Marianne’s Comments (group member since Nov 26, 2011)

Marianne’s comments from the Q&A with Murdo Morrison group.

Elin wrote: "Murdo wrote: "I was amazed that, after many hours of editing and proof reading, I still found some punctuation and other errors in the book..."

I've read a few galley proofs and never found a comp..."

Not unlike a good 'beta reader', I think a good proof reader is worth his or her weight in gold!
Thanks Murdo and Elin for a really interesting discussion!

Elin wrote: "Hi Marianne.

Marianne wrote: "I noticed Elin asks about 'beta readers' - what are they? I assume they are friends who get to see the raw early draf..."

'Beta-reader' is a term peculiar to the int..."

Hi Elin, I didn't know this. Thanks so much. Very helpful. A beta reader sounds like an unpaid editor. Where can I get one ;o)

Hi again Murdo, thanks for your very full and thorough answers to my questions. I noticed Elin asks about 'beta readers' - what are they? I assume they are friends who get to see the raw early draft manuscript and give you their first impressions??

Thanks – I tend to agree with what you say about the working class Glaswegian/Scottish person getting their proper due in literature. You mention Alana Spence, about this time last year I heard him read a short story about the death of his teacher. It was very moving. He is indeed a powerful writer.
Cheers!

Hello again,
I forgot to ask you about 'A Hole Without Sides'(I hope I have the title right!). I believe this is a 'memoir'. It sounds very interesting. I think this came before Roses of Winter, yes? My question is, how did you find writing fiction after writing non-fiction? Do you have a preference? If so, why? And just read your comment to Elin - when you say you want to write something completely different, do you already have a genre or story idea in mind?

Hi Murdo
I enjoyed reading Roses of Winter very much. I wonder if the death of your father prompted you to write the book? If not, what is your attraction to this period? And like Elin, I'm curious to know if you intend to write a follow-up story.