The Pitfalls of Author Collaboration
At one time it sounded like it would be fun to collaborate with other writers in a project. Now, I have my doubts.
It seems as if there are too many things that would cause tension during a project:
Unequal Energy Levels: I write like crazy. Even though I have a full time job, I can put out lots of writing. Others want to ponder and are too busy to get anything done to the point you are convinced they never will. So then there you are, a friend that you share a lot in common with you are in a position you may have to fire them. If I am disagreeable to get along with in a joint project, it would be most likely on sharing workload.
Differing Worldview: Some are politically left or right, some are libertarian or rigid statists. Some think dialogue should include expletives and vulgarities, while others do not, or have certain words they don't tolerate. Honestly, I am probably not very agreeable on this either.
The Money: How can everyone be compensated for their contribution to the work? A flat per word fee is okay, but what if the work becomes a breakout success? At least that is what every contributing author thinks about. I worry more about cheating someone, or their perception of being cheated than grabbing my own share. Either way, it is a distraction.
Promotion Afterwards: What if one or more parties do not feel the need to help with promotion of the work? Will all that effort be for nothing? If I see nothing good happening with a new release, I am ready to move on.
In all, I can't unconditionally recommend collaboration. I think it would be harder to achieve than a successful marriage. At least there is sex in a marriage, or at least should be.
--Den
It seems as if there are too many things that would cause tension during a project:
Unequal Energy Levels: I write like crazy. Even though I have a full time job, I can put out lots of writing. Others want to ponder and are too busy to get anything done to the point you are convinced they never will. So then there you are, a friend that you share a lot in common with you are in a position you may have to fire them. If I am disagreeable to get along with in a joint project, it would be most likely on sharing workload.
Differing Worldview: Some are politically left or right, some are libertarian or rigid statists. Some think dialogue should include expletives and vulgarities, while others do not, or have certain words they don't tolerate. Honestly, I am probably not very agreeable on this either.
The Money: How can everyone be compensated for their contribution to the work? A flat per word fee is okay, but what if the work becomes a breakout success? At least that is what every contributing author thinks about. I worry more about cheating someone, or their perception of being cheated than grabbing my own share. Either way, it is a distraction.
Promotion Afterwards: What if one or more parties do not feel the need to help with promotion of the work? Will all that effort be for nothing? If I see nothing good happening with a new release, I am ready to move on.
In all, I can't unconditionally recommend collaboration. I think it would be harder to