Allyson, one of the members of my Monday writers group provides great, smart feedback, and AFAIK isn't a member of fandom, though she watches a lot of fandom-creating shows (Buffy, Farscape, Battlestar Galactica, etc.). I can't guarantee that she'd be willing to help you out, but I could ask her if you want.

Mine won't grok word one.

Hmm. Who is your target audience? Is it fandom? Do you think they'll feel shot at?

BNF

Which is horrifically painful to write. I keep putting it away.

What about the happier parts of it--like you moving to L.A., etc.?

Do you have the small acts of charity? I'm not thinking of event sized stuff, or even Nilly fest (You must have that, right) but like the gifts, and helpful acts between friends?

I need to find someone outside fandom who is willing to beta read. I dont know anyone outside of fandom.

I don't know if I count for outside of fandom since I don't get into as much as most everyone. I'm free to (be you and me) beta if you'd like.

The only fandom I'm around these days is here, Allyson, and I've otherwise never really been involved in modern fandom, unless you count sending Firefly postcards and money for the ad. I was heavily involved in sf convention fandom in the '70s and early '80s, but I walked away and pretty much never looked back. I'd be happy to look at if you think I'm neutral enough.

Who is your target audience?

No idea.

Is it fandom?

Anyone who's ever been a fan of something, so that's really everyone. And People Who Talk to Other People on the Internet.

Do you think they'll feel shot at?

Someone always feels shot at.

Anyone who's ever been a fan of something, so that's really everyone.

If it's really everyone, then your family's inability to understand -- is that a problem?

Someone always feels shot at.

And if too many people feel shot at, the book doesn't go anywhere. So you have to balance your motivations.

If it's really everyone, then your family's inability to understand -- is that a problem?

My family won't be able to get past the me of it. At all. They won't get past, "so this woman came to live with you and you didn't know her?"

That's where it ends for mom and pop.

And if too many people feel shot at, the book doesn't go anywhere. So you have to balance your motivations

I don't really know who would feel shot at. What I mean is, some folks search for ways to be victims, and I can't do anything about that. I'm very careful about this being my experience, and that in my experience some people are assholes.

I really and truly feel that I've been more protective of fandom than angry about fandom.

Allyson, may I read it?

Sure. Profile addie?