[ADionne]

I do realize that I've just posted that I'm available to beta for other writers; but, unfortunately, I can't beta myself. Recently I've been reading the very excellent "Don't Panic!", and have been bitten by the bug to write my own response to the 'Stuck - literally in ME' challenge (not to be judged, since I'm sure that has long past- more for personal enjoyment.) and I'm now on the look out for a competent, reliable editor.

Requirements*:
- Should be able to help with plot problems
- Should be able to engage in the general kicking around of ideas and not be shy from brainstorming sessions.
- Should not be shy about kicking this author's butt into gear if she should fall behind in her writing.

*I do not require my beta to have a vast knowledge of Tolkien or general writing help (sentence structure, grammar, spelling, flow etc) since I can pretty much handle those on my own.

Example of writing: (from a brief vignette I'm working on atm)
The loud splintering crack of stone seemed to shake the very earth itself; indeed the cobbled street trembled beneath her feet and surrounding buildings shuddered under the mighty assault. The countryside refuges that cluttered the 3rd district froze, clutching at each other, and screamed in their terror. She clutched her parcel to her chest as she was thrown to the stones by the panicking crowd, careful not to crush the precious package. It had taken much cajoling for the soldier to part with it and to have it destroyed before she could even reach their home would make her efforts wasted ones.


---- And, just to help those who are experiencing indecision: here is a basic plot outline. I'd prefer it if my beta actually liked my story

Heroine, Marie, has fight with her boyfriend- and is emotionally distraught by it. She decides that she will go for a walk in the countryside to clear her mind. She does and promptly gets lost due to the fact that a) she isn't paying attention to where she's going and b) she's just moved to the area (she isn't the bright crayon)
Of course, I, as the author, take this opportunity to the max and suddenly we're in ME (grasslands of Rohan more specially). When Marie realizes that she's lost, she panics as any red-blooded girl would do- and when she realizes it's growing dark, she panics doubly so. And then it begins to drizzle. I'm not very nice to Marie in the beginning. Well... lets face it- ever.

So, predictably, men on horses show up. They're a scouting party returning to their village, and when they see Marie, they're more then a little wary of her. But their human decency wins out and they take her, out of pity, to their village. Marie however, is more then a little distraught by this point since all she wants to do is go home and have a nice soak in the tub. And then these strange men, who smell like wet horses, sweat and a few more things she'd rather not care to know about show up and throw her on the back of a horse... well it just isn't her day.

Great, she's been kidnapped by freak drama hicks who apparently can't speak English. I should also mention here that Marie is NOT a fan of Tolkien; she's seen the movies yes, but didn't particularly care for them. She only went to see them because her boyfriend wanted company. So she's in the dark in more ways then one.

Anyways, blah blah blah- they take her to their village, a lot of people stare at her, she doesn't get her bath and their food is a far cry from anything half-way edible. It's decided that they should take her to Edoras when they travel to participate in the horse market. It's reasoned that maybe the royal soothsayer will be able to decipher what the hell this crazy woman is ranting on about. Or in the very least, they can dump her into the King's lap. Let him take care of her.

So they travel and due to the odd nature of their guest, they are granted audience with King and soothsayer. The old crone says a lot of confusing things, but generally it's decided that Marie doesn't pose any harm.

Fast forward by 2 years

In the time that's past Marie has learned basic Rohirric, is living in Edoras, has been taken as wife by a generally nice warrior, has learned the trade of weaving semi proficiently and has a babe on the way. Obviously, she accepted that by some strange cosmic twist, she's in a world different from her own and will never be going back. She's just trying to make the best of it. So just when it seems like she's melding into the life style, I throw her the twist.

It's late February of 3019. Gandalf and company show up in Edoras. It's time for Marie's life to go all upside-down again.

From here on out, it's very sketchy and I'm still working on it. So if this plot line sounds interesting to you, give me a shout and we'll see if we can't work something out.

dionne@CQServices.com

[Andreth]

Now we have a study in contrasts here. You post that you're a beta for hire and you get immediate replies - but post that you need a beta and....whoosh! Everyone goes flying out the side door to find the nearest warm Elf or mortal. I had to tease cause I've heard so many people complain about that!

Since you sound like an easy person to beta for - does her own grammar, punctuation, Tolkien fact checking - I'll be happy to help hammer out plot lines if you need. And I can help keep you in gear with the writing. I'm a horrible bitch and I can give you references if you need. Just drop me a line and let me know.


Anna

[BittenBuggy]

[Viv]

[esmeralda]

Hi!
I've read Don't panic and it's really one of my favourite out there! I have a soft spot for the stuck in ME challenge and would be glad to help and offer my helpful comments if you still need someone.
I know andreth volunteered, but if ever you want another opinion on your fic, just drop me a note ! samwisegamgee5@hotmail.com (please include openscrolls in the object)
Marion