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Blog Archive
CP Gets a New Meaning
Everyone who floats through this virtual writing community of ours recognizes the letters CP. And most everyone knows they stand for Critique Partner(s). But I'm giving them a new meaning – Collaborative Project.
Believe it or not, the inspiration from this blog came from watching the making of Music & Lyrics on HBO. During the episode, Drew Barrymore said something that sounded quite profound. To paraphrase, she commented that there are few things we do in our lives by ourselves. She was talking about how the actors and musicians collaborated on the film, but I realized the concept could be applied to writing.
My experience of meeting authors, hearing them speak, and reading their various blogs or online comments has taught me that few authors work totally alone. LaNora would be the one top level exception, but in her case it's more a matter of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
But most of us get input on our work from somewhere. Whether it be through our local RWA chapter, an official critiquing loop, or even just letting our mother read our work, we're getting input. And I realize that in many cases, these MSs of which we are so proud are not only ours, but they are theirs. They are a collaboration filled with pain, tears, laughs, stress and gray hairs.
I do not mean to imply that books should include the names of all those who contributed to their creation, but rather taking the opportunity to give credit where credit is due. Today is your chance to give credit to anyone who has helped you in the writing process. Think of this as your chance to write your RITA speech and your time is limitless.
For me, I thank my fellow pirates who inspire me, put up with me, and are always there with a flask of rum and a bawdy joke. The judges of my first and only contest entry who were nice enough to include the words "has potential" in their feedback. All the ladies of the OV group, most of which I was fortunate enough to finally meet in person in San Francisco. I have watched so many of them soar into success and I appreciate that they let this incurable slacker come along for the ride. To my sister and my best friend, neither of whom write but both of whom pressure me on a regular basis to write more. To all my friends from the Eloisa James/Julia Quinn Bulletin Board. Without that board, I would never have considered writing a book, never would have had the chance to sail the seas with these awesome pirate wenches, and would right now have a ton more time on my hands. And I can't possible not include our swarthy, English gentleman on this list. To Quantum, a class act if ever there was one.
To my most recent beta reader, Kelly Kristen, who sent me the sweetest and most encouraging email I've received in a while. The girl darn near brought me to tears. And to Loucinda McGary, one of the most generous and sweetest women I've had the pleasure of meeting on this trip. She gave me one of the best critiques I could ever imagine as well as feedback that I know will make my WIP 200% better than it would have been without her. (BONUS: Loucinda will be back with us on the ship at the end of the month and we'll all get to hear about how she just sold TWO MORE BOOKS!)
Add to this the pubbed and as yet unpubbed authors on the hundred and one blogs I visit daily. I'm still sure there are a million more (including Kim Killion and Megan Kelly who gave me the "vomit it out" advice), but we all know my memory sucks so if I forgot you, feel free to scold me in the comments.
Now it's your turn. To whom do you owe some much deserved credit? Who keeps you sane, helps you find that perfect word that just won't come to you, and tells you when you've written complete drivel and need to try again?
Books by the Crew
40 comments:
So true! I owe a lot to my CP, Linda Carroll-Bradd, for not only helping me with what I've already written, but challenging me to try something new.
My good buddy Trish Milburn, always there for the beta read.
The Hive Mind, who've always been my cheerleaders and my shoulders.
The Wet Noodle Posse, a group of incredible women with the same goals, again always there when I need them.
I'm sure I'm leaving people out, but this is a great post!
Shout out to the Vixens, who are both naughty and nice!
The romance community is really incredibly warm and generous, and you fit in perfectly, Terri. :)
Such a good point Marn, that we get so much help and encouragement from everyone around us. My critique partner, Melissa Johnson, has been invaluable - I genuinely don't think I would have finished this MS without her. And Sin for letting me ramble and whine and then help me brainstorm my way out of whatever corner I had gotten myself into. And all of the blogs that are so encouraging..... Yeah, I'm sure there's a ton more, but it's early, and I'm still working on the first cup of coffee.....
