BETA READERS and BIRTHDAYS

Saturday, March 19, 2016

In which this day is basically the best and most terrifying ever. (you probably already guessed why from the title)

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY?? I'm sixteen now. Not sure how I feel about that... I wouldn't mind delaying being sixteen for another year. :P I can get my license, get married with parental consent (HA. No. Amusing, though. xD), and apply for a basic job. LIFE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE JUST BEING PLUMMETED MY WAY AHH.

I'll probably celebrate today by eating pizza, sleeping in, editing, lazing around in pajamas, reading, playing Uno with the family, and watching an animated kids movie. Cause that's how I like to do things.

And for the SECOND awesome and terrifying/exciting thing...

I'M ASKING FOR BETA READERS?? *screams forever*

This is what the remainder of the post will be about. *nod* It was very exciting to realize that my birthday was on a Saturday (my posting day), AND for it to be when I needed beta readers. So now I can use this as a birthday present for all of you! xD

SO. Two weeks ago when I rambled on about my novel. I shared the beginning excerpt as well as another snippet. Before you consider signing up, please go and read that to know if my writing style suits you and such. You can find that post here.

Okay. So if you're still interested in reading this novel of mine, I'm looking for some lovely beta readers to help me know where I can improve and make this novel better.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Genre: Fantasy // Christian Fiction // YA
Word Count: 89k, currently, but since I'm still editing the ending it could be anywhere from 85k-95k when I send it up. No more or less than that.                                                                                            
About: 
Gita has always lived in a land of blurry surroundings and nonexistent melodies. 
Until she gets trapped in a sandstorm. The first doesn’t change—her eyesight is just as bad as it used to be. But while she fumbled in the swirling sand and the suffocating darkness, she heard a mysterious song string its way through the air and to her ears.
Immediately Gita knows that something is up with the singing amidst the silence. She begins to explore the curious noise—asking questions and doing research. But views on this song are varied. The Mistress she serves bans it. The messenger boy she meets follows it.
Bound by her loyalty to her Mistress and curiosity fueling the relationship with the messenger boy, Gita is forced to make a decision: whether to suffer the Mistress’s wrath and become an outcast to the Land, or to betray a new friend.


ABOUT BETA-ING / QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:

Q: So... what will I do? 
A: You'll be reading through my novel and giving me constructive criticism/suggestions. (and things you especially liked that I shouldn't change.)

Q: But HOW will I do it?
A: There are several ways in doing this. I'm completely flexible and want to make this easiest for you since you're doing me a HUGE favor. (Though I hope you enjoy doing it anyways. :P) Three ways you can read/make comments.

// Word Document: Easy enough, right? You can use track changes if you want to comment on things and send it back to me(comments are always great), otherwise just keep it blank. 

// PDF: I don't use PDFs very often? But I can make this a thing if you want it.

// Group Google Doc: Right now I'm betaing for a lovely person, and she has everyone making comments in a joint Google Doc. It's super fun that way to interact with the other readers, agree on what needs to be changed, and make it more of a group activity. But if that's not your thing, that's totally fine. :P

And at the end I'll have a list of questions (probably no more than ten) asking about any confusing parts, characters, plot, blah, blah, blah. 

Q: Will I get pizza in exchange for beta reading?
A: Unfortunately, no. I'll give you virtual pizza. ;)

Q: What if I start reading it and don't want to continue?
A: Then... stop reading! :P If there's a specific reason it doesn't click with you (too slow... characters... or something), please email me, but if it's just not your type of book, I totally understand. By signing up that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your left pinky if you don't finish. ;)

And if you finish it and just really don't like it, I'll have a google form with questions so you can answer them truthfully and anonymously and we can keep being friends. *wink* :P

Anyways, let's just hope that doesn't happen.

Q: When will you send it?
A: Before April 1st! Probably not much before then, but I'll do my best to edit like crazy. :P

Q: How long do I have to sign up?
A: I'll leave the sign up open until I send it out. So try to sign up within a week or so?

