Comments on: Writing with a partner – writing better in less time

By: Paisley (Paisley Thoughts)

Paisley (Paisley Thoughts) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:15:56 +0000

I'm not very organised. I just start writing and the end result is always completely different from what I originally had in mind. The short story I entered in CI's competition just poured out. It's fun and exhilerating but I have a very simple writing style and I'm very laid back so no stress. There would have to be a very special relationship / connection for two writers to work together. A novel must be damn hard work - it would need some organising. Paisley (Paisley Thoughts)’s last blog post..Women

By: David Wright

David Wright — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:09:13 +0000

Definitely, I would advise in doing what works for you. VERY GOOD advice! thank you! David Wright’s last blog post..Serial and Milk: Available Darkness - Chapter Nine

By: David Wright

David Wright — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:08:15 +0000

I would definitely suggest having a clear concept of your story before co-writing with another writer unless you are willing to hand over the reigns for some of the creative process. When there is an absence in clarity or concept, nature dictates that the vacuum be filled. For instance, if I didn't have a very clear path already in mind, Sean would surely grab the wheel and he would be perfectly right to do so. The biggest challenge in writing with another is checking ego at the door and being humble about your own limitations when accepting help or criticism. This has helped me immensely in both my writing and my comics. As for editing, I would find one person or group of people who are in line with what you want to avoid the whole "too many cooks" thing. I remember a few times that three different writers would tear something of mine apart, each of them giving wildly varying critiques, oftentimes at odds with one another. I finally had to find the trusted few who were on the exact same page and understood what I was trying to do (and who also knew their stuff). thanks for weighing in. David Wright’s last blog post..Serial and Milk: Available Darkness - Chapter Nine

By: David Wright

David Wright — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:01:07 +0000

Emma - We've discussed very little of the plot. I like the idea of Sean as the First Reader and I want him to be as surprised as the readers where this thing is going. I imagine in future stories (or books, if this is a series) we co-write, it will be a truer co-mingling of ideas. Like I mentioned before, I had a lot of this in mind back in my teens. I will say that Sean is more than a glorified editor in this series, though, as he is truly bringing his sensibilities, style and romantic leanings towards this work and is influencing some of my plotting. I will say that we had a GREAT phone conversation about our stories and possible stories we can write together and it might be the most creative conversation I've ever had, so alive with possibilities. David Wright’s last blog post..Serial and Milk: Available Darkness - Chapter Nine

By: David Wright

David Wright — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:53:35 +0000

Thanks. And yes, it helps immensely when you have an editor who gets you. If you don't, your job can really suck - especially if you have a clueless editor (which I have been fortunate enough to avoid!) David Wright’s last blog post..Serial and Milk: Available Darkness - Chapter Nine

By: David Wright

David Wright — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:51:47 +0000

I wouldn't be anywhere nearly as capable as I am if not for the criticisms of my former editor and co-workers! Maybe we will think up some sort of collaborative effort involving readers. Feel free to weigh in! David Wright’s last blog post..Serial and Milk: Available Darkness - Chapter Nine

By: David Wright

David Wright — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:50:13 +0000

Well, my story machine never stays off for too long. It depends on how excited I am about the chapter or if I'm waiting for a reaction from Sean. David Wright’s last blog post..Serial and Milk: Available Darkness - Chapter Nine

By: David Wright

David Wright — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:49:03 +0000

Bud - thanks! And I agree, writing from the guy makes it worth so much more to both you and your readers. David Wright’s last blog post..Serial and Milk: Available Darkness - Chapter Nine

By: Emma Newman

Emma Newman — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:35:30 +0000

Writing is such a solitary pursuit for me, that the thought of writing collaboratively in this way is just so hard to get my head around! I envy you both the experience, I'm not sure how it would feel for me. I think having someone else to help with editing is absolutely critical, especially for a project that requires a tight turnaround as you describe here. My novel benefitted most from revisions several months after the first draft, but there isn't the time for that when writing to deadlines or competitions. Very recently I have found a wonderful 'writing buddy' online to help with this problem - we review each other's short stories, and having that perspective is great. Do you both discuss the plot before the first draft of a chapter is written? And I couldn't agree more with the advice to just get it down. First draft is for story, nothing else. Julia Cameron talks about the first draft being the one that lays down the tracks across the undiscovered land, whereas later drafts fill in the details of the landscape, the journey etc. But the first draft is just finding out where the track has got to go. I love that analogy, and it really helps keep the dreaded internal censor quiet enough to be able to write. Emma Newman’s last blog post..No longer my baby

By: Lori Hoeck

Lori Hoeck — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:21:40 +0000

My problem is my skeleton writing is so bad, it takes forever to put the flesh on it. I've dedicated my writing at my new blog to figuring out how to avoid such heavy re-writes and editing. And then there's finishing! My ebook needed two editors to help me finish it -- one family member who edited for streamlined clarity and a friend who looked it over and motivated me to move beyond the "almost done" part. My novel is now in the same almost done state of limbo. I will definitely find help for that much bigger endeavor. Lori Hoeck’s last blog post..The Blame Game of emotional predators