I agree that the romance community is phenomenal. Everyone is incredibly kind and encouraging. And Maggie's right; Ter you fit right in.
I definitely send props to my pirate buddies and Dee. You guys listen help me to untangle my jumbled thoughts. Jordan and Kate, for your invaluable critiques and incredible support. All you beta readers, you know who you are....
And to the hubby. Without his support, I wouldn't be able to do this right now.
Hey there, MJ! Thanks so much for joining the fun and HUGE CONGRATS on your incredible year. That challenging us part is so important. I think I need more challenging. LOL!
Maggie - While I was driving to work I realized I'd forgotten to mention the Vixens. How could I forget the Vixens!?!? Three of you have been with me from the beginning and JK gave me a terrific crit on my short story and made it so much better. You ladies have something special going over there which is obvious from all of your success. Here's to having that Maggie first sale party any day now!
Hal - It really is everyone around us, which is why it's so hard to thank everyone. Just the graciousness of the authors I've met encourages me to keep at it. Eloisa James really is the reason I'm here today. If I hadn't fallen in love with her books, then joined her BB, then met her and realized how great this industry is, I'd still just be reading for fun and ignoring the voices in my head. :)
Marn - Y'all are so sweet to me. Thanks to you (and Maggie) for the compliment. And I totally should have mentioned Dee! She's so supportive and generous and she too did a terrific crit on my short story. She's such a talent and super busy, yet she makes time for all of us. Thank you Dee!!!
Definitely the romance community and all the on-line friends (pirates, vagabonds, vixens, BBers, authors and soon-to-be authors) I've made over the past two years! You're on the top of the list Ter, along with Hellion and Janga! Thank you, ladies (and gentleman, sorry Q)!
My darling, darling husband, who just last night when I turned to him and said, "I need to get on that computer. I have a dialogue going on in my head." Replied, "C'mon guys, off the computer and out of the office. Mommy needs to write!"
It's really awesome to have a partner who thinks that writing (and reading) are important, vital activities!
Ter - I cracked up when you said you'd still be ignoring the voices in your head, but how true is that? If it weren't for fanfiction I'd have never realized I could make those voices shut up! lol. But I agree that without the encouragement and great atmosphere of the romance community I'd have never gotten event this far.
Oh - and sorry Terri - in my original post, I said Marnee, not you. It's too early for me. This is why I don't usually show up here until noon *g*
Irish - You always make me smile and I love reading your take on every and any subject. And you already know I totally crush on Mr. Irish. You shouldn't torture me this way. LOL!
Hal - No worries. At first I couldn't figure out how you knew what Marn was going to comment before she commented and then realized you thought she wrote the blog. But I take that as a total compliment, so no worries. LOL!
And I started out writing Drabbles on the EJ BB. It was like returning to an old love. I hadn't written anything in years, and it was just the spark I needed!
Great blog! Love the new CP meaning! (And I adore Drew Barrymore--great Pisces.)
Who would I thank?
Ms. Proctor, my 5th grade teacher, who opened my eyes to writing. And all the teachers who followed who improved my writing a 100 fold. Ms. Yount, for not killing me, when I embarrassed her to death at that REA Boone Electric speech night.
Dee, who is the best CP in the world, and who willingly drove to meet me halfway for critique group, just to read my stuff. Kat, my first CP, who gave me a laptop because she believed in the Lucy story so much. Sin, Marnee, and Terri for always being there with the right thing to say...and making me laugh. And for doing this crazy blog with me!
My non-writing friends: Holly, Susan, Pam, Tammy, Jackie, Nicki, Vagi, Irisheyes (though she does write), Julie...who think I'm a good writer and wish I'd finish something already and publish it; and all my writing and non-writing friends from the Bulletin Board, many of whom I met at SquawkRadio, who think my comments are even "good writing" *LOL*
Yeah, I'm forgetting several somebodies, I know...