Q: So there's a sequel. What's the deal with that? 
A: The deal with the sequel is that it's completely unedited and you'll probably cringe and scream if you were to even try reading a page of it. You're just signing up to read Song of the Desert, but if you enjoy it and want to be a beta reader for The Sand Dragon's Song... I won't keep you from it. I'm gonna need beta readers for the next book eventually. :P

Q: Is there a deadline?
A: I would really, really like to receive feedback by May 1st. Since I'm going to a couple writer's conferences in the summer, I want to start on editing (again) right away in case I want to show it to some people.

-

I think that's all the questions I foresaw? If you have any others, just comment or email me and I'll try to get back to you asap. (Unless I'm out partying for my birthday. (says the writer who just wants to curl up and read all day))

This sounds all complicated but I like to be organized with everything and I love to know what's going on when I beta read someone's book so sorry if all the information overwhelms you. xD Really I just want some feedback on the novel. :P

SO HERE. The sign up's below, and if that doesn't work, here's a link to the Google Form.

Now 'xcuse me while I go shriek. Multiple times. Maybe I won't stop shrieking. Sorry, mom. Shrieking sixteen instead of sweet sixteen? Eh? No? Okay. I'll stop rambling now.
*ducks out*


- Katie Grace

I don't even know how to end this post so I'll just hand out brownies, cake, cookies, or whatever your favorite kind of dessert is. *nod* We'll eat them together and celebrate, kay? :P

97 comments :

  1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    I'd love to be a beta reader but, unfortunately, I don't think I have the time :/ So, I'll just read it when it gets published :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. THANK YOUUU.

      Heh, I understand that. Hard to have time for everything. :P

      Delete
  2. Happy birthday! I hope your day was everything you wanted it to be, and congratulations on being sixteen! May God bless especially bless this year of your life. (And, do let us know if you plan on getting married, now that you can. ;)

    I totally understand your feelings on delaying being sixteen for a year - I think that every time my birthday comes around too. Next up for me is nineteen, and that is scary.

    And, more congratulations on getting your novel to the beta-reading stage! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you so much, Jessica! <3
      (ha, I'll keep you all updated. ;)

      Nineteen. o.o Wow. That's a scary age since it's the last year of being a teen! When's your birthday?

      HA. Almost to the beta-reading stage. *edits frantically* ;)

      Delete
    2. My birthday's in August, so still a few months yet. But it is scary - I mean, eighteen was bad enough because now I'm supposed to be an adult. :O

      Keep up the editing - you can do it, girl! :)

      Delete
  3. BE RIGHT BACK SCREAMING FOREVER. *helplessly shrieks* oh my goooosh I'm so excited I'm dying halp. *cough* GIVE IT TO ME. I NEED IT IMMEDIATELY.

    On another hand, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE! *hands pizza* 16 is scary because you have to start adulting but you got this ^_^

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I'M DYING TOO SO YOU'RE NOT ALONE HEH.

      *pizzaa* Right? It seems like the first step in the *adulting* age. Ack. I'll try to be responsible. xD

      Delete
  4. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :D
    And alksdjflkasd I want to beta-read so bad but I'm already behind on the stuff I already signed up for so I caaaaaan't. Plus April is Camp NaNoWriMo, so. :P But best of luck with the beta-ing process!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. That's okayyy. Yeah, I kinda figured that making it during Camp wasn't the BEST idea ever. But it works out for me so I get to write and take my mind off of worrying what everyone thinks. :P

      Thank you so much! <3

      Delete
  5. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! *hands you pizza and ice cream* 16 hasn't been too scary for me yet...

    I hope a lot of amazing and epic people sign up to beta read!!!

