April Update Book Dragons!

Happy Spring Book Dragons,

Wow! Time has flown by the last few months. I have completed my rough draft and first set of edits for The Book Dragon in March. This month beta reading has begun with ten amazing Book Dragons.

You might be wondering what is beta reading. Beta reading is where a writer will find a group of people to read their book early in the editing process. These people are typically within the age range for the book. They also have an interest in the genre/topic of the project. The readers will then give their feedback on the manuscript to help the author develop the story further. In my case, I chose 5th, 6th and 7th graders who enjoyed reading high fantasy stories with dragons. Once I chose my readers the fun began. I put together reading packets for each of them. Each packet is full of tools to help them in the literary critique journey.

Things I included:

• Welcome letter that explained how to be a beta reader.

• Blank paper for drawing or sketching.

  • I work with many talented kids who love to show me what they think characters look like.

• A highlighter and pen.

  • These are always fun colors!

• Critique questions.

  • My readers have never been beta readers before so these questions give them some guidance.

• My manuscript five chapters at a time.

  • We work through five chapters a week.

We meet once a week to work through the chapters. I always bring snacks and a super short fun fact about how to be a writer. I love working with these book dragons! Our meetings are full of enthusiasm and laughter. My number one thing I want these kids to take away from our time together is a love of reading and the writing process. Don't worry each one of my book dragons will receive a goodie bag and a guarantee to their own signed copy of my book once it is published. I appreciate the work they have put into my book. Seeing the story through their eyes is truly special. The way they light up when they are telling me their favorite characters or scenes just makes my day. I truly have the best job and working with my readers is my favorite part! I look forward to sharing The Book Dragon soon.

There are several other exciting events taking place in my writing journey. I would love for you to come on this adventure with me. For more day by day updates please follow my instagram and facebook. Thank you for coming along with me!

Momma Book Dragon,

Laureli Peters