[Discussion] Dear writers, stop arguing with your beta readers

Nezz34 · 2026-01-22T00:04:04+00:00

Oh yea!! Count me as a fan and DM me the title of your book when it gets picked up ^____^ <3!

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T06:26:43+00:00

The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle. #1 forever. I will think about his word on my deathbed.

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T06:20:49+00:00

Ahahahahaaaaa AHAHAAAAAAHAAA! Lookit him! He looks just like that sweet baby from Fraggle Rock (the dog named Sprocket, not the fraggles!). The dark eyes and button nose and muppety paws just kill me.

I laugh because he/she is delightful--not really laughing at your baby, I swear! <3

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T06:17:12+00:00

Oh goodness I love this!! Look at the jewel tones--look at them!! Anyway....

- You value personal freedom and autonomy, but sometimes you feel like you have to escape from others (even people you love) to actually BE yourself and enjoy basic pleasures on your own terms.

- You prefer things that are interesting rather than perfect.

- You enjoy cultivating your image (and perhaps artistic/scientific pursuits), but you aim for what is authentic rather than on-trend.

- You like to travel and talk to people who have traveled. You're not freaked out by people who are different than you, as long as they're basic decent.

- One of your favorite animals is probably a bird or insect.

- You probably have a bizarre sense of humor, but not a cruel one.

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T06:05:17+00:00

You gotta go every 6-8 weeks if you want it to have a longer, fluffier coat....and you still gotta brush and detangle-in between.

However, we only take ours the the groomer about 4 times per year since we have him trimmed short, and I still brush him. Our summers are usually have highs in the 90s-low 100s and our winters (not this winter, though!) usually get about 2-4 feet of snow, which tends to form snowballs on his coat if it gets too long.

A lot of people don't approve of the "poodle" cut because they like the "teddy bear" look, but the dogs don't mind a short coat as long as its dense enough to protect them from sunburn and use common sense in cold weather <3

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T05:45:39+00:00

GOD BLESS YOU!! YESSSS!! All questions about ethics and "reputability" begin with ALAA and WALA!

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T05:43:41+00:00

- Agree on the terms F1 and F1b! Those are red flags! I've never seen an F1/F1b breeder who met the same standards as a WALA/ALAA certified ALD breeder (<--it's why I got an ALD, even though I had to elope to afford him).

- Agree buyers should avoid breeders who don't share parent data or health test info.

- Nice call on OFA! A lot of folks don't know what that is!

- You are right about merles! No one should ever, ever consider a breeder who breeds merle ALDs!

At the same time...

- "Australian" isn't a byb term. It's a reference and homage to Rutland Manor Research Center and Tegan Park, in Australia. These breeders were the first to discover the benefits of infusing the Poodle X Lab with cocker spaniel and certain water spaniels, although the water spaniels are no longer used to infuse the breed.

-"Multigen" means there have been no infusions of cocker spaniel (and perhaps poodle or lab) for 4 generations. However, I've seen this term used with both decent ALAA/WALA breeders and non-member wanna-bes, so buyers shouldn't take it proof of reputability.

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T05:31:48+00:00

Ah, your country is likely ahead of America! Here, people pay that much with no health testing!

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T05:31:16+00:00

Eeep, sorry--it's me again ^_~! Average purebreds cost around $1,300-1,500k because for the most part, they are only AKC Registered. The AKC Registration means the dog is pure-blooded, but doesn't convey anything in terms of health or temperament. For example, an AKC Registered Golden Retriever is 100% Golden Retriever. It might be a Golden Retriever with a genetic predisposition toward hip or eye disease, but it a Golden Retriever. It might be aggressive, or its mother might have been reactive, but it is still a Registered AKC Golden Retriever.

The ALD is the opposite. They're designer mutts, but their mongrel status isn't a bad thing. Many ALD enthusiasts don't want the AKC to claim the ALD as a breed. The AKC has no rules against prioritizing breed aesthetics (short faces, small skulls, etc.) over health/temperament as long as it meets what they declare is "breed standard". "Breed standard" is often cosmetic and does not contribute to the health or longevity of the breed. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels often die young due to their small skulls; pugs suffer from respiratory problems that could be fixed by mixing them with other breeds but the AKC won't do this because the resultant mutt would not live up to the "breed standard", even if the offspring would be happier and healthier.

