Mateen Reader

@SomeOkieDude @canopycritique Three years is impressive. Stories that stay with an author that long usually go through some major transformations. As a reader, I always find it interesting to see what survives every draft. What's one thing from the first version that made it all the way into draft four?

@canopycritique @MateenSales About three years.

4 drafts later, my dark fantasy novel A Plague of Nightmares is edited and ready for beta readers. No need for copyediting, I want notes on the story, characters, tone, flow, etc. Great for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Solomon Kane, and dark fantasy. #indiefantasy #darkfantasy

@SomeOkieDude Four drafts is a serious commitment. It sounds like the story kept revealing more of itself as you worked through it. Was there a moment where you finally felt, "Okay, now the characters are where they need to be"?

@MateenSales It wasn't really particular chapters I reworked, I added more scenes and ideas into the book. But again, it's taken about 4 drafts to get where I'm at now.

@SomeOkieDude That's usually the toughest part to nail. Readers will forgive a lot, but if a character's journey feels off or a big moment feels rushed, they'll notice. How many times do you think you've reworked Chapter 19 at this point?

@MateenSales More the character arcs and pacing.

@SomeOkieDude "79k is a sweet spot for dark fantasy. The premise already has me curious, Koba sounds like the kind of character whose choices can carry a lot of moral weight. Which part are you most hoping beta readers focus on: the character arcs, the mystery, or the overall pacing?

@MateenSales Almost 80,000 words. 79,404 words to be precise.

@LyndaStacey That's exactly the kind of setup that keeps me turning pages. As a thriller reader, I'm already wondering who knows the truth and who's lying. Which character was the most fun to write?

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ THE WEEKEND They all know what happened. I know they do. And you... you have to help me find the truth... Here’s the link: amzn.to/3BWveR3 #Psychologicalthriller #thriller #suspense #murder #writingcommunity

@ExoticManuever That's probably a sign of how much you've grown. The lessons become part of how you think rather than specific moments you can point to. Looking back, what's one thing you do as a writer now that your younger self never would have considered?

@MateenSales Honestly I can’t remember. I just know that I’ve learned so much.

Recognizing where you are as a creative is invaluable. After this weekends writing conference I can confidently say I am advanced when it comes to my craft. But there’s still more to learn but I gotta better curate where I study.

The silence after asking someone what they thought of a book you love is always a little terrifying. #BookTwitter #BookLover #AuthorCommunity #betareader

The scariest part of publishing isn't writing the book. It's hearing what readers think after they've finished it. Authors, do you prefer honest feedback or enthusiastic feedback first? #AuthorCommunity #BookTwitter #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #AmWriting #ReadersAndWriters

@cufarmer That's one of the best outcomes a writer can hope for. As a beta reader, I love seeing stories that not only survive critique but genuinely connect with readers. What piece of feedback surprised you the most during the alpha/beta process?

I've been receiving a lot of feedback, and it has been both helpful and encouraging. Everyone loves the story 😊 We always hope for that, and with Alpha and Beta reads, we expect comments on errors, plot issues, and what not. But I am blown away by the love readers are giving this story. To all those who have taken time to critique, including early draft readers in 2025, thank you!

@ExoticManuever Absolutely. Growth starts the moment we stop believing we know everything. What's been the most valuable piece of feedback you've ever received?

@MateenSales A selfish writer will never succeed.

@makbethel I felt this. The challenge of making something complex feel effortless is half the fun. As a beta reader, those are often my favorite stories to dive into. What's the idea that's currently giving you the biggest challenge?

Writing bores the fuck out of me, but I also love it. I think that’s why I like this format so much. I’ll get a big complicated idea, and I have to figure out a way to share it as succinctly as possible. Now I have a challenge on my hands!

@WriteByKadie Love seeing writers choose the path that sparks the most joy. What's the book you're working on right now?

Decided to write books instead of scripts. I am so proud and inspired by all my screenwriting/filmmaker friends! I feel screenwriting is truly challenging for me, but I am going to continue to write books. 📚☀️❤️ You all encourage me to keep writing. 📝

@Askole The title definitely fits the premise! Paranormal romance with a healthy dose of humor is always a fun mix. Which character tends to cause the most shenanigans?

Prepare for twists, turns, and plenty of laughs in "Shenanigans", where even the dead can't stop Kandi Cain's wild adventures! amazon.com/dp/B07CQQ89NS/… #paranormalromance #comedy #psychic #ghosts

@HyvnInWriters Fanfiction deserves good beta readers too! I always enjoy helping authors spot what readers will connect with most. What are you looking for from a beta reader, plot feedback, characterization, pacing, or a bit of everything?

@MateenSales This is fanfiction 🧍‍♀️

✨HYUNIN ENTHUSIASTS: ❗️ISO: BETA READER❗️ ℹ️ someone reached out to us asking for help to find a beta reader for their HyunIN Fic! ℹ️ If you’re interested in helping please send us a DM so that we can connect you to the author.

@bymeganwitt Celebrity boy x small-town girl on Mackinac Island with a struggling B&B? You had me at that. Which character surprised you the most while writing this story?

I'm getting ready to look for beta readers for the next novel I'm hoping to query. It's a summer YA romance set on Mackinac Island with the celebrity x normal trope and a charming B&B in disrepair. If this sounds like something you are interested in, let me know!

@erinleeauthor @SDDonovan That's becoming a problem on so many platforms lately. Have you had any real reader interactions there that made it worth sticking around?

@MateenSales @SDDonovan this site is full of bots?!

Have you ever received critique or feedback that hurt in the moment but made your writing 1000x better?

@erinleeauthor @SDDonovan Honestly, realizing that is a huge step as a writer. It's amazing how much stronger a story becomes when the characters feel fully lived-in. Do you still use character dossiers for every manuscript now?

@MateenSales @SDDonovan Well, I'll never not thoroughly know my characters now! Also, I had TONS of characters in my first novel and it was a first novel. What was I thinking?!