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  6. Oh, happy birthday, Katie!!! :D
    16 isn't that bad. ;) Well, at least in the state we live in. Here you can get your license at 14 if you have 50 hours of driving done, and to get married with parental consent I need to bad 17. So nothing really changed when I turned 16. But. . yeah. I can totally relate to the thought of wanting to put off growing up for another year. I'll be 18 this year. . .and I am scared of that. xD

    Oh, beta readers are so awesome! I'd love to beta read, but we have a lot planned for April, so I probably wouldn't be able to fit it in. I'll just be so looking forward to it when it's published! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Whoops, I meant you can get your license at 15, not 14. ;)

      Delete
    2. Thank you! :D

      Whoah, 14? o.O That's early.

      That's totally okay! I love the confidence you have that it'll be published someday. xD

      Delete
  7. Happy Birthday Katie! *throws confetti and hand you a piece of cake*
    Mine was just the other day, and whenever I think the fact that I'll be an adult soon, I freak out. Half the time I don't know what I'll do, and the other half I have an idea. *shakes head*
    If you ever get stressed out because people tell you to act your age just say "I've never been this old before!" ;) Life can be stressful, but just remember, God is ALWAYS there.
    Have a great birthday!

    Signed up for Beta reading. It looks really good. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Ooh, really? HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!

      Ha, I love that. I'll use that as an excuse if I do anything stupid today. (which... I probably will. xD)

      Thank youuu. <3

      Delete
  8. Happy birthday!! March has got to be the best month to be born in. I don't know why, but it's just my favorite. Since I was born in August, I may have to settle for getting married in March :) And trust me, 16 is not as bad as people make it out to be ;)

    Look at you, handing your work to people!! I'm so proud of you :D And I'm not quite sure how anyone would want to just stop in the middle of your captivating story, but . . . I mean, I don't think our writing styles can get any different and look where we are :D Congrats! And please don't spend all day shrieking, there are much better things to do on Birth/Beta Days ;D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. March is pretty awesome. :D Though, where I live the weather isn't always awesome. :P I woke up this morning to snow. Yaaaay.

      I'm excited... and nervous. Mostly nervous. :P Especially on whether I can get it done in time or not. Hopefully so. :P

      *quiets my shrieking for you* :P

      Delete
  9. Happy Birthday, Katie!!!! 16? Wow!

    I would love to be a beta reader, but unfortunately I really don't feel like I'd have time. ): I am SO excited to read it when it's published though!!!


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    1. Thank you! :D

      That's okay! I'm excited for you to read it eventually as well. :D

      Delete
  10. HAPPY SWEET 16! Filled out the form, I'm so excited, your novel sounds amazing, just my type :D

    ~Noor

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    1. AHH THANK YOU, NOOR! I hope you enjoy it... I'm so excitedddd. :D

      Delete
  11. Happy birthday Katie! I signed up! *squeals*

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  12. Wahoo! Happy Birthday Katie! We're the same age now! I hope your day is awesome and filled with pizza!

    -Mikayla-

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Ahh, that's so cool! *high-fives my birthday age buddy* :P
      I have a pizza dinner planned, so that's great. xD

      Delete
  13. WHAT? Sixteen isn't scary. TRUST ME IT'S AMAZING!! :P Go eat pizza. Seriously. :)
    And I loved your novel excerpt! Your writing style definitely "suits" me, so I shall be signing up to beta-read. :)
    Besides, at LEAST ONE guy needs to beta-read, right? :P (don't answer that :P)

    And I chose the group Google doc thing because it sounds FUN! :) But I haven't worked with these much before, so... if I seem a little lost at first... then... yeah it's to be expected. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Okay, I'll try to believe you. :P *ats pizza*

      Yay! I'm glad you liked the snippet. And I'm very glad a guy's singing up, actually. (I am answering it. Sorry. xD) Interesting to get a different perspective. :P

      DOESN'T IT?! It's super fun, just since there are people commenting and chiming in and it's just great. xD

      Delete
  14. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Katie!!! Can you scope out 16 for me? It's in June!!! :/ Driving now too? Ahhh....

