I’ve been writing for almost ten years now, albeit if only seriously in the last three years or so but its only been in the last few months that I’ve realised how important it is to have other writers around me.  Now obviously I’ve worked with Owen with my writing since day one but as both of us are still novices at this writing lark I’m not going to count him here.  I have a good friend of mine that has looked over my work and given me a few little pointers here and there but its a writers eye that is needed to look over what us writers create.  I have two Beta Readers, two lovely ladies that give me two totally different styles of critique, and both are helping me to become a better writer.  I wont name them or anything but they rock!!! Both are brilliant writers themselves and both are very honest with their comments without being vicious or anything negative.  They both give very constructive criticism and give me good points to work from (I just need to get my arse in gear and get the notes worked through) These two women give me the little nudges that I need from time to time, they are more than just my Beta Readers, they are friends.

Another writer did have a look at one of my stories that no one has really read before and she came back with some very good points which have been roaming around my head since, but those tweaks will have to wait as I have more pressing projects to work on.

If we want to grow as writers, to get better, then we need our peers to support us, and we need to do the same in return.  It’s no use this just being a one way deal.  I don’t expect the people I have asked to be my Beta Readers to ask me to be theirs in return, but I’d never say no to someone I had respect for if they asked me to have a look at something that they’ve written.