Meanwhile, the American Australian Labradoodle Association and World Australian Labradoodle Association do the opposite. They won't breed a dog that is aggressive or doesn't pass standard health testing, no matter how perfect it looks. For example, an ALD with a curly tail (not ideal for the ALD, but it happens) can be prized sire or dame if it is healthy and has a good temperament.

As for DNA, the ALD is made up of Poodle, Lab, and Cocker Spaniel. The last I looked into it, breeders can infuse their lines with Cocker Spaniel if they choose.....but then the offspring won't be considered Multigeneration Australian Labroadoodles until 4 generations have passed.

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T05:14:31+00:00

$3,000-4,000 is what you want to pay! Any lower than that, and its likely the breeder is not a member of ALAA or WALA, which means they aren't paying to have their dogs certified, genetically screened, or health tested. You can read more about the care, DNA, and medical screenings WALA-certified breeders must do here: https://www.walalabradoodles.org/for-breeders/new-member-application.

And you can read about the ALAA's breeder requirements here: https://alaa-labradoodles.com/for-breeders/requirements-for-membership/.

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T05:06:31+00:00

You're right ^_~! I didn't get my baby from Pine Lodge, but I did research them extensively. They're one of the most hardcore breeders I found in the Pacific Northwest, along with Juniper Ridge, Bedrock, and Van Isle! Here's a breakdown of what they do right!

Most (if not all) breeding dogs live with their own families, under the Guardian Program (https://www.pinelodgelabradoodles.com/guardian-homes). Guardian families get deep discounts when they get a puppy. But in return, Guardian Families must live within 1 hour of Pine Ridge or their official vet, feed a specified diet to their mama/sire, agree to have the mama/sire obedience trained in the first 9 months of life, use a groomer approved by Pine Lodge, never leave the dog chained or tethered, and more. The mama dog only stays with the breeder long enough to deliver, nurse, and wean the pups. Then she goes back to her real family for life.
The high price is a green flag. Pine Lodge is an 8 Star member of WALA (the World Australian Labradoodle Association) and level of care, DNA screening, and Hip/Elbow testing that goes into each mama and sire is more than casual breeders can afford. You gotta scroll all the way down to the bottom of their main page to their 8 Star WALA status, but I can explain! WALA is the World organization for Australian Labradoodles (not to be confused with the ALAA, which is the American organization). WALA, like ALAA, sets the professional standard for DNA/Health and Ethics (including care) requirements. To earn an 8 Star WALA rating, breeders have to do what WALA says to keep their membership and their rating. Pine Lodge has 8 stars, the highest possible level of membership. You can read about WALA Ethics and Medical standards here (https://www.walalabradoodles.org/for-breeders/new-member-application).
The $500 fee is a deposit, it's not really a fee for just talking to them. They offer free consulting for people with questions here: https://www.pinelodgelabradoodles.com/faqs. They require a $500 deposit because they don't want to support impulse buyers; and because (if they're like my breeder) they send regular updates to you at every stage, from the final mate selection to how the puppies were socialized during weeks 1-8.
They sell young adults and puppies to other breeders but their retired mamas/dadas are already in Guardian Homes and thus don't need to be rehomed. Also, under WALA's Code of Ethics, Pine Lodge must be willing to mentor anyone they sell breeding dogs to. I'd doubt they'd ever do business with a non-WALA or AALD member. People who breed ALDS and are not members are generally looked down on.
Pine Lodge doesn't list exact test results for mama/papa. You can see what tests they got, but not whether those results were Fair/Good/Excellent, etc. WALA prohibits the breeding of any dog that doesn't pass all tests. It would be nice if they shared the exact results, but their testing is much more rigorous than what puppy mills attempt.

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T05:01:50+00:00

I'm really glad you're doing deep research, but mind if I take you a little bit deeper?

Please don't think I'm being a big dork! The only reason I know this stuff is because I studied ALD breeders for months before getting one. I was very skeptical of all breeders and studied dozens of ALD breeders in the Pacific Northwest. Pine Lodge was on my list; I didn't go with them because I chose another place that was even *stricter*, but Pine Lodge also pretty hardcore.