    I signed up!!! I am looking forward to reading TAN!!!! =D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Ooh, you're turning 16 in June? Super exciting! That's not TOO far away... :)
      I know, driving. o.o I mean, I don't have my license YET... but I'll take it soon. :D

      YAY! I'm excited for you to read it as well. :D

      Delete
  15. Happy Birthday! I haven't quite made it to 16 yet so you can let me know how it is....

    The novel looks really fun so I would love to be a beta reader for you!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. So far, sixteen isn't too bad. I'll let you know if that changes. :P

      Eeep, I would love for YOU to be a beta reader for ME! xD

      Delete
  16. I SIGNED UP THIS IS GOING TO BE SO FABULOUS <3 You are SUCH a talented writer, and I look forward to see how God uses your talents for His glory. :D

    Ooh, are you going to show your work to potential publishers at the writing conference? BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE FABULOUS.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hehe, shrieking sixteen instead of sweet sixteen. :) Have a wonderful birthday! I hope the edits go smoothly. <3

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Oh, I forgot to mention that I selected Word Document on the sign-up form. I'm new to this whole beta thing, so I was a little wary of selecting the group doc choice. :) Do you think that's a good choice for my first beta experience? :P

      Delete
    2. THANK YOU EMILY! <3

      Maybe. It's a very slight maybe, but regardless I'd like to have it ready. :P

      Word document is fine if you'd like it that way! Basically the google doc is like what I had my beginning snippet in -- how you commented on parts/lines you liked, or agreed with someone, and shared your thoughts on the overall chapter. I don't think it'd be hard or anything for your first beta reading. But it's up to you. :P

      Delete
  17. Happy birthday!!!! Mine was yesterday. :D I celebrated with pizza too. Homemade. It's the best way. -nods-

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Aahh, it was?! Oh my gosh, happy belated birthday! How old did you turn?

      Delete
    2. Thank you!! I turned 18. I'm an old person. :P

      Delete
  18. Happy birthday! Ooooh and I'm old enought to get married now since I'm also 16? Hmm....lol
    This is so exciting that you're going to let people read your book! I would love to help you out but I don't think I would be a very helpful beta reader for your book. I hardly ever read fantasy or YA and idk if I could read it that fast because I'm really bad at reading ecopies of books. I'm still very excited that you've made it to this step in writing your book! :D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Interesting information for you, eh? ;)

      IT'S REALLY EXCITING. And scary. If you still want to give it a go and just try it out -- I won't keep you from it. But I understand that it's not really your type of book. Thank you for encouraging me through editing! <3

      Delete
  19. Happy Birthday!!!! I filled out the form, and am so excited for you!
    ~Emily

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  20. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *gives lots of chocolate and pizza*

    aaawwwwwwwwwwww...I'm doing camp nano this month, and I'm just about going to be able to cram that in there along with school. (are you doing nano?) Guess I'll just have to wait until it's published, huh? XD Do you plan on doing another beta (run over) read after this one and more editing?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

      Ahh, Camp and school. Yup. I'm in the same boat. :P
      Er, not sure yet. I'll probably have more to change than I realize, so I might need another round of betas. Then I'll keep you in mind. :D

      Delete
  21. AH. WELCOME TO THE SCARY WORLD OF BEING SIXTEEN. Just remember, it's alright to mature, but never ever ever grow up, okay? Oh, and happy birthday. *throws confetti and gives you cake*
    I wish I had the time to be a beta reader . . . but while I guess I have time to read it, I'm kind of busy to be able to think about it and critique. xP I promise I'll be in line to buy it when it gets published, though. ;D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I WILL NEVER REALLY GROW UP. *dances in the confetti and plays dress up* :P

      Ahh, that's okay. I understand. Ack, you people are all making me happy with your confidence that it'll get published someday. xD

      Delete
  22. HaPpY bIrThDaY TO YOOOOUUUUU!!! *gives you pizza* Love you, Katie! I hope this year is twice as full of blessings & joy for you... You are an awesome blogging-buddy. <3

    Also, I'm FLAILING right now at the prospect of beta-reading for you!! *squeals* It would be an honor if I could. Thank you for opening up that possibility! :D

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    1. ThAnK YoU hAnNaH dEaRRRRR! XD You're an equally awesome blogging buddy. <3

      SO AM I I'M GLAD YOU'RE JOINING IN THE FLAILING. :D Thank YOU for signing up! :)

      Delete
  23. Happy birthday!!!!! Random fact but I think March 19 is the feast day of St. Joseph. And I have a couple friends who have the same birthday as you! (Also March 19 was the first day of summer!)

