I have always heard that you shouldn’t have family be your beta readers, that an author needs someone without prejudice and with impartiality to read their work. But I think that’s a big, huge misconception. Now, I know there are a few of my beta readers who don’t see anything wrong in my writing, no matter how wrong in might be (I love you, Mom!), but I am blessed with a family that doesn’t pull punches. Also they’re readers with a wide variety of strengths.

I didn’t realize how lucky I was to have such a large amount of my family helping me with my work until recently. I was talking to another author friend who was amazed as I start rattling off my list of betas and what they brought to the table. And, suddenly, I was amazed too. Amazed I hadn’t realized how lucky I was to have all of that willingness and talent right in my own family. Then, today, my amazing in-laws sent me this for Mother’s Day:

Isn’t it awesome!!!

And it’s just another example of how much amazing support my family gives me. So, for me, my family will always be the best beta readers. The best supporters. Because they want me to succeed as much as I do…and believe in me even more. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you all!!!!