Lewis' Book of Reviews and Writing Advice

Team-Writing

Greetings, Ink Jars, Professor Lewis here. Today we shall be discussing writing books and short stories with other people. This can actually be a very fun and relieving process, but, as in many other cases, it can be the worst thing possible for a determined author.

So, have you ever tried this? Did it work? Well, I've attempted it several times and each has been different--most have failed to be honest, but it has helped me appreciate writing alone and has taught me some tips.

First, what to look for in a Writing-Partner!

1.) You must enjoy actually talking to this person. Just like a spouse, you have to be compatible in making decisions.

2.) Make sure one of you is NOT a SLACKER!!! I have been both the person carrying the project and the person slacking. Trust me, either way it's not fun.

3.) Make sure, as in statements 1 and 2, you can be open and comfortable with telling this person: "This chapter, is not what we're looking for," or "You probably want to change that sentence, it make it seem like Ella really hates chickens, but this whole book is about her love for Gerber the Chicken..."

Now, we can reach the next step. I should probably tell you the problems with writing a team-story. It may seem I'm repeating myself here and there, but it will all come together, I promise.

1.) You don't get to write all the fun stuff. I'm sorry, it's just how it goes. Both of you will get your time to write the great revelation, but its not always going to be you (nor should it be).

2.) When you finish your chapter, sometimes you have to wait LONG amounts of time for the other person to finish their's. (sorry to everyone I've done this too...)

3.) Sometimes, you have an idea of how the plot should go. You've arranged it PERFECTLY to be EPIC and you show it to the other person and they agree and THEN you receive their chapter and it has NOTHING to do with the awesome plot you had planned which you now how to scrap and start over! Sorry, if this happens, you're a goner, give up now.

Here's the actual How-To now.

So you've found the person you want to write a story with and they seem genuinely sincere about doing their part. Here's what you have to do: pick out a plot and genre to work with. HAVE A GENERAL PLOT!!! Yes, definitely allow there to be space for change--nothing is ever set in stone, but you should have a common goal you're working toward. Another note on selecting plot and genre: make sure you both actually care. Sometimes, the issue is that your partner is a very dedicated writer, but they have no interest in the story. In the end, they end up forcing themselves to write crap and causing Writer's Block which comes back to bite your story even more!

I would also suggest, come up with a system. You write a chapter--they write a chapter. Or something like that. This balances the work and also ensures there not to be too much of one character or style. (this also limits those of us who are over-achievers when it comes to things we're really excited about).

Talk about the plot. Literally talk to this person, don't just text back and forth about it. Whenever you see them, bring a notebook and ask for general plot points. Talking will give a different feel to the story. If you're writing a comedy, discussing the plot and scenes together will provide extra hilarious material (assuming that you have similar senses of humor).

If you're with this person, one thing you can do is write! Go every other, writing a sentence or two each. It evens your style and creates a quick-flowing, interesting experience.

If you're interested in seeing how my team-writing has gone, read Covered Correspondence. Yes, it unfortunately is unfinished, but it shows how me and my friend Steve worked together. The plot is all over and the whole book is very unorganized, but its pretty funny. The point of reading it would be to show you the kind effect of good chemistry and working together in person.

In conclusion, if you haven't tried writing a book with a partner, definitely go for it. It's a strange and yet special and hilarious experience.

Your Faithful Writer, Lewis