By Tracy Kiely
I’ve read
interviews with authors who co-write books and often wondered if I could ever
do the same. In theory, it sounds like a great idea. I would have a willing partner to discuss ideas and
scene set up. (The “willing” part of
this scenario is particularly appealing to me. I’ve found that family and
friends are only so tolerant about discussing the minutia of plot points.) I would
also have someone to offset my bouts of writer’s block and give me a kick in
the ass when my innate laziness threatens to derail our deadline. In my head,
my perfect partner would be a whiz at plotting – which is my Achilles’ Heal –
and I would lend my talent for dialog so that together we would create a wildly
successful series. Oprah would even host
a special show just so she could rave about our books tell all her viewers to
run out and buy them.
And, if I’m going
to go all out with this fantasy world, I’ll just add that my hair always looks
amazing and peanut M&Ms make me lose weight.
But this ideal
partnership works only if I am pared with a brilliantly talented, tolerant and
patient partner; a kind of Mary Poppins of the written word. And that’s the
main problem I think I’d have with a writing partnership; it’s hard to see what
I would bring to the table that would entice someone to partner with me.
And, of course,
then there’s the whole problem of what happens when it’s your partner who needs
the encouragement, the push, the creative kick in the ass? It’s hard enough to
motivate myself some days. How could I possibly also motivate someone else?
Writing can be a strange, isolated experience. You are in your own head for
hours at a time, arguing back and forth with yourself over a plot point, or
merely trying to find your way out of a meandering scene. Ultimately, you find
your answer (hopefully), but I’ve noticed that when I’m stuck and ask for
advice, I rarely like what I’m offered. The “correct” answer for me is one that
dances on the edge of my consciousness, and I’m not happy until I’m able to
grab it.
In other words, I’m
a nightmare to work with when it’s just me.
I really can’t see anyone wanting to team up with Team Crazy for more than a
lunch date.
But, if Mary
Poppins were to land on my roof with her magic umbrella and loads of plot
points, then yes I would happily team
up.
3 comments:
Mary Poppins as your writing partner--I like it! Although the whole flying thing might be distracting (and get in the way of getting some serious work done)...
As long as she didn't bring Deek Ven Doik to derail your dialogue with his "cockney" accent.
You started me thinking about appealing fantasy writing partners. How about Elizabeth Bennet?
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