The second beta reader

The second beta reader's crits have been largely useful. Apparently I went comma crazy and as he is an English teacher, I suppose I'd better listen to that. I strongly disagree with some of the plot issues he's pointed out, but I need to let it jell a little. He's a smart guy and generally likes my work.

My husband and I received some birthday money from his fairly well-off mom yesterday. Instead of being responsible and depositing it and buying shoes for kids like the good grownups we usually are, we went to dinner.

It was money well spent. We went to a local steak house, a place we haven't been to in ten or so years. I ordered a small rib-eye and he ordered stuffed shrimp.

The first bite of steak was . . . well I would left with the cook if I hadn't come to the restaurant married. My husband was fascinated by my response. I offered him a bite. After he finished chewing he said (with reverence), "Heck, I think I want to meet this guy."

I had a Tequila Sunrise while waiting for our table. Funny how alcohol works sometimes. With wine, I know exactly when to stop (one glass). With the T.S. I didn't know until waiter came to take our order and I asked the same question twice. Apparently a 1/2 a glass is my limit.

It was over dinner, as we were discussing my book, when he revealed that he'd read my whole manuscript.

When did you do that?

You left the manuscript laying around and I took it to work with me.

You did? Why didn't you say something?

I was waiting for you to notice it was missing.

This should tell you how observant I can be.

What did you think?

My husband prides himself on being objective where my writing is concerned. Sometimes I really just want a "hurray!" from him, but his hurrays never without qualifications. Though his opinions are still suspect because I don't buy into the objectivity, I'll take this one.

Mary, I can say with some authority on this one, it's a really good book. You need to trust yourself a little more. You've been at this long enough to know when the beta reader is right or wrong. If you disagree with the crit, then you're probably right.

In case you're in need of a description, that's what a guy who's about get kissed sounds like.