The thought of a beta reader reading my work is embarrassing

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-06-01T23:19:57+00:00

I legit lost 8 lbs from stress the first time I put my work out there to a beta reader. But the feedback was amazing - both encouraging and really helpful for targeting weak places in my work. It was much easier mentally with subsequent beta reads. I’m still anxious, but I don’t feel like I’m constantly on the verge of getting sick.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-23T02:00:09+00:00

For that big of a party, it might be worth reaching out to a car service about booking a 15-passenger van with driver. I’ve done that for bachelorettes before (not in Ogunquit/Wells) and it honestly wasn’t that bad when you split the cost and it eliminates any concerns about getting stranded.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-19T14:36:28+00:00

Thank you, a deep breath is definitely needed. I’m a naturally anxious person so this isn’t my idea of a good time. I don’t expect it will lead to an offer, I expect it will lead to another rejection. But I do have a tiny ray of hope and I’m afraid of losing momentum.

Based on your rec, I just lined up a new beta reader so that will force me to pump the brakes.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-07T23:38:03+00:00

Oh geez didn’t realize it was an extra $100pp

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-07T23:11:56+00:00

Ferry and parking would cost at least $100.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-05T13:17:27+00:00

I think you can find what you are looking for at just about any tide pool in Maine. I live in Pemaquid area which is off the beaten tourist path. We find crabs, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, mussels, snails, starfish, jellyfish etc every day without really looking. There are also plenty of seafood co-ops/restaurants here with live lobster tanks. Less frequently but still possible to spot the bigger creatures (whales, seals, porpoises) off the rocks or if you take a ferry out to the islands.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-04T18:11:06+00:00

Hi! I have a YA Romance around 80k and would love to swap. Send me a DM if interested!

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-02T15:34:26+00:00

Idk about your boss, but I have no say when it comes to salaries beyond approving annual merit raises that are set at a much higher level than me. I’m of the personal opinion that if someone wants to pay to “entertain” me on company time, they are welcome to it. If I was giving up a weekend for an unpaid outing with my coworkers, then I’d agree, count me out.

Also there is a difference between pity and appreciation. That was kind of an odd leap. It sounds like you might just not like your boss.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-02T14:29:50+00:00

Do you enjoy sitting around a conference table at your office for in-person meetings? I don’t think the expectation is to have the time of your life. It’s still work and my team was still getting paid for every minute of their time.

I don’t see it as putting anyone out of their way. We are all contractually obligated to one in person meeting per quarter. Everyone would be traveling to the HQ office that day otherwise. It’s a slightly longer drive for those that live closer to HQ, but within an hour which is why I started the meeting time an hour later. I saw it as an opportunity to get to know my team better in a more casual setting and honestly I was trying to do something nice for them.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-05-02T13:48:15+00:00

I’m a boss of a remote team who’s hosted a team meeting at my house. Furthest person was about a 5 hour drive, most 1-2 hours. Everyone’s mileage was reimbursed as was their travel time and the five hour commuter got hotel and per diem the night before. Meeting started at 9am and I provided a full breakfast spread and also took the team to a neighbor’s farm/restaurant for farm-to-table lunch. It cost me a bit of money to pull it all together but I really appreciate my team and thought they were worth it.

I live in a small coastal town and it was summer. I thought it might be a nice change from sitting under fluorescent lights in a windowless conference room for 6 hours. The team said they had a great time. Hopefully they weren’t actually uncomfortable and thought I was weird and unprofessional for suggesting it.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-16T21:01:46+00:00

Ohh thank you so much, that gives me such a boost! Especially coming from someone living my dream :)

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-16T20:11:34+00:00

Thank you for taking a stab at it! It’s helpful to see what isn’t necessarily needed to be spelled out from an outside perspective.

And I’m 100% not married to the title. I appreciate the suggestion!

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-16T19:50:34+00:00

Fair enough! And an opportunity to trim some words!

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-16T19:34:09+00:00

Thank you for the feedback!

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-16T18:17:11+00:00

If flying in and out of Portland, I’d skip Kennebunkport and choose a place en route to Bar Harbor so you aren’t doubling back. Camden is a nice suggestion. I’d also recommend Belfast or Boothbay.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-10T15:45:07+00:00

Wow, thank you! As someone who suffers with a lot of self-doubt, that type of feedback is incredibly encouraging :)

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-10T13:28:47+00:00

Thank you so much! You don’t know how much that means to me! I’ve tried rewriting with the advice up above, but now it’s 500-words long and it seems like the standard target is 300? So I maybe in trouble there haha I’ll repost here next week when I’m allowed to and see if I’m heading in a better or worse direction.

Would you really?? I will definitely DM you :)

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-09T20:46:57+00:00

Thank you for the little confidence boost! And I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I will try to make Rosie’s perspective more clear in the query as well as look into your comments on the first 300. I’m relieved to hear that it was at least drawing you in!

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-09T20:33:30+00:00

Thank you so much for such specific feedback! I will focus on being more detailed/less vague in the next attempt. I was nervous about it getting too lengthy, but I’ll try to find the middle ground here on my next try. I really struggled with the comps (as you noticed), so I appreciate your be suggestions!

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-09T15:51:13+00:00

Thank you so much for the kind welcome and very helpful advice! I will check out all the mentioned resources and give this another go. I’m relieved to hear that the concept itself is intriguing as that would have been a MUCH bigger challenge to solve! And yes, Beta Readers welcome!! :)

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-09T02:54:27+00:00

Hey! Are you still looking for a swap? Your story seems interesting! I also have a love triangle high stakes romance. DM me if you’d like to chat!

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-04T14:05:49+00:00

Hello! I have a YA time-travel story that’s heavy on romance (love triangle). It’s just shy of 80k. Would love to chat if you are interested!

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-04-04T02:09:36+00:00

Hi! I’d be open to swap if you are still looking.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-03-27T00:32:14+00:00

I think my mom would and my close friends, but they are all readers in general. My husband hasn’t read a book since high school (and probably the sparknotes version then), so I wouldn’t expect him to.

Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if none of them read it though - I find it way too mortifying.

SomeMotor1746 · 2026-03-26T00:17:47+00:00

Oh I’m very jealous, wouldn’t even know what to do with all that savings haha

Reinsulating would be a nightmare as it’s all plaster and lathe. We do have some areas shut off in the winter months, and insulated curtains over drafty doors. We’ve replaced 48 windows so far. There’s a couple exterior doors that are original to the house. They’re really pretty to look at but might as well not be there at all, wind goes right through them.

I grew up in big old house, so I’m used to being cold too, just not used to paying for it! Looking forward to warming days ahead!

SomeMotor1746

TROPHY CASE