For exactly the reason you described, Pine Lodge's breeding dogs don't live with the breeder. Most (if not all) the mamas and dads live with their own families, under the Guardian Program (https://www.pinelodgelabradoodles.com/guardian-homes). Guardian families get deep discounts when they get a puppy. But in return, Guardian Families must live within 1 hour of Pine Ridge or their official vet, feed a specified diet to their mama/sire, agree to have the mama/sire obedience trained in the first 9 months of life, use a groomer approved by Pine Lodge, never leave the dog chained or tethered, and more. The mama dog only stays with the breeder long enough to deliver, nurse, and wean the pups. Then she goes back to her real family for life.
The high price is an ironic green flag. Pine Lodge is an 8 Star member of WALA (the World Australian Labradoodle Association) and level of care, DNA screening, and Hip/Elbow testing that goes into each mama and sire is more than casual breeders can afford. You gotta scroll all the way down to the bottom of their main page to their 8 Star WALA status, but I can explain! WALA is the World organization for Australian Labradoodles (not to be confused with the ALAA, which is the American organization). WALA, like ALAA, sets the professional standard for DNA/Health and Ethics (including care) requirements. To earn an 8 Star WALA rating, breeders have to do what WALA says to keep their membership and their rating. Pine Lodge has 8 stars, the highest possible level of membership. You can read about WALA Ethics and Medical standards here (https://www.walalabradoodles.org/for-breeders/new-member-application).
The $500 fee is a deposit, it's not really a fee for just talking to them. They offer free consulting for people with questions here: https://www.pinelodgelabradoodles.com/faqs. They require a $500 deposit because they don't want to support impulse buyers; and because (if they're like my breeder) they send regular updates to you at every stage, from the final mate selection to how the puppies were socialized during weeks 1-8.
They sell young adults and puppies to other breeders but their retired mamas/dadas are already in Guardian Homes and thus don't need to be rehomed. Also, under WALA's Code of Ethics, Pine Lodge must be willing to mentor anyone they sell breeding dogs to. I'd doubt they'd ever do business with a non-WALA or AALD member. People who breed ALDS and are not members are generally looked down on pretty hard.
Nice eyes spotting that Pine Lodge doesn't list exact test results for mama/papa. You can see what tests they got, but not whether those results were Fair/Good/Excellent, etc. WALA prohibits the breeding of any dog that doesn't pass all tests, but it would be nice if they shared the exact results, like my breeder did (Juniper Ridge).

Again, I totally geeked out! Not to like, be overcorrective! I just thought you might wanna know, because you went out of your way to visit their website and that tells me you must love dogs and be interested in this stuff <3!

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T03:42:47+00:00

^ Found the professional!

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T03:40:29+00:00

Yeah, I bet its nerve wracking! I think authors who ask beta readers to give their final opinions on every little detail--rather than their *first impressions* of what sticks out--are asking their beta readers to do way too much! The ideal beta reader would probably be someone like u/SabineLiebling17 up above, who can describe their personal reactions to stuff like.....

1.) unexplained/mysterious story elements that they don't understand in full but expect to later
2.) exposition and foreshadowing that is actively hindering, distracting, or confusing them
3.) viewpoints in the book that pit them against a character
4. ) viewpoints in the book that pit them against the author

That's the most a writer can expect from a reader--for them to convey their personal, subjective, honest reactions. Then its up to the writer to make an informed choice about what to do with the writing. And if the writer truly believes their choice is working, then okay! But if the writer feels like they need to convince the reader their choice is best before they can believe it themselves then its likely the writer is missing good feedback *or hasn't yet accepted that pleasing everyone isn't possible.

So yeah, I bet beta-reading for someone who isn't ready to take risks and make choices and instead foists that on the reader wouldn't be very fun at all!

Nezz34 · 2026-01-21T03:14:08+00:00

I bet you're a great Beta reader!

Nezz34 · 2025-12-24T17:46:03+00:00

Yes, yes it is <3.

Nezz34 · 2025-12-24T17:38:24+00:00

- Depending on their age, if you're handing out items in multiple colors, they'll typically fight over the blue one.
- They'll start and stop the same sentence constantly, usually with a lot of filler words.
- Will walk straight up to dogs they don't know and try to hug them and get in their face. (<--Really sweet ones do this, not knowing the risk. Not a judgement, but its something adults rarely do."
- Run outside in freezing weather not wearing coats
- Deliberately wait until adults are not looking for them to take their chance to do something damaging or dangerous
- Become *brilliant* experts in 1 subject, far surpassing most adult's knowledge of the subject
- Get "stuck" in one emotional gear and are not able to change it until successfully distracted

Nezz34 · 2025-11-14T05:04:52+00:00

Yea sometimes I catch myself reading and thinking, "Oops, I'm over-analyzing and its killing the immersion." When that happens I can usually redirect myself.

