Many people consider writing stories a solitary pursuit. If that is the case, is there a benefit to collaborative writing?
Though there is no rule as to the amount of writers a story or novel can have, two writing minds can work to surprisingly good effect — particularly with a longer format of writing such as Pocket Novels or serials.
This is because it gives a writer the opportunity to play to their strengths.
For instance, if you are adept at dialogue, then this might be the area you can focus on, while your co-writer deals with plot.
Another common practice is for the writers to concentrate on different viewpoint characters, so there is a distinct change of in tone between them.
Picking a character far removed from the writer’s own personality can often yield noteworthy results.
Teamwork in writing
Some writers are ideas magnets, and they can come up with all sorts of plot scenarios.
Others can bring those ideas to life on the page, relishing in story settings and serial curtains.
Collaborative writing is complementing your co-writer’s ability with your own.
It’s worth stating that the logistics of co-writing would have to be ironed out beforehand.
Consider payment, for example. Our fees are set, regardless of the number of authors behind a particular story. How will this be divided, then?
Even something as simple as credit lines may prove a stumbling block — whose name appears first? Or do the writers come up with another name entirely?
At times there might be disagreements, but the sparks of inspiration can often make two writers stronger together.
You can find more tips in our Writing Tools section.
Alan Spink I am a member of the “Friend” Fiction Team. I enjoy working closely with writers and being part of the creative process, which sees storytelling ideas come to fruition. A keen reader, I also write fiction and enjoy watching football and movies in my spare time. My one tip to new writers is “write from your imagination”.
