Who was the beta?
Punk.

What are your next two favorite stories or series of what you've written?
Probably "A new device is being tested" in Farscape, and possibly "Out Here in the Fields" in West Wing.

Why?
The Farscape one because I loved playing with fucked-up Crichton, because Harvey got to talk, and because Scorpius wasn't that bad after all. OHITF because it's like a little fable about Josh and Mandy and the Bartlet campaign.

Who was/were the beta(s)?
Punk, Pene and Maayan beta'd ANDIBT; Punk and Shana beta'd OHITF.

Who beta-ed your most recent story?
I have no idea what my most recent story is, but I'm sure the answer's Punk.

What do you consider the most important quality in a beta reader? / What do you consider the most important thing to be accomplished in a beta read? (Grammar, spelling, continuity, plot, character, canon, fanon, hand holding, other?)
Grammar/spelling etc. should be covered in one of the first initial passes, and we assume that once we've reached a certain level in fanfic writing, those aren't the most important concerns anymore. Which is to say, It wouldn't occur to me to post a story with grammatical or spelling errors, and it wouldn't occur to any of my betas, or any of the folks I beta for either.

After that -- I think having a coherent story is among the more important criteria, and something I depend on my betas for. Aka, "does it work?" and "do you get what I'm trying to say?" Especially if there are elements of parable in, or of character arc. Those things are tough to identify as a writer, and I depend on another pair of eyes.

Characterization's a big deal after that, since we're talking about fanfic with established characters. I'm not as good at characterization as Punk or some of my other betas, so I depend on them for the "she wouldn't say that"s of the process.

How has your writing changed from your first stories?
Heaps and heaps better. I've got a stronger concept of POV, of characterization, and of coherent narrative voice. I've also honed a more specific style of storytelling.

What do you attribute that to?
The POV and characterization development I absolutely attribute to Punk. Punk, and the other YV betas sharpened my narrative voice too. As for storytelling -- dunno. I think I've picked up on my own style based on stuff I've read and enjoyed, by fic authors I like and by mainstream authors I like. And it's been sharpened over the years by all my betas -- wearemany, pene, suelac, qowf, Maayan, Dawn and all sorts of other people I'm blanking on.

Um, happy (early) beta reader appreciation day. I owe you guys tons. Save Farscape. I'm going to the dentist now.