Comments on: Collaboration and Co-Writing

By: Annie

Annie — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:59:46 +0000

Hi there, I started to co-write an adventure story – quite by accident, when a fellow writers character ( one that I quite liked and admired) decided to come and visit my screen, forcing my fingers to type things about him. I have never met the other writer and sheepishly asked if it were ok.. He thought it hilarious – so wrote a sequel to my story. Another writer had an inspired linking story to go with ours… and that is how http://captainjuan.com – or The Astonishing Adventures of Captain Juan all started. He now exists on facebook and has own site – where the three of us post a new chapter in the ongoing adventure every week. Its quite exciting, I love that the others see things in characters I had missed and we all compliment one another – quite by accident..
I have also co-written a non fiction book and had this published.
http://reclaimsexafterbirth.com

I think working with others really brings out the best in your writing, giving you new perspectives and new direction, also giving you clarity on what you believe.
It’s a valuable exercise – so if you haven’t done it – get out there!! You stop being precious about your ideas and begin to share and love what comes out of that.
please do come and visit either of my co-written work – love your comments!!

By: B J Keltz

B J Keltz — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:15:58 +0000

That’s my secret worry…that I would offend someone regarding their work. I like to think I’m tough, but I know I could be on the receiving end also.

By: BloggerDad

BloggerDad — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:05:05 +0000

Sean and I collaborate a lot and are working on something behind the scenes which will explore the idea much more.

All writers have egos. And we get wounded when someone slights us. The key to good, strong collaboration is being open to advice and being flexible and leaving ego at the door.

Ideally, you want someone who you are either in sync with or someone whose strengths and weaknesses compliment your own to make a better whole than the parts involved.

A good partner is someone who can tell you when your crap stinks and help you spin it into gold when possible. And you should be able to do the same with them.

Those are my thoughts on the writing end of it.

By: -- B J Keltz

-- B J Keltz — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:32:54 +0000

Yes, definitely have to be matched in effort, commitment, and time constraints to make it work for co-writing. I don’t know if I could do that for fiction at all. The collaboration… that I could do, I think, depending on the circumstances. I like editing, tightening, questioning (in moderation). I think I’d like someone to do that for me. I think a lot, but haven’t done much, lol.

By: Lady Glamis

Lady Glamis — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:38:30 +0000

I have never co-written anything with anybody before, although my father-in-law wants to write a book together. The thought scares me because I have no idea how it should or would all work.

Co-writing would definitely mean the same amount of effort on all sides. If that doesn’t happen, you need to communicate what’s not working. If you can’t communicate with each other, I doubt the project is going to go well.

I wish you luck! Can’t wait to hear what collaboration you’re doing.