I'm also married to a writer (a damn good one) and I thank my good luck everyday. He writes less than I do, he's more a "leisurely" author. We read each other's stuff and he is my first and most critical beta reader. If the story passes muster with him, I know I have a good one.
What a great bonus to have a writing partner who helps with plot twists, psychological motivation, and structure, particularly in a genre fiction where those qualities are as important as literary affect. My spouse, a neurologist, is a great proofreader and happily serves as a medical fact-checker, but that’s it.
Thanks. The only change I recommended that he didn't make was the one change the editor suggested--related to the chapter epigraphs. I did not once say "I told you so." :-)
I'm also married to a writer (a damn good one) and I thank my good luck everyday. He writes less than I do, he's more a "leisurely" author. We read each other's stuff and he is my first and most critical beta reader. If the story passes muster with him, I know I have a good one.
Isn't it cool?
We write in different genres but have enough mutual interests to have collaborated on a number of books, one of which has sold over 300,000 copies.
What a great bonus to have a writing partner who helps with plot twists, psychological motivation, and structure, particularly in a genre fiction where those qualities are as important as literary affect. My spouse, a neurologist, is a great proofreader and happily serves as a medical fact-checker, but that’s it.
It's definitely a bonus, and we've also published a few books together, one of which has sold over 300,000 copies in many languages.
You're lucky to have a great proofreader on hand because that is taxing, finicky work.
That, and I have many talents, but proofreading is not won of them.
I proofread my spouse's magnum opus and the publisher said "This is the cleanest ms. we have ever received." :-)
Amazing! It’s a great skill to have.
Thanks. The only change I recommended that he didn't make was the one change the editor suggested--related to the chapter epigraphs. I did not once say "I told you so." :-)
Nope, my husband isn't a writer. He is my self-proclaimed publicist, accosting neighbors on the street to tell them about my books.
At my old gym, people were constantly asking me when my next book was due out--even when I had just published one. :-)
My nephew is doing that to me.
Some people think we're on an assembly line, I guess. :-)
So it would appear!
Thanks Lev I also trust my spouse as a first reader. Her best attribute? She's not afraid of me : )
Maybe she should be.
LOL
Very Interesting read. And thank you, Lev, for sharing your own backstory in writing crime fiction.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I wish my mother had lived long enough to read the mysteries. She was a huge fan of crime fiction.
We're lucky to be married to widely-read, well-educated spouses.