The city is taking down the fences and blockades for APEC, and I’m relieved. The past week there was an undercurrent of tension pulsing through the city (huge understatement). We all need a break, some space, and just a moment to take a breath.
This week I wrote here and there and tried to read as much as possible. I’m still reading Kingdom of the Cursed and just got my copy of Daughter of The Moon Goddess (I’ve been waiting months for a copy through my library!).
Today, my goal is to write another chapter of my NaNoWriMo project and hopefully squeeze in a couple of hours of reading. I’ve been thinking more about writing poetry and have some images in mind that I want to explore; a blend of natural elements and usual existential crises so I may jot down a few ideas later too.
I’m also going to watch The Killer with my partner (hopefully tonight) and, if possible, play a bit of Hogwarts Legacy – I’m nearly level 37 and curious how I get my hands on Merlin’s robe.
What are you reading? Are you working on a writing project for NaNoWriMo? Leave a comment below. I want to hear from you.
It’s a cold, crisp Sunday morning. There is a reassuring calm to the quiet streets even though APEC starts soon.
Dry, crunchy leaves litter the sidewalk. My Boston Terrier stops to sniff a lamp post.
The sky is a vibrant blue, speckled with cream-colored clouds, providing a pleasing stark contrast to the looming buildings downtown.
It’s the end of week two of NaNoWriMo23 and I haven’t made much progress. I’ve done enough thinking about my book but had little time to write another chapter this week.
At the minimum, I’ve been completing more of my daily writing goal (minimum 3k words) either in the morning before I leave for work or after I get home. This is helping me stretch my writing legs for the weekend when I do the majority of my writing.
Today, my goal is to write a chapter, researching freelance opportunities, and will probably sneak in some time to play Hogwarts Legacy (finished Herodiana’s Puzzles yesterday).
How’s your writing progress going for NaNoWriMo23? Leave a comment, or you can find me at NaNoWriMo.
It’s a muggy San Francisco morning and a wall of fog hangs low in the west as I walk to the store to pick up a few groceries. Golden potatoes, frozen broccoli, hard cider, chicken tenders, tofu, and more. The air is heavy, humid, and I sweat a bit, my cotton shirt sticks to my skin.
There’s already Christmas-related goods on the store shelves. I’m bummed Halloween has passed.
It still feels like spooky season with San Francisco’s natural mystical atmosphere. With ghost stories swarming my mind, I’ve got the itch to write. I gather what I came for and haul the groceries back home.
I can’t believe it’s already day 4 of NaNoWriMo! This year, I’m working on the same book I almost finished last year Vincent’s Collection of Mystiques (working title). I have about 30k words already but I’m working out the plot as I go, curious to see where it takes me so I’m giving myself extra time and a lower word count to reach the 50k word goal by the end of the month.
At home, I put the groceries away, and make a bowl of Apple Jacks with almond milk. It’s a quick snack since I want to write just a bit before the morning is over.
Goals today include writing 1k words, work on a couple of poems, and play Hogwarts Legacy (I’m level 35 and finished the main quests, now I’m just messing around).
Maniscalco’s writing style is smooth. The way she describes food, textures, and colors is refreshing. I’m more into the writing than the plot. The characters are entertaining, and the descriptions of the settings paint such vivid pictures. It’s inspiring and makes me want to write. I hope it works.
Besides, writing, and reading, I’m passively working on my SF November 2023 spotify playlist and looking for online courses to take in my free time.
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo23? Let’s chat, you can leave a comment below or find my profile at NaNoWriMo.
Alpha and beta readers are everywhere but finding the right reader for your writing is vital if you want to level up your manuscript. It doesn’t matter if you’re working on your first draft or draft #634. You need someone you can trust who will provide honest, detailed feedback answering all your questions and concerns. Continue reading to learn more about the pros of alpha and beta reads and how I can help you today!
What’s the difference between an Alpha and Beta Reader?
An Alpha Reader will review a writer’s initial draft, sometimes, they’re professionals with writing and editing-related jobs or experience. But they aren’t looking for grammar or punctuation errors when they read your manuscript. They’re looking at broad strokes like plot and character development. An Alpha Reader will point out what elements need work and what can be cut or expanded. If you’re looking for an Alpha Reader, you want someone who knows about the craft of writing.