    Okay, anyway, about beta-ing! I actually started to sign up since I'm on summer now, but I just realized my plan April to May is to write 2 first drafts! I'm really sorry about that I won't be able to beta :( Trust me I was really looking forward to it! I hope you get awesome beta readers!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. March seems a very popular day for birthdays. :P I know FIVE people with birthdays on the 20th. I mean, waht?!

      TWO drafts? Wow, that's impressive. If I ever need another round of beta readers, I'll keep you in mind. :D

      Delete
  24. Happy birthday, Katie Grace!!!! Aww, sweet sixteen. ;) Congrats on being ready for beta readers. Is it super scary to hand your precious novel over to people? XD

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    1. Thank youuu!

      IT. IS. SO. TERRIFYING. I'm just terrified knowing that I've signed myself up for this. It's gonna be a million times more scarier on the actual day. *bites nails* Ack.

      Delete
  25. Happy birthday, and good luck with your novel! :)
    (I'm going to be 16 in September :D )

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you so much! <3

      Ooh, that's exciting! Happy... really, really, really early birthday. xD

      Delete
  26. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Happy Birthday! I want to beta, but I won't have time at this point sadly, but maybe in the near future.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank youuu! :D

      Makes sense. If I need another group of betas, I'll let you know! :D

      Delete
  28. Happy birthday Katie! Could you please tell me a little bit of what your book is about?
    Love,
    Ashley
    creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you, Ashley! <3
      I talked about my book quite a bit above, otherwise I linked to my post about my novel and you can find that in the sidebar. :)

      Delete
  29. Happy belated birthday! I didn't sign up since I already have reading commitments (and at some point I'd like to finish them all so I can read whatever I feel like reading), but hopefully I'll be able to read it when it's published! 16 is a good age. I don't remember it being too scary, though I did start learning how to drive. (In my state, you can get your permit at 15 and license at 16, but there's a TON of extra paperwork at 16, so we waited so I'd be 17.) What's scary is that I'm going to be 20 next month. I'll no longer be a teenager. Insane. And my baby sister turned 15 last week, so that's even scarier.

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    1. Thank you! And I understand. :)

      Ack! No longer a teenager... I can't imagine that. tell me how it feels -- must be kind of scary. :P

      Delete
  30. YAY, IT'S BETA READING TIME!!! (feel free to freak out and shriek all you want, we get it) I signed up! Can't wait 'till you get Song Of The Desert sent out, I'm so excited!!!

    I will try as hard as possible to give you my feedback before May 1st (unless a big evil dragon kidnaps me, because THAT might complicate things).

    Happy happy happy (belated) birthday!! Hope you had lots of fun and ate lots of cake (and, ya know, PIZZA). Did you watch a movie? Movies on birthdays are fun. *nods* *gives you balloons*

    ReplyDelete
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    1. *continues to freak out and shriek since I have permission* ;)

      Okay! As long as MOST people get me their feedback before May 1st I'll be happy. :D

      YES. PIZZA. :D Well, my friends actually held a surprise birthday party for me. xD So I did that instead of watching a movie. Though we did watch the first half or so of "Everest." I'll watch an animated movie later in the week. xD

      Delete
    2. Ooo, a surprise birthday party? That's SO much more awesome than a movie :D.

      By the way ... I'm going to ask my parents if I can do Camp NaNoWriMo this year. Is the invitation to your cabin still standing?

