Jay’s writing relies heavily on both alpha and beta readers. In this episode, she explains in detail her method of getting a book from an idea to finished draft. Her approach is very reliant on a communal form of storytelling. While they’re talking, Nina realizes that Jay has been her alpha for a while already. Lots and lots of giggling ensues. Also actual organized comparisons of various methods of using alpha and beta readers, including one by one of our favorite authors, Mary Robinette Kowal.
Notable notes
- Jay’s most trusted alpha, Valerie Valdes
- Mary Robinette Kowal explains her own Alpha Reader process
- Writing Excuses episode on Alpha Readers
- Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction
by Jeff Vandermeer
- Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
by Ed Catmull
by Jeff Vandermeer
by Ed CatmullRecommended reading
Tim’s recommendation: Cetaganda (Vorkosigan Adventure)
Jay’s recommendation: The Daughter Star (Grayline Sisters Book 1)
Nina’s recommendation: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (The Inheritance Trilogy)
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Intro and outro music comes from “Cephalopod” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com); licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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