I'm sorry if I'm forgetting someone obvious. *LOL*
There have been a lot of people instramental in keeping me writing when I just wanted to quit. I started out in fan fiction and almost everyone in cyber land knows my email address so they can just email me and harrass me about writing. I've been a CP and a beta for a lot of people, but I'm not keen on sharing my stuff. Dunno why. I suppose one day I'll have to get out of that, but it's hard for me to let go. The wenches on the pirate ship are fabulous CP's and cheerleaders and overall ass kickers. PM Lisa has been a CP for me for two years (Can you believe that, Lis?) and Stace has been with me for almost three. Gosh, I've been writing for almost three years. I can't believe it.
Dee is really kick ass. She is the bomb.
Gosh, I didn't think to go back to teachers. I'd have to start with Ms. Barnabee who was the first to nurture my love of writing. And Sr Eleanor deserves so much credit. She taught me so much and would make me (and everyone else!) write our papers again and again until we'd reached our potential and had the best paper we could write. I guess she was my first CP in a way. LOL!
And all the generous, funny, powerful, and supportive women who hang with us on this ship. We'd probably still write these blogs even if no one came, but it sure is more fun with you gals (and guy!) along. LOL!
Whoa, I definitely have to thank--first and foremost--my hubby! Yep, he's been very supportive, even going so far as to almost get himself fired for promoting my books at work LOL (long story). Sure, he gets cranky sometimes because I've been so busy, but that makes his support all the more valuable to me because I know he's there for me even when it's not easy.
On the actual writing front, I couldn't do it without the Vixens, who listen to me whine and give me great feedback and advice.
And then there's all of you who I get to chat with on a regular basis and who have become a very good and important part of my daily online world (in which I spend way too much time)
JK - Having people listen to us whine is so important, isn't it? LOL! And cranky but still supportive and job jeopardizing promotion makes your hubby very special!
I'd have to say my three most valuable CPs are worth their weight in gold! Our own Marnee has really helped me to remember that, HELLO, this is a romance I'm writing, and to embrace that. My friend Sarah has always helped me to refine the big picture (even though I killed off "her" character in my book :\ ). And my friend Kim has encouraged me to write for the last seven or eight years (which is a long time when you're 25!) and has offered amazing feedback on short notice. Love you all!
Also, as a lot of people have mentioned, the community at large is also very supportive, even if they don't directly help you. Like hanging out here--everyone is kind and encouraging about others' works (despite being pirates--obviously no one here is the type of pirate who steals others' work!).
Jordan - Sounds like you hit the CP jackpot. LOL!
BTW - Anyone want to tell us how or where you found your CPs? I often wonder how certain people find each other as it's so hard to find that person that really gets your stuff and you can click with perfectly.
It is shocking, when you think about it, that we can all find that one person who clicks perfectly when it comes to writing, isn't it? I found my CP through an online critique loop. I didn't feel like I was getting much help from the loop itself (lots of little grammar changes, which is helpful, but not what I was looking for). But there was one critiquer on the loop who really "got" the plot and got excited about helping me develop it better. We started emailing, and she sent me her stuff, and a few months later, we realized we'd both dropped out of the online group and were just using each other, which has been significantly more helpful.
I'm glad you liked my review of your work, Ter! It truly was an honor to read it. From the first sentence I could tell there was something very special about My Anna.
I had to really think out who to thank. There are so many people who have helped and encouraged me over the years. But I think that the top person is my mother. She's a teacher. And when I was in the first grade she fought against the people who wanted me to repeat the year and had me tested to discover that I wasn't stupid but had a learning disability. Then I'd have to thank Mrs.Forrest and her assistant Ms. Beard who tutored me and ultimately helped me grow out of the learning disability. I've now been thirteen years disability free.:)
Then I'd have to thank my Dad. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be alive to write today. I was eight and at a friends party. I was drowning. It seems like I was under the water for forever and then suddenly he was there-fully dressed, shoes and all- and I could breathe again. He's remained my hero to this day.
