If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be and why?
I have put a lot of thought into this. I went through the list of big names that I love. Ursula K Le Guin and Frank Herbert are obviously some of my top inspirations, but when it comes to beta partners, I feel like my world-building is already somewhat strong and I would need someone to complement me, and fill in the parts I'm not so good at. I also love to read the action from S M Stirling and Terry Brooks. I could definitely use help to create the action that would hook my readers. But if I had to pick just one, I think that I would like to work with Neil Gaiman.
I can't say that I know much about him, but I can say that I have enjoyed everything I have read with his name on it. Stardust is one of my all time favorite stories, and definitely my #1 favorite movie. I own an illustrated copy of his book that inspired the film. I also have a copy of his Norse Mythology book, and have thoroughly enjoyed the Good Omens (film) series, although I never got the chance to read them!
I think that over action, the thing that I would love to develop more is the humor and Gaiman would help with this for sure. The stories he creates and retells are perfectly planned out to have fantastic worlds and characters, and then there is the pure laughter that ensues at just the right moments to break tension and keep the story moving. His action would probably work better with my style as well. It flows smoothly and doesn't rely on battle scenes.
I really should pick up more books by him. Maybe I will get some more good inspiration!
You make a good point--reading & analyzing books by authors we admire is a good way to learn, even if we don't get the 1 on 1 feedback we'd like from a beta reader.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I sometimes find that my style shifts a little depending on who I'm reading at the time.
DeleteMany years ago, my wife wrote a letter to Neil Gaiman to call him out on the ending to his Sandman comic series. Technically she was mad because the forward for the last collected edition actually spoiled the end of the story. This was before social media made celebrities and artists so accessible, so it was quite a shock that he actually wrote her back and apologised for it. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is definitely awesome! We take that for granted now I guess. I did a virtual con a few months back and still feel "cool" for getting to ask questions of published authors.
DeleteI love Neil Gaiman. He's such a talented writer. And yes, we can learn a lot by studying the books of writers we admire.
ReplyDeleteWhat are your favorites? I know there are some more I need to read!
DeleteThanks, Joylene. I'll have to visit and learn about your favorites!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Neil Gaiman, but I really enjoyed Stardust the movie. But the speech he gave about "Making Great Art" has been such an inspiration for me. Just from that speech I can tell he'd be a great beta reader.
ReplyDeleteI need to look that up! Thanks!
DeleteGood choice for your beta. He is definitely an outstanding writer.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteOh yes! It would be awesome to be in conversation with Neil Gaiman. What an imagination he has. Wonderful choice.
ReplyDeleteGaiman would be awesome! I took his Master Class and loved it.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about that class, I might have to pick it up sometime.
DeleteLeGuin and Herbert are stellar choices.
ReplyDeleteThey do create beautiful worlds and people!
DeleteYou've referred to some great authors ~ They're all favorites of mine. Happy writing in September!
ReplyDeleteThe only book I think I've read of his is Neverwhere and it was great. I should read more of his stuff as well.
ReplyDeleteThat is one I haven't read, I'm adding it to the list!
DeleteSorry for my late visit. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteThat's a cool Stardust cover. He's a good choice for a beta partner.
Thanks! I'm still visiting as well :)
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