For instance, I have over a year of experience interning as a Developmental Editor for a publishing house. I worked one-on-one with authors, providing them feedback and writing help on their novels’ macro and microelements. When I started freelance beta reading that I was providing a lot of alpha-like feedback (a two-for-one deal!). Now I know I can easily switch gears and be an Alpha or Beta Reader for my clients.
Beta Read Feedback to Polish Your ‘Polished’ Writing
A Beta Reader reads a more polished draft close to a final version that’s ready for publication. Ideally, they love to read the genre of the writing they’re beta reading.
Tip: You don’t want to pick a beta reader who mainlyreads Noir Novels to read your Sci-Fi Romance with a cast of otherworldly beings.
You want to find a Beta Reader who knows the genre and can focus on your story. In addition to providing answers to your questions, beta readers will let you know what they liked or disliked.
Key Takeaway: Beta Readers focus on the story and genre, while Alpha Readers look at the mechanics of your writing and execution.
Once upon a time, I was an Intern for a Literary Agent. I read full-length manuscripts (around 300+ pages) and wrote up book proposals, blurbs, and short reviews within 72 hours. Reading Nonfiction to unreleased Fantasy novels, I became familiar with various genres and knew what elements to look for and analyze. This knowledge has helped me become an exceptional alpha and beta reader.
Writing a novel is hard work. I’m writing my second book now, and it never gets old. It’s a difficult journey, but I don’t get tired of rewriting, editing, and plotting out my stories. I love writing and can’t get enough of offering writing help to my fellow authors and poets.
If there’s any advice I can give you today, it’s DON’T STOP WRITING. A draft today could easily become a published book by next year, don’t give up!
Order Your Alpha and Beta Read Today!
I want to help you so you can take your draft and turn it into a polished manuscript that’s ready to be a published book. Driven to explore new worlds, I revel descriptive writing, dive into creative nonfiction, and love helping budding writers with their first attempts at story-writing.
Are you interested in an Alpha or Beta Read by yours truly? Feel free to check out my services or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to connect and help you with your writing 🙂
What do I read? Fiction, Nonfiction, Personal Essays, Novellas, Short Stories, Poetry, and more! If you have a writing project and want to know if I can help, reach out today!
November is National Novel Writing Month, and it’s a blast! I love the challenge of writing a 50k-word novel in a month, and nanowrimo.org makes the process fun by awarding badges and bringing writing communities together.
Ready to take on National Novel Writing Month? Read on! In this post, I’ll talk about how I prep for NaNoWriMo and provide you with my top two books on writing that I’ve found incredibly useful.
While I love October and spend most of it celebrating Halloween all month long, I also begin my NaNoWriMo prep. I’ve participated every year since 2018 (the same year I wrote my first novel)! During this time, I reread parts of my favorite writing books, stick with my daily writing routine, and read tons of books.
Every year since 2018’s National Novel Writing Month, I’ve dabbled trying to stretch out a few short stories into novels. However, none of them have gripped me like my first novel (which I’m still meticulously editing). For this year, I’m focusing on story ideas I’ve stashed away that I’ve always wanted to try. As usual, I’m going for something supernatural with a handful of tortured monsters (I can’t help myself).
Recommended Writing Books for National Novel Writing Month
Here are my two favorite writing books I highly recommend. These books are perfect for the seasoned writer or newbie. Check them out!
This book is a treasure trove of the how-tos for every single element of creative writing. The story excerpts and exercises are invaluable. I swear that I’ve learned more in Chapter 5: Why You Need to Show and Tell than I did in all the writing courses, I took as an undergraduate. If you love creative writing and want a resource you can dive into head first, order yours today!
My #1 go-to for fiction writing. I came across this book over five years ago, and since then, it’s remained in my “reading pile” on my bedside table. I can’t count how many times I’ve read this book; each chapter is precious. If you’re looking for a book that provides short chapters and short writing practices, this book is for you!
I hope you find these writing books as helpful as I have for National Novel Writing Month. And if you’d like to recommend some of your favorites, leave a comment below!
Did you enjoy this post? Please like and share or leave a comment below with feedback! I’d love to hear from you, and I wish you happy writing this National Novel Writing Month! I’m always looking for other writers. If you’ve got a profile on nanowrimo.org, feel free to connect with me today! My profile username is alinahappyhansen.
