I confess that I'm a nightmare to collaborate with. I once collaborated with an artist on a comic strip that was going to make us both famous, but I wound up trying to totally control the content and he got tired of working with me. Too bad--we lost touch with each other more than 40 years ago, and he wound up having a tremendously successful career as an artist.
I don't know why but I had a feeling four hands writing wasn't for you :) - For one, you write so damn fast, no collaborator could keep up, lol! Thanks for reading, Douglas.
In a way, I collaborate with hubby on the Freelan series. He got me started, was supposed to contribute (works full-time so rather limited availability), and I just kept writing ... and writing ... and writing. He reads what I write and adds edits and touches. He has also suggested things such as "send a spy there" that I have then fully developed. It's a rather fun ride.
It is a complicated process collaborating. I collaborated on a story with a good friend and it turned out well. We both have different writing styles and it took some work to blend mine to his and vice versa, but it worked because we were both willing to commit to the story over our individual visions.
I do agree--a lot of times writers have a lot going and diverting time to a collaboration can be problematic unless both parties are really "into it."
I think it can be a great way to see how other writer's internal processes work, but both sides have to be open and willing to put in the time and commitment to the story.
Thanks Craig. We have both written multiple stories with our respective characters, so we know them really well and there’s background we can draw on, so that helps a lot.
My spouse and I have co-authored several books and it all started with a personal essay called "Too Little, Too Much: In Search of Jewish Identity." That was our 1st joint publication, and we wrote it finishing each other's sentences, working on two yellow legal pads--back in the 80s. Ever since, we've edited each other's work.
We're very lucky: because we wrote together and taught together, we've been able to blend styles and one of our books has sold 300,000 copies and been translated into many languages including Chinese and Romanian most recently.
Can I introduce you to my friend, Rich Hosek? He’s author of the Ramey/Daye series, predecessor to X-Files, screenwriter with credits on Star Trek Voyager and The Fresh Prince.
He’s always looking for 3k word stories for his award-winning podcast, and I know you’d have something great for him?
I actually subscribe to Rich's "Insomniacs" and I listened to a few stories. I like them a lot. I'm not a big podcast listener, as you well know, lol. I prefer to read stuff, it's faster! But sure, give my email to Rich, I might have something he'd be interested in.
I confess that I'm a nightmare to collaborate with. I once collaborated with an artist on a comic strip that was going to make us both famous, but I wound up trying to totally control the content and he got tired of working with me. Too bad--we lost touch with each other more than 40 years ago, and he wound up having a tremendously successful career as an artist.
I don't know why but I had a feeling four hands writing wasn't for you :) - For one, you write so damn fast, no collaborator could keep up, lol! Thanks for reading, Douglas.
But do you think your friend tricked you into writing on purpose? Sounds like a keeper... ;)
I'm definitely grateful for the nudge... I might never have taken the step without it!
In a way, I collaborate with hubby on the Freelan series. He got me started, was supposed to contribute (works full-time so rather limited availability), and I just kept writing ... and writing ... and writing. He reads what I write and adds edits and touches. He has also suggested things such as "send a spy there" that I have then fully developed. It's a rather fun ride.
Great twist on Deer Tracks. Surprised they didn't notice Bernie when they found Morris, or had he had enough time to re-submerge him?
Excellent story - b
There was a blizzard...
That's cool and that helps a lot. If you start grounded it's got to be a lot easier than both starting from scratch.
It is a complicated process collaborating. I collaborated on a story with a good friend and it turned out well. We both have different writing styles and it took some work to blend mine to his and vice versa, but it worked because we were both willing to commit to the story over our individual visions.
I do agree--a lot of times writers have a lot going and diverting time to a collaboration can be problematic unless both parties are really "into it."
I think it can be a great way to see how other writer's internal processes work, but both sides have to be open and willing to put in the time and commitment to the story.
Nice article.
Thanks Craig. We have both written multiple stories with our respective characters, so we know them really well and there’s background we can draw on, so that helps a lot.
My spouse and I have co-authored several books and it all started with a personal essay called "Too Little, Too Much: In Search of Jewish Identity." That was our 1st joint publication, and we wrote it finishing each other's sentences, working on two yellow legal pads--back in the 80s. Ever since, we've edited each other's work.
I haven’t tried to write with Jim, I’m not sure our styles would match, but we read and review each other’s work.
We're very lucky: because we wrote together and taught together, we've been able to blend styles and one of our books has sold 300,000 copies and been translated into many languages including Chinese and Romanian most recently.
Can I introduce you to my friend, Rich Hosek? He’s author of the Ramey/Daye series, predecessor to X-Files, screenwriter with credits on Star Trek Voyager and The Fresh Prince.
He’s always looking for 3k word stories for his award-winning podcast, and I know you’d have something great for him?
I actually subscribe to Rich's "Insomniacs" and I listened to a few stories. I like them a lot. I'm not a big podcast listener, as you well know, lol. I prefer to read stuff, it's faster! But sure, give my email to Rich, I might have something he'd be interested in.
He’s working a book show with me tomorrow. I’ll get him your info.
Thank you!