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?