Interview with a Beta Reader

This week, I interviewed Amber Molnar, the most vocal of my beta readers. If any of my other beta readers would like to be interviewed, let me know! All of my contacts are listed on my website. Here we go!

BC Watts: describe your ideal reading environment!

Amber: My ideal reading environment is a bright and quiet place, curled up in a cozy chair with a soft blanket. The place gets bonus points if there is an animal available to sit with me. Have some hot tea and/or some ice water in reach, sometimes have some soft music playing, and I could read for hours.

BC Watts: Before reading The Dreamer, were you already a fan of action-packed, YA fantasy fiction?

Amber: This one is a little harder to answer. I loved reading growing up, but once I became a mom, I had zero time to read. It had been years. I cannot recall every book I ever read, so I cannot say I was or was not at one point. I pretty much had to start over in my reading journey. "The Dreamer" was actually one of the first couple of books I have read since I decided to make time. Since reading The Dreamer, I have read one other YA Fantasy and truly enjoyed it. Definitely a genre I want to explore more and cannot wait for the next "The Dreamer" book.

BC Watts: At what point did you feel like you were going to enjoy “Vision of a Kingdom’s Fall”?

Amber: The exact part that made me feel like I was going to enjoy "Vision of a Kingdom's Fall", is when I met LaTao. I felt the personalities of all the characters, but Tao's is so relatable. Her Mage test... I really liked/enjoyed the suspense. I liked that she was a match for her tester. The Tester was clearly struggling. I loved the amazing descriptions of what was happening.

BC Watts: Wow! That’s chapter one!

Amber: Yeah! LaTao really knows how to capture her audience's attention.

BC Watts: Without giving spoilers, can you tell me about a time when your expectations were subverted?

Amber: First of all, there was a point in the story where I totally thought you were going to do a love triangle trope. I felt a little perplexed… then was thrown off by the fact that it went in the opposite way. I misread the situation and was relieved that you did not go in that direction because it is soooooo overdone.

BC Watts: I know. I try not to be predictable. Is there, perhaps, another trope or overused plot device that you expected and are glad I didn’t use?

Amber: LaTao… I’m glad that she wasn’t written into the story just to be saved.

BC Watts: I feel you already answered this, but which character do you most relate to and why?

Amber: It’s definitely LaTao, as I’ve mentioned. I relate to her because she is determined to get what she wants. She does not rely on anyone else to do it for her. That rolls into that other trope. She’s tiny and cute just like me. Ha ha ha! She’s just overall badass and I feel like every trial I’ve come to in my life I try to tackle like she does.

BC Watts: What is the biggest negative you can think of about my story?

Amber: When reading it, it flows faster than I thought it would, but when I first saw how long it was, it was a little daunting.

BC Watts: So it didn’t FEEL long… but at first glance, it just seemed like it would be?

Amber: Correct.

BC Watts: What social media venture do you think would benefit me and my story?

Amber: I think figuring out a way to incorporate your work and your art into TikTok content would be very beneficial.

BC Watts: Of all of my beta-readers, you were one of the best at giving both positive AND negative notes. I really appreciated it! Have you ever considered beta-reading other potential authors?

Amber: I have considered it, but I just don’t have time.

BC Watts: What advice would you give anyone thinking of being a Beta Reader?

Amber: Keep your mind open. Pay attention to the story as a whole. If there are parts of the book that you aren’t a fan of, keep reading and make sure you give them positive and constructive feedback.

BC Watts: What’s the best part about being a Beta Reader?

Amber: Getting to see somebody’s artistic vision firsthand. As a beta reader, you can give feedback on someone's art and ask questions and possibly get answers. You can't do that when you just read a book from the library or whatever. Also, as a helper, I love feeling like I'm helping with something big and important.

BC Watts: Thank you for letting me interview you!

Amber: Aaaaaawe! You’re welcome!