By: Mikayla S. Moss
Co-writing is hotly debated in the writing community, and I could write pages and pages of its pros and cons. But let’s just dip our toes in to start.
Best case scenario? You and your partner have instant chemistry, share the same ideas, create a book together, and win a Pulitzer. Worst case? Your partner takes all your ideas, steals the credit, ruins your life, and then takes over the world. I am being dramatic of course.
Instead of going through every possibility, I will point out some popular pros and cons that I experienced in my own attempt to collaborate with my brother on a comic book.
Let’s start positive…
The first thing you need to know about my little brother is that he loves comic books, so when he came to me about writing one I was not surprised. I was a bit resistant towards the idea, but before I knew it my imagination quickly hopped on board. The next day, we were at the table exchanging opinions, which leads to the number one pro…
If you’re like me, everything sounds good in your head, but when it’s said to someone else it makes no sense. My brother was able to help me sift through my thoughts and tell me if I was making sense.
My brother is a guy. Who do you think knows about guys better, me or him? It doesn’t matter who you choose to be your partner; they will bring something different to the table, which means your characters will have more depth and will be more believable.
I put a lot of time into the comic book because I knew my brother was counting on me to do my part. It’s great to have someone who can spur you on in the process and ensure you meet your quota by the end of the month.
But not everything is all puppies and rainbows.
When we embarked on this comic book writing journey, I was in college and my brother was in high school, so, naturally, my writing skills were more developed than his. My brother wanted a linear storyline while I wanted something complex.
To put it simply, my brother stepped away from the project while I continued to formulate the storyline. Several months went by and the comic book was more mine than it was his.
When our visions didn’t match up, there were arguments. But because we’re family we let it go quickly. Something as small as the title of your story or poem can have intense consequences outside of your writing.
Whenever you’re involving another person, you’re taking a risk. But whenever there is a risk, there is a chance for big reward.
When I let people in on my writing, their new perspectives give me the chance to make my story better. A partner could do this for you in an even better way.
Creativity