      Delete
    3. I KNOW! :D

      Ack, Camp NaNo was a bit of a mess, and there wasn't enough interest for me to create a cabin again, so I joined one of my friends. :/ So... hopefully another time? I'm so sorry I told you about it and just said no. Blah, I feel so bad.

      Delete
    4. That's totally okay, don't feel bad! *hugs* I would have done the same thing *nods*. Yeah, maybe another time :).

      Delete
  31. Hope you had a great birthday! I'm still four months from my fifteenth birthday, so I'm still happily distant from 16. It'll probably creep up on me really quick though.

    The mere idea of Beta-ing another book (I've done one or two before) has got me jittering in my seat. It's sooo fun to help out...and read a book before it's published. Good luck with editing! *hands you bandages for you bleeding fingers* :D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yeah, it will. The years seem to be going by crazy fast lately. :P

      Oh, good. I'm glad you're jittering with excitement. xD I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOU TO READ IT! *thank you for the bandages, I need them greatly*

      Delete
  32. Happy birthday. Growing up isn't something you have to rush. You can do it slowly. When you look back it doesn't seems such a serious thing. When I was about ten, thirteen seemed so grown up. When I was thirteen, it only meant I was a teenager, which to me meant nothing. Then sixteen seemed a milestone. (perhaps because I had a quite mature friend who was three years older than I)I got there. It was another year before I started learning to drive. Now I'm heading for twenty, and I've gotten used to being mostly grown-up but not completely. It's not a big deal.

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    1. Your book sounds so exciting. I would love to beta read it, though I may have a little trouble fitting it in with Camp NaNo and some other beta reading.

      Delete
    2. Yeah, I see what you mean by that. :P

      *nod* I'm glad you sound it exciting regardless! Thanks for commenting. :)

      Delete
  33. Happy belated birthday! If I were to give advice to my 16 year-old self (which I can't, so therefore I'm dumping it on you), I would say to dream big but don't be afraid if you feel like you have no idea what you're doing. I like the idea behind your novel and I would love to read it once it's published. April just isn't a good time for me. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you so much for your words. I like how you said "don't be afraid if you feel like you have no idea what you're doing." CAUSE I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT I'M DOING RIGHT NOW. Sigh. :P

      Thank you! <3

      Delete
  34. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! *throws glitter in the air like I really don't care. but i kinda do, because glitter gets in the hair and will NEVER come out* *laughs evilly because now you too have permanent glitter in your hair*

    CONGRATS ON YOUR NOVEL!!! Somehow I missed the previous post explaining it, and so I had to go back and read it. I must say, I am SUPER IMPRESSED by how your novel has this unique vibe to it. I want to sign up for the beta read, but as you may have figured out, I don't have time to read much :( Therefore I don't want to commit and then not finish until June. Because with the books already by my nightstand, that is what would happen.

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    1. THANK YOUUU! *tries to get the glitter out but sadly fails* Well... looks like I'll be sparkly for the rest of the year! xD

      Delete
  35. So this was a genius idea. I always had trouble getting beta readers, though that was before I started my blog. What a great way to set it up with a contact form. Love the story premise too. I am ALSO looking for beta readers. How long is your Manuscript if I may ask?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Blogs are great for that. :P
      Right now it's 89,000. It'll probably end up somewhere between 87-91k.

      Delete
  36. Sent in a form. Not doing Camp NaNo so I should have time. Regular NaNo was difficult enough LOL. I think I'm good. Finishing up editing a project now.

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    1. YAY! I'm so excited. :D Thank you!
      Heh, yeah, I totally understand if people are doing Camp. Glad it worked out for you, though! :)

      Delete
  37. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! *showers with ice cream and confetti* I hope you had a wonderful day and I hope you /will/ have an incredible year. :)

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    1. THANK YOUUUU! *dodges ice cream because ice cream in hair = no*
      *alll the love* <3

      Delete
  38. I love your blog!! Thanks for your comment on mine :))

    HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY!

