All My Friends Are Co-Writing Without Me

Every time I check social media, one or another writer friend has posted about the progress they're making on a collaborative book. A lot of people seem to be getting in on this writing-with-a-partner thing.

(What Basketball Taught Me About Writing Microfiction.)

To me, collaborative writing sounds suspect, like something I wouldn't enjoy. But since I've never actually tried it, I decided to check my prejudices. I asked some writers what they like about co-writing.

What Co-Writers Have to Say

Finnian Burnett (The Price of Cookies) has been collaborating with Andrew Buckley (Havelock) on a series called Queer Tales of Shakespearean Proportions.

"Collaborative writing gives me accountability and a built-in support system," Finnian says. "Writing with Andrew means the work gets done faster because he’s counting on me. Writing by myself means the work doesn’t always get done because I’m my own accountability, and let’s face it, I run a pretty loose ship."

But Finnian believes that different projects need different approaches. "Solo writing means I can dig into the dark places in my soul and throw them onto the page," they explain, "without wondering if someone is debating whether or not to insist I need more therapy."

K. A. Mielke co-wrote a YA novel, Victory Lap, with Riley Alexis Wood. "I wouldn't say collaborative writing is for everyone," K. A. says, "but as a writer who thrives with beta reads, I love having the on-demand feedback that co-writing allows. Plus it's just such a joy to share in the creativity of writing with a friend!"

Benefits of Co-Writing

So a lot of writers find cowriting useful and enjoyable. Here are some reasons why:

1. Accountability and structure. This one is obvious, at least for me. External deadlines can be a boon.
2. Instant feedback. Someone will warn you right away if you're straying off track or writing yourself into a corner.
3. Moral support. Encouragement from your peers goes a long way to staying motivated.
4. Shared joy and excitement over the project. We all need community that cares about our writing, and who will care more than a co-writer?

Benefits of Writing Solo

Now that I've set aside my prejudices and explored the benefits of co-writing, here are my arguments for staying solo:

1. No instant feedback. Some people like instant feedback, but others find it stressful and even inhibiting. It can be easier to get words down if you know no one else will see them until you're ready.
2. Total creative control. You get to decide one hundred percent of what happens in the story. When you do get feedback, you can discard whichever bits don't suit your aims.
3. Mental playground. Ever since I was a kid, writing has been a fun solo activity. If it ain't broke and all that.
4. Solitude. What can I say? I'm an introvert. Writing is when I get to not interact with people.

Is It Better to Write Alone?

The answer is a resounding maybe.

How unhelpful. Also I'm kidding. The real answer is that it depends on the project and the writer. Know thyself.

Some beautiful and excellent books have emerged from collaborations. For instance, I Only Read Murder, by Canadian brothers Ian and Will Ferguson, absorbed me completely. The novel Blackout and its sequel Whiteout were co-written by a whopping six people. I know! Six!

In Conclusion

Before going into a collaboration, create a detailed plan together. Who will write what? Is one of you creating the story and the other doing the actual writing? Are you trading off chapters or characters? Is one person writing all the kissing scenes, because they're really good at that?

What's your timeline? How will you resolve disagreements about plot choices or anything else that comes up? Whose turn is it to buy coffee?

I can't tell you whether you should find a co-writer or not. My only advice is to think long and hard about your reasons for doing so and what you hope to get out of it. And determine beforehand how the process is going to work.

As for me, my writer friends will probably continue to co-write without me. I’ll be cheering them on from my solitary sidelines.