In search of . . .

[renisanz]

I need another beta. Preferably one that resides on the same continent. It would be wonderful if they lived in the same time zone as well. I've come to realize that it's good to have a few people on standby.

While I'm on the subject, I feel like there must be an easier way to find a beta reader. I mean, ff.net has a nice directory, but it's not specific as to pairing. It'd be awesome to have a little "Beta Audition" or something. Like, send my work out to different people, and see what kind of notes they make, and choose the one I like best. I suppose it's a process of trial and error anyway, as I did something similar to get my current beta (who is awesome, but lives 6 times zones away). In the end, you, the writer can take or leave their suggestions, because it is your story, after all.

However, I've found that it helps if the beta is on the same page with you as far as sensibilities about characters and such. They don't try to change the story, just tell you what needs to be fleshed out or developed more, or maybe give suggestion on how to smooth out the dialogue and make it flow. This is really a pet peeve of mine when it comes to characters that have a distinct way of speaking. Like Ronon Dex. I have a hard time reading a story with him if the person doesn't nail his dialogue. That totally takes me out of the story, because if I can't believe a character would say something, then that frays at the integrity and believability of the balance of the narrative, no matter how awesome the idea of the story was/is.

But anyway. . . I still need another beta. So this is me, asking around.

In other news: Recs

Fic:

"My Home and Native Land" by i_defeated_sga - absolutely hilarious, Ronon-centric fic, about his perceptions of Canada, co starring Chuck, the 'Gate tech. This is a great example of successfully executed "Ronon voice."

"His Own Kind of Freedom" by tielan - John/Teya, Western AU coolness

"Helping Hands" by wildcat88 - J&T Thing-A-Thon entry that's very cool, sweet, and interesting.

Art:

"John/Iratus" by pentapus

"Maze for John+Teyla Thingathon" by pentapus

"Teacup Ride" and "No Heart?" by liviapenn - my jaw literally dropped when I saw the first one

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Comments

[lizbet0.livejournal.com]

As you know, I've very much enjoyed your Keller/Ronon fic, so I'd be happy to beta as a "thank you" if you want. I'm usually good at catching typos and grammatical errors, but I don't know that I'd be much help with characterization, plot, or dialogue. I kinda suck at fiction writing, myself. *winces*

On the other hand, I'm not emotionally attached to my opinion - probably a useful thing in a beta! *grin* If you want to give it a try, let me know. I won't mind if you don't though, or if you find a better option.

Oh, I'm in the southeast US, if that helps. I'm at home with 2 young kids, so I can usually get to Internet stuff within a day, but I can't always promise which hours of that day! *grin* I am used to staying up till midnight or later, though, to get my Internet "fix" in, so odds are good I could get to it before daylight hours.

[renisanz.livejournal.com]

First off: Congratulations on finally getting an icon. ;)

Second, I actually thought about you while writing my entry, as you've offered your beta services to me before, undoubtedly after noticing my questionable use of grammar in places. :)

So, we could try it. I'm actually writing the next chapter to "Back Home" right now. It will help if you're current on the previous chapters of the fic, so you'll know what's going on.

I also forgot to mention that I live in the Southeast as well, Central Standard Time.

[lizbet0.livejournal.com]

Sounds good to me! I'm on Eastern Standard time (Georgia), btw.

If you want to give it a shot, I'll reread the "Back Home" series tonight after we take the kids to the fireworks. I'm having a "Mom's Day Off" tomorrow, so I'll have readily available time from noon on, if you finish the chapter by then. If not, let me know when you're set, and I'll set aside my kids' next "room/nap time" for it. (I have to have a few hours of down time most days, or I get brain-fried. *grin*)

-Elizabeth

[renisanz.livejournal.com]

Well, I astounded my self and got the final draft of the chapter done already. There still a few things to be tweaked, but it's ready to be beta'd. I'll wait until later to send it you, if that's better, since you're going to be reading the other chapters tonight. I have you email from when you contacted me before. Let me know.

Enjoy the fireworks. :)