#WordWeavers 9: Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
In terms of actual conversation, as opposed to very brief exchanges (person: Comment. Me: Thanks), in recent years only with my alpha/beta reader.
Specific comments work best in writing, so they can be referred back to. General or brainstorming discussions work better over the phone or in person, where there is less lag, and ideas can bounce off each other and build.
#WordWeavers day 9: Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Are we talking about beta readers or someone who's actually bought one of my stories and talked to me about it?
Because I've had people read my writing and tear it apart. And I haven't heard from anyone who bought any of my online books.
#WordWeavers 9 Feb: "Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?"
Yes, many times, and it varied depending on how well they liked the story, how well I knew them, and their own experience with talking to writers.
#WordWeavers Feb 9: "Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?"
My mother-in-law had a lot of feedback. She was supportive. My wife and friends didn't have any feedback. I think they're a bit too close to me to not see me in the text. I have a writing group that's great. It's like having a writer's room. :)
#Writing #Writers #WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon #AmWriting #Scriberspace
#WordWeavers February 9: "Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?"
Talking with beta readers is a must, and it's always enlightening. Editors, of course, if you're lucky enough to have one. They are incredibly valuable collaborators. It is always the best when people reach out to say nice things, but that rarely turns into a conversation. Not sure why, I can talk behind the scenes on my writing for days. (Maybe that's why. 😏) Writing groups can be very hit or miss.
#WordWeavers day 9: Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
To me, this phrasing implies something other than "I handed someone a piece of my writing and asked them what they thought." More of a chance encounter with a stranger who'd read my stuff. So in that case, no, I haven't published anything yet, so I haven't yet had the opportunity for this to happen.
#WordWeavers 2.9 — Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Couple-few times, it's sort of an experience I seek out. The real highlight of a conversation like this was in 2018, the first con season after Sanity Line came out in print, when someone who'd popped by to buy it on the saturday afternoon came back sunday morning to tell me she'd finished it and couldn't put it down.
I'm still riding that little ego boost.
#WordWeavers 2.9 — Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Many times. This prompt is different for someone like me, just because I started off on Fanfic and then Archive of Our Own. I have a lot of readers who also happen to be close friends of mine. A lot of them became friends through my stories. For instance, they would message me, then we started talking and became friends. Very sweet. They're always fun (or helpful, if I'm asking for it) conversations.
#WordWeavers 2.8 — What’s the most frustrating thing about writing?
Again, this ties in with the previous prompt. Hands down, it's proofreading, editing, and rewriting. The tweaking process, and polishing things off.
#WordWeavers 2.7 — What’s the most rewarding thing about writing?
This ties in with the last prompt for me. It's enjoying things as I'm writing a story, and it's the good feeling of reading everything over once I've finished, either before or after proofreading and editing.
#WordWeavers 2.6 — Share an important or fun lesson you’ve learned as a writer.
An important lesson: Not everyone is going to be fan of yours and that's okay. Don't let it get you down.
A fun lesson: You have to enjoy the process. Enjoy writing your story. And it should never feel like work. You'll cease to enjoy it if it does.
#WordWeavers Feb 9: Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Yes for Hurricane Baby, and those have been the most gratifying moments of my writing life.
#WordWeavers Feb 9: Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
For this story? My husband's the only person who's read any of it yet. The slugs got a good reaction. <malevolent laughter>
#WordWeavers 9Feb—Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
I have, several times. Most of those interactions have been online in some format (either social media posts or ARC readers), but I've met a few in person.
I enjoy every interaction with readers. The excitement they have for my stories is wonderful, sometimes even feral (I love those most, lol). Most of my interactions have been positive, for which I'm grateful.
#WordWeavers 9: Have you ever talked to a reader of your story?
Sure!
> How did it go?
So far, it's just been family members. 
It went alright. Someone was very concerned about my vague timeline for releasing book 2. I've not heard anything about book 2 since putting it out. 
#WordWeavers Feb 9: Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Several. In-person, even. Flattering, but they all want the sequel out. 😬
Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Only online. Back in my fanfic days there were some people who read and liked my stuff who were in the same fandom sub-community. And they were all felow writers. Likewise for my drabbles, I get comments from other writers, rarely from other people. Sometimes there's some veiled criticism.
Also alpha and beta readers. They have to be critical, it's what I need. But I love it when they also tell me if they like something, it's good for the ego.
Other than that, no. I don't publish, don't go to conventions, don't have a 'fan-discord'...
#WordWeavers Feb 9
Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Yes, here even! I assume the question refers to people other than the family and friends I strong-armed into reading my work. It's always fascinating to see what people take from it.
#WordWeavers 2/9. Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Yes, both online and in person. It has mostly gone very well. Sometimes not so well -- I've had the Middle Ages mansplained to me a couple of times, which is irritating.
#WordWeavers Feb 9. Have you ever talked to a reader of your story? How did it go?
Yes, I've spoken to a few people who've read my book, probably almost all that have actually read it. It's been great, really. They've tended to be far less critical than I am and very nice!
