BETA Readers, Their Opinions are Important

Writers appreciate BETA readers taking the time to read their work-in-progress, and you shouldn't get upset if they say something negative afterwards. It’s part of the process of creating a book worthy of being published.

 

Embrace their opinions. It will hurt but it’s necessary and absolutely worth it.

I hate when it people give an honest opinion.

For today’s exercise, I decided to share some BETA opinions I received via e-mail about my soon-to-be-published book.

 

Bob: Dude, are you going to pay me for reading this crap? If not, I might have to hurt you when I get out.

Response: Thank you for your honesty, and if it’s not too much trouble, now that you finished reading it; can you pass it along to the other inmates to read? (He was my best friend in High School.)

 

Geri: Another wannabe writer with no skills, exactly what the world needs right now.

Response: Thank you; I appreciate you reading my book. (My Neighbor)

Barb: The book was awesome. I read it every night before going to bed and it resolved my insomnia problem – thanks!

Response: That’s good to hear. At least it was good for something. (She used to be my favorite cousin.)

 

Irene: Were you trying to make a political statement with this book?

Response: No, not that I’m aware of. (My radical sister-in-law.)

 

Sam: I got so lost with all the plot twists, so I quit reading it. I gave the book to my neighbor; he hasn’t spoken to me in two weeks.

Response: Sorry to hear that. (I went to school with him; he failed 3^rd grade twice.)

 

Marcy: I read it, and then gave it to a friend to read. Now, we’re no longer friends. Please do something else with your life.

Response: I’m sorry you didn’t like it. (My Niece; I told her not to give it to anyone.)

 

Tom: You might want to hire a good editor for this book.

Response: Yes, I agree. (He’s my editor.)

 

Jack: Is there a way I can get my money back?  I want a refund.  You owe me $20.

Response: I gave you the book to read for free! (He’s my nephew.)

 

Ms. Jenkins: I deserve an award for reading this.

Response: Thanks, I’ll see what I can do. (She was my 8^th grade English teacher.)

 

Janet: Who told you this book was good?

Response: My wife did. (Janet is my wife’s boss.)

 

John: I am going to be completely honest. It was a very good book.

Response: Thanks John. (My oldest son and notorious liar.)

 

Susie: What was with all the dumb character names? I couldn’t pronounce any of them.

Response: I was trying to be unique. (She is my youngest sister.)

 

Walt: Seriously dad, this is really, really, bad.

Response: *Sigh* (He’s my second son.)

 

There you have it, the readers have spoken. Such torrent positivity makes me want to get this book published as soon as possible so the whole world can enjoy it.

 

 “Mr. Kafka, I saw in the paper that Wal-Mart is hiring.”

“Thanks jimmy, but I think I’ll stick to writing books.”

 “Why? Your first three books bombed. Do you really think this one will do better?”

 “You never know with books.”

 “Mr. Kafka, stop it. The dream is over; time to move on.”

 “With your confidence and my imagination, jimmy, anything is possible.”

 “Is your hearing aid on?”

 “Huh?”

 

-jk-

Writing Skin Color

Yup, this is about skin color character descriptions for fantasy stories.

 

I know this is a can of worms best left unopened, but originality and imagination should never hide behind a curtain of excuses. And, I like a good juicy worm in the morning with my coffee.   

 

 General appearance descriptions paint a picture for the reader, (eyes, hair, tall, short, etc.) but when a skin color is added to the description, the author better tip-toe through the tulips if they ain’t that color and don’t want to be accused of stereotyping.  

So, should fantasy authors write skin color descriptions for characters? If the character is a fantasy race; yes, a skin color description is absolutely appropriate. What about skin color descriptions for human characters or is it better for the reader to draw their own conclusions? Do readers even think about skin color when reading fantasy novels? Do any authors even consider how a character will be perceived based on skin color? Should fantasy authors only write within their own racial/ ethnic boundaries?   

Tough questions to answer, eh?

I personally believe skin color in fantasy/ fiction books should be included, so yes, I do write skin color descriptions and sometimes I don’t. It just depends on how I feel that day. Green hair – black skin – blue eyes, white hair – brown skin – red eyes, purple hair – dark skin – yellow eyes, are always a possibility in my world, but the character’s actions and how they speak is based on the plot, not their skin color.

Moving on.

Book Covers: How often do you see a person of color on the cover of a fantasy book? I looked and was surprised by what I found. The trend is changing.

 

I was always told to not judge a book by its cover. However, some authors spend a lot of time and money making sure their book covers attract specific readers who like specific books – Romance, Western, Cookbooks, etc. Some people care about the cover, some don’t. Some people won’t read a book because of the cover. I understand. It’s your money, your time, and your choice.

My book covers are exceptionally bland with a hint of absurdity and retro randomness.  

Final thoughts: The world is a colorful place and my goal, with every colorful word I write, is to coerce the reader’s imagination into believing they are a part of the world I created. If using skin color descriptions helps me to achieve that goal, then so be it. A FICTIONAL story is fictional. Enjoy the read. Be open minded. Take a break from reality. 

A four-foot tall, thirteen-year-old, dark-skinned girl, with green eyes, long, blue hair, carrying a battle axe, and wearing full plate armor is not that hard to imagine. Oh, she also likes eating grilled jelly fish and cheese sandwiches with hot peppers and sweet mustard. 

 

Appreciate the story as the author intended, and don’t worry, it’s not real – it’s fantasy!

 

This week be a Colorful, Energetic Bear or a Sloppy, Arrogant Weasel.

 

Spreading the Love to Poland, Italy, Finland, Greece, Sweden, Israel, India, Pakistan, Australia, and Canada.

 

-jk-