I'd have to thank my brothers. They know why.
Then I'd thank every english teacher I've ever had. I thank the WHOLE romance community. Especially Stephanie, Mary, Ter, and Marn.
And last, but not least, my Aunt Kathanelle. Who told me we were just alike even though I knew she had to be lieing.:) And then my cousin Nicki, who told me I could accomplish any goal I ever set for myself- and she really meant it!
Hm, let's see about how I have the CP's I have today.
Mattycakes hooked me up with Hellion. Hellion in turned hooked me up to the EJ board (back in the day before it was the EJ/JQ board) and then I met Terrio through the board. Met Marn through the blog.
I met PM Lisa though PFF boards on Yahoo when I first joined up. She knew the ropes and tucked me in her back pocket and let me follow along. I caused a bunch of trouble for her (none of my doing but I seem to stir up trouble even when I'm sitting still) and she still hangs out with me and helps me and prods me along when I'm dragging my feet. I met Stace through FF.net after she emailed me a review on something I wrote that started, "Damn, you've got major balls." I wrote back, "Trust me, I double checked. I have no balls. Just bad luck and a whole lot of imagination which gets me into trouble." LOL And we've been together ever since.
Hal - Great CP find story. Sometimes I think the CP connection is all a matter of luck.
Kelly - Your parents sound great. And that drowning story - you should write that in a book. Or at least write it somewhere so your kids will be able to read about their grandpa, the hero.
Sin - You may think you don't have them, but you are the Cojones Queen, my Ninja friend. LOL!
And do you remember Candi Land? Oh, we had so much fun in there. LOL!
I loved Candi Land. I miss those good ole days.
Hmm... Finding my CPs. I met you and Hellion at the RV site and I found the RV site after following folks from Fanlit. Then I met Sin through this blog and Dee through Hellion.
Jordan and Kate, I met through the writeromance critique group. I just lucked out there, I think. Both seem to "get" what I'm doing and Jordan is the queen of finding word/historical inaccuracies. *waving frantically*
Another shout out to the Vixens!
And the romance community is so diverse and inclusive that we've all found our niches and people we go to.
Aw this is a great blog! I have to say my mother, who knew from the time I was born I was to be a writer, she just never told me until thirty plus years later. My hubs-my hero. Harris Channing, Lori Sowell, Terri Heitz, and many, many, many thanks to the gals at Fanlit Forever. Beverley Kendall who encouraged me from the beginning. And to the best most fantabulous critique partners a gal could ever ask for in a million years.
And I can't end it without saying thank you for uber amount of distraction and entertainment provided by the pirates of RWR.
Renee
Marn - I'd say you and your CPs were meant to be. And I'm sure glad you found us.
Ely - You Vixens have something special over there. With all the pubbed stuff, the contest finals and wins, the agent snag, you gals are taking the Romance world by storm.
Renee - We're entertaining! How cool. LOL! I figure if nothing else, we're always good for a laugh or a twisted POV on something. LOL!
You ladies over at the Roundtable are pretty darn inspiring yourselves. The blogs over there are always informative, enlightening and fun to read.
I don't really have a CP, I have a friend I met in Pittsburgh at the RT convention who likes to use the term writing buddy. (She's uncomfortable with the idea of critique!) To Jane and the others I met in the Aspiring Author workshops.
And to the instructor, Judi McCoy, who nags at us to write more and surf less on our Write Now bulletin board.
Barbara - who convinced me to give up on the journal style and do it deep third. *giggle
And to Debbie, friend extraordinary, who is my biggest fan. And not in a psycho way.
And to dear Johnny, who inspired me to do it my way and don't fear going outside the norm. They're just guidelines! ;)
Lastly, all of you. Whose bravery is a great example in leaving the security of the wall and moving to the dance floor.
2nd - I was at RT in PGH! Okay, I was only at the book signing, but still, I was there. LOL! My family is there and I managed to turn a family visit into a writing thing. Ha!
