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Juicesir
02-18-2014, 06:24 PM
Here's the blog, and here's a repost. (http://role-player.net/forum/entry.php?b=9039)

Would you like some music? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kd1Mzfp4_8)


At the beginning of 2013 I made a resolution which I am happy to say I kept for the first time. That resolution was to write enough poems that by the end of the year I had a ratio of one poem per day.

I surpassed it.

Now, with this new year, I made another resolution: publish. And I need your help.


http://meccabey.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/uncle-sam_pan_14223.jpg
Yeah, you. RPA member sitting there reading this. I'm talking to you.

You see, I'm lazy. It's a fault I'm sure I'm not alone in having. I procrastinate, and I wait until the last minute to do my work. Thus, with no deadline and two months already into 2014, I haven't produced a lick of work.

And so I sat, and thought "What would keep me motivated? How I can artificially induce deadlines and pressure?" And the answer came: alphas.


http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2012/10/alphas_102212_1600.jpg
Close...

Here's a spruced up definition of what an alpha reader is I found on the internet that may be helpful to some of you.

An alpha reader is the reader who sees the rough draft of the book first. Often, they will get single chapters or small groups of chapters as soon as they've been written. This makes their critique a little different than the better known beta reader. Most writers send their work to an alpha to consider the story overall. They don't want a line edit and rarely will ask for comments about punctuation and grammar. It's a first, or maybe second, draft so while there will be editing needs later, that is not what is needed here. Instead, the reader will discuss plot issues, character problems and also do some cheerleading (encouraging the writer to keep going). Sometimes the alpha reader can look at an unfinished chapter or provide feedback to help the writer get through a road block, if they are stuck in the story.

I'm looking for four people to be alpha readers. Every Sunday, I will send these four alpha readers what I have written. It is then their duty to read through, give feedback, and generally encourage/hound me for the next bit.

Now, if you think you have a keen eye for plot and tropes, are willing to take on this commitment, and want to be noted as a reference in a published work of fiction, here's what I need from you: PM me a resume including three works of your writing you are proudest of, a list of five of your favorite books and five of your favorite movies, and a short reason why you think you would be good for this.

I'm doubting a lot of feedback for this, and I know it's a lot to ask, but those of my terms, so to speak. I'll look through the offers I have and, by Sunday, the four readers will be picked.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from (hopefully) many of you.

Chat Noir
02-18-2014, 07:47 PM
So, just to be clear on this, because I'm not sure; you're trying to publish your poems?

Dire Hoef
02-18-2014, 09:14 PM
I will gladly take this responsiblity..