I’ve met bunches of other writers through all kinds of crazy connections on twitter, and one of my favorite things about meeting all these other wonderful people is exchanging manuscripts. I have to admit, I love getting feedback on my own stuff from fresh eyes.

But beyond that, I adore reading other manuscripts. Not only because it sometimes makes me notice similar things in my own writing–which definitely helps me, too–but because I become attached to these writers and their stories in a much more profound way when I’ve read their work when it wasn’t quite ready.

Most of my friends know I’ve been serious about the writing gig for a long time–ten years this spring. In that time, my original critique partners (who are still my closest and first-line CPs) have all gotten published. I have a nice shelf of books with acknowledgements, and I love it that I got to see those stories transform into what the rest of the world sees in print.

But I’m lucky enough to have even more CPs now–more great things to read, and more wonderful stories to root for.  Today I saw that a manuscript I read and loved months ago–but before it was ready for prime time–was picked to move on to the agent round in Cupid’s Blind Speed Dating contest. Check it out in all its glory here:

One, Two, Three query and first 250 words

I can’t even begin to express how proud I am. There’s something pretty special about reading someone’s work before the big breakthrough. It’s the chance to watch a great story morph into something amazing.  

How about you? Got a moment of great CP pride to share? Spread the love!