Play Nice: Collaborations
I’ve done a few collaborations over the years. I’ve done some wild works with multiple writers working on the same story or interconnected stories. I’ve done more with just myself and another author.
The author I’ve collaborated with the most is Armand Rosamilia. We have slightly different writing styles, but when we work together, we meld our storytelling into a third voice that is neither of us alone. But we do believe some of our best work has come from these collaborations together. These include The Enemy Held Near, The Hidden Truth, and Room 138.
We are in the process of re-editing Yard Full of Bones for a re-release in the near future. I think this may end up being the cover for that one.
We’re also nearing completion on novel we wrote together on our Patreons called Split Between. The last two chapters on that one will go up July 15th and August 1st. More detail on that will be at the bottom of this newsletter.
I’m particularly excited about another collaboration I’m beginning with author Kristopher Rufty. It has been announced on Twitter in the past by the powers that be, so I assume it is okay to discuss it here. We’re going to be one of the partnerships producing a new Clickers novel out of the universe created by the late great J.F. Gonzalez. This is a franchise I have loved and I’m honored to be a small part of its continuation. Rufty and I are in the process of tossing ideas back and forth. I’m looking forward to working with this talented author.
The key to successful collaboration in writing is always the personalities of the people involved. It helps to not hold onto the story too tightly. Don’t think of it as your story, but our story. Approach it with a spirit of improv. When your partner author throws you a curveball that changes where you thought to story was going, then change where you think the story is going. Pick up that surprise as a gift and run with it. If it surprised you, it will likely surprise readers too. Whether you are a plotter or pantser, it serves to be flexible in a collaboration. If you really lean into the process, you can produce a work you wouldn’t have been able to write better alone. The closer I get to the end the more I find it necessary to put our heads together and decide the best way to wrap it up. In the collaborations I’ve been a part of, I tend to serve the role of continuity tracking. I keep an informal story Bible and embrace the editing and revising stage where things are smoothed out, connected, corrected, and themes are fleshed out so it looks like we both knew exactly what we were doing all along.
Pick up one of these collaborations hyperlinked above or below and see what you think.
Here are some things you might be interested in:
Are You a Writer or an Author?
by Jay Wilburn via LitReactor
This isn’t really a debate, but it may present an internal conundrum for those seeking to create with words. It touches on the notion of identity and self-image…
Author’s Note: This is a bit of an odd story. You’ll have to judge whether you think it works.
“Divine Wind”
by Jay Wilburn
Hannah Winston started as a soft woman married to a hard man …
Split Between on Patreon
I offer all sorts of great stuff on Patreon. This novel, the Vampire Christ novels, short stories, videos, previews and articles before others can see them, and tons more. Check out my Patreon here and become a supporter. That’s a lot for a dollar.
Thanks, Everybody
Find past newsletters here.