Fanfiction terms

[scumblack]

So what's an alpha reader? I'm relatively new to fanfiction writing and I've been coming across this term a lot lately. Please and thank you :) I've been spending too much time faffing about on LJ... I need to get back to Self-Slain Gods.

Comments

[noxiaa]

An alpha reader is someone who looks over your work before it goes to beta. It gives you another brain to bounce ideas off of while you're writing, and they can also give content feedback (such as if something works or not in the frame of the story, or if the narrative flow is off, etc.). It's basically a second opinion to make sure you're on the track you want to be on. It's a relatively new phenomenon that has sprouted up, and I think it's a marvelous idea!

*makes note to self to read "Self-Slain Gods on Strange Altars" even though she normally doesn't read WiPs* :)

[scumblack]

Oh, thank you! Blueartemis does that for me, and I agree, it is marvelous! Especially with long, cumbersome pieces like the one I'm working on; it's tricky keeping track of the story sometimes. Thanks for your response!

*makes note to self to gently prod noxiaa about what she thinks about Self-Slain* :)

[darkheartwalsh]

I did not know such a thing existed. You learn something new every day, huh?

And now, back to fannying about on lj for me, I think... (my favourite past time)

XD

[scumblack]

hur-hur... fannying about... *snerk*

[mimimanderly]

LJ does suck you in when you know darned well you have other things you should be doing. *Eyes a WIP drawing that needs attending to*

[scumblack]

ESPECIALLY when you know darned well you have other things you should be doing. This is how it works with me all the time when I'm writing. I will spend two hours of free time sitting and staring at that blinking cursor on my screen until my eyes water, and then when I have things to do, suddenly I'm full of ideas. Or when I'm in my bed about to die of exhaustion, then I get the most brilliant inspiration. Why, Oh cruel life? Why?

[kittylefish]

my muse always strikes right as i turn out the lights and settle down in bed. i think maybe it's because that's when i relax and my mind becomes open to inspiration. it's quite irritating, though, i have to admit.

[blueartemis07]

I was about to say I was your alpha reader at the moment.

[scumblack]

Yes, and you are a tremendous help and I thank you :) This is for you:

[blueartemis07]

OK, that looks really yummy. I'm enjoying helping you out.

[bonsaibetz]

Welcome!

[scumblack]

Thank you!