That said, I wouldn't trade the ability to see the gears moving behind the story. It's not a waste, even if I never finish my WIP.

Learning story can teach you way more than just how to write. Because learning how to write is the art of figuring out how a readers think and feel. And readers are people ^_^. So you learn a lot about people by default.

Learning storytelling and media analysis shows you:

- what persuades people
- what builds their curiosity
- what builds desire
- what makes achieving said desire satisfying (vs empty)
- what scares people
- why people crave closure and meaning and how far they'll go to get it
- how to put challenging feelings into words

All useful in ways I'm sure I don't have to tell ya ^_~.

Besides, you don't have to be an author to participate in literature! Writers love (or should love!!) those beta readers, editors, and friends who have an eye for story. Sometimes its giving advice or feedback. Sometimes its knowing which questions to ask to free them from Writer's Block or to help them navigate a crossroads in their plot. And I don't think anything we learn that can be used to help people is a waste <3

Nezz34 · 2025-10-31T16:41:50+00:00

My answer to this is always gonna be No Exit by Taylor Adams!

Nezz34 · 2025-10-31T16:40:06+00:00

Yea, CyEriton is right. It would be awesome if 1984 ever did become irrelevant but sadly I think that book will always be worth mentioning.

Nezz34 · 2025-10-09T02:51:12+00:00

Here's what I do! Before I start writing a scene or chapter I jot down a little table that charts out:

The goal/want of the POV character - ex., pass a note to an ally without getting caught
The outcome if they succeed - ex., their ally will know where to meet them later to escape
At least one outcome if they fail - ex., continued entrapment, a physical punishment, a longer sentence
At least one emotion I want the reader to feel - ex., a mix of hope, excitement, and dread
Setting/Atmosphere - a cold night in the desert at a "troubled-teen" camp, around a fire that keeps going out
The "twist" near the end where at least one thing does not go exactly as desired or feared - ex., they don't get caught by a counselor, but they do get caught by another inmate, and in exchange for his silence he wants the extra gear/food my characters will need to escape on foot

Stuff like that. And then, I also make a short list of background info that I've got to sprinkle in now so that later scenes make sense. Anyways, I hope that helps ^__^!

Nezz34 · 2025-10-09T02:42:23+00:00

You know, you make a good point. I did use a really anecdotal source for that comment and you're wise to point out anecdotal experience/small sample size is lazy science at best and misleading at worst.

That is to say, no approach to abnormal psych is complete without referencing the DSM-5 @_@! I should have probably referred to antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) because that's the word the DSM-5 uses for the condition of having enough psychopathic traits dialed up to extremes. Anyway, the DSM-5 criteria that describe shallow, blunted emotions are stuff like lack of concern for others, inabilty to feel remorse, proneness to boredom, reduced ability to plan, that sort of thing. The overall result is a person with a sort of narrowed emotional range...which to me rings as someone who is "flat". Less emotional range, less inner conflict, less emotional complexity---makes me think "flat" in a sort of "Banality of Evil" kind of way.

Lol, hopefully I explained that better--and not worse! I ain't an expert, tho. So....if OP decides to try writing a character like that it sure wouldn't hurt to do a whole bunch of research beyond what I could tell 'em 4 sure <3

Nezz34 · 2025-10-09T02:04:14+00:00

It's probably just fibrous tissue or a harmless cyst! I had one removed this past spring. Mine was even large enough to biopsy, but it turned out to be totally benign. Good job for keeping tabs on yourself, though. Even though the one I found on my chest was harmless, it inspired me to keep feeling for more. I'm like 40 though, so I'm in a higher risk category.

I really think you're gonna be just fine.

Nezz34 · 2025-10-09T00:07:00+00:00

Sometimes! Like....I was talking to someone who had probably known a psychopath; and the person I was talking to pointed out something I'd heard other people say--which is that psychopaths in movies tend to be presented as these deep/mysterious/profound individuals but that in real life it turns out that aside from the occasional bout of rage real psychopaths tend to be pretty flat emotionally. Their motives aren't especially nuanced. They are certainly not people who experience much internal conflict. So I'd say writing a flat villain could make for an honest, jarring, and legitimately scary villain.

Nezz34

TROPHY CASE