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    1. Awww, thank you, Aaliyah! Your name is so awesome. o.o

      Delete
  39. Happy Birthday, Katie!! Best wishes on your sixteenth year! I wish I could beta your story, but I'm just so swamped right now. Adulting stuff. Blegh.

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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  40. Happy 16th Birthday, Katie!<3

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  41. *eats all the brownies, cake, and cookies even though I totally do not deserve them because I'm going to be away for all of April and not near wi-fi and too busy to breathe let alone read a lovely amazing FDJFKDKFSNL STORY BY ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHOR BLOGGER PEEPS LIKE OMG* excuse me while I wail into a pillow. but I've gotta say, I hate giving criticism of any kind!! I just love swooning over things and I've never beta read for anyone before which means I'm probably horrible at it. XD

    BUT GAH. I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS THING WHEN IT'S FINISHED!!! *all the heart eye emojis* *and hugs* *and confetti* Also your birthday plans sound IDEAL. Like that is exactly what I would like to do on my birthday. (yes, on my upcoming birthday. wherein i shall be turning 19. ahem.) Plus waffles, of course. ♥ hahaaha. ;)

    ALSO WHAT EVEN YOU WROTE TWO GIANT AND NO DOUBT INCREDIBLE BOOKS WHILE YOU WERE ONLY 15 YEARS OLD??? WONDERS NEVER CEASE YOU ARE FABULOUS. (and blowing my mind.)

    love,
    abbiee @ the music blog

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    1. OH IT'S OKAY I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND. GO AHEAD AND EAT ALL OF THE ICE CREAM AND COOKIES AND BROWNIES BECAUSE YOUR LOVELY COMMENTS AND FLAILING TOTALLY DESERVE IT. <3

      *hugss* YAS. It was ideal. And my friends held a surprise birthday party for me?? Which was the sweetest thing ever and also the scariest thing because I think I died of a heart attack. IT'S HIGHLY POSSIBLE. o.o

      Ohmygosh, nineteen? ACK. Scary. o.o When's your birthdayyyy?

      I DON'T EVEN KNOW. Sometimes words just worked?? And other times they didn't, so I just wailed with sadness at the thought of editing. Two books a year is ALL FINE AND DANDY until editing comes along. -.-

      Thank youuu, dear Abbiee. <3

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  42. Happy belated birthday!! I hope there was lots of cake!!

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    1. Thank you!! :D No cake, but lots of pizza and brownies. ;)

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  43. Aaahhhh! I'm like a million years late on this! (Or a week, but same difference.) HAPPY (very belated) BIRTHDAY, DEAR KATIE!!!! I hope you had an absolutely frabjous one and will have the very bestest 16th year! ^_^

    You're getting ready for beta-readers. THAT'S SO EXCITING. Unfortunately...I don't think I'll be able to join in. D: And your story sounds amazing too! I feel so, so, so, SOOO bad not beta-ing for you when you so sweetly do it for me and are helping SO much with Burning Thorns. I just had decided at the beginning of this year that I'd keep beta-reading to a very, very minimum. Last year it took so much of my time and was taking away from family and even God. I realize this year I need to not take on many projects and just focus on life until I can learn a good balance. It's been reeeally hard saying no to people, but I guess sometimes you have to. I wish I could though! But I've barely even had time to edit my own story and keep up with life. I suppose I have to be like responsible and stuff and prioritize. >.>

    Again, I'm so sorry I can't! D': Maybe one day I'll figure out this whole life thing and learn how to balance a dozen projects. Hopefully.

    I hope all your editing and beta-ing endeavors go wonderfully! And when (when, not if) you're published I'm snatching up your book so fast I'll probably get whiplash!

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  44. Happy birthday! And congratulations! I'm showing great restraint and not signing up to beta read... I'm partway through two different books right now, one being Les Miserables (ha), and I'm taking a copyediting course. I hope you have lots of betas signed up! If not, let me know, and maybe I'll sign up anyway. ;)

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