And Judi McCoy is in my local chapter. She's one of the best cheerleaders and one of the most generous authors I've ever met. She's always willing to look at a writer's work and she has that never give up spirit. In the last year she's gone from losing her publisher and being homeless (pub-wise) to selling her latest mystery series to CBS! Just goes to show, even after you publish a dozen books, you still have to keep fighting!
Not a writer--would love to be one. Do journals count? LOL!!
Journal writing is calming. It's the one thing I can leave behind so I'm not just a name on some family tree in the future. It's my way of saying, "I was here; I lived; I loved; and made tons of mistakes while doing some good."
Shout out to Hellion, who always made me feel like a "ROCK STAR" after reading something insignificant I'd written.
Gratitude is grand...thanks, Terri.
Mahalo, IG! (I looked that up. hehehe) Of course journals count. And I love that reason for journaling - “I was here; I lived; I loved; and made tons of mistakes while doing some good.”
That could be a great epitaph too!
MWAH!
terrio! Sorry I missed sein' yer pirate self in Pittsburgh. I was there the entire week, had a good time, but was on massive overload when I flew home.
Judi is great and I hope to help her out in Orlando, as her Starbucks fetcher and doing some publicity on the new series... (She's talking about putting me in a dog costume!) (Funny thing is, I'd probably do it...)
The funny thing is, she's put you in it. You should totally get to be the heroine. That would be a much better costume, I'm guessing.
Better!? Maybe, but not as much fun... I always figure if I'm going to "humiliate" myself, it's better to not be recognized when doing so. La! Think of the freedom!
Actually, I offered to help out in my fairy ball costume... Fairy Dogmother, don't ya know! Less fur, more glitz.
I can't wait to read the new series! I love stories with dogs in them.
My mother was my first writing teacher, my first audience, and my biggest fan. And the first romance novel I read belonged to her. My greatest gratitude goes to her.
Like so many of the rest of you, I started to believe I could write a romance when I became part of Eloisa's Army. My only book would be the one in my head without the challenges and encouragement of that community.
Special thanks go to the RVs and the OVs, whose belief in me keeps me writing and whose energy, irreverence, and squee-worthy moments keep me young (well, young at heart anyway).
Extra special thanks are due Terri, Manda, and Santa, who said yes when I needed them to.
And, Irish, if you need a reader again, I'm just an email away. :)
Somehow I feel we need J here to proclaim with the originator's authority , "LYG, guys."
Terri,
NO, you didn't. LOL.
You're the best prescrition for making sure we live long: gratitude and laughter, the best anti-dote to growing pains.
Janga - The thanks all goes to you. You raise the standard of any conversation in which you partake. And like I told you, opening an email and finding a bit of your work there is like waking up on Christmas morning! LOL!
IG - YES I did! LOL! I'd heard it somewhere (probably Lilo & Stitch...lol) but looked it up to be sure I was right.
And yes, J should be here to throw in the Love Your Guts sentiment!
Hellion make that
Julie…who KNOWS you’re a Good Writer and wishes you’d finish something already and publish it already So that it can be a Broadway Play or better yet a Musical cuz really who wouldn’t love to see your witty lines performed Live… On Stage ?
Greetings my dear Pirates
Do you want the good news or the bad first?
The bad news is… you’re still stuck with me.
The good is… the tests cam back negative for cancer.
It’s still uncomfortable to type with my right hand/arm. So hard to say how long before I post regularly again. Uhhhh… I guess that probably comes under the Good News heading too?!
So Terri my new meaning for CP means…
“‘Can’t Post”! LOL
Julie
Julie! So happy to hear it's NOT cancer. Gosh, you must be so relieved. And you're just going to have to type with your left hand. Go ahead, take your time. We'll wait. LOL! Because this place would NOT be the same without your glorious presence. Hope you heal up soon.
Let us know if we can do anything!
{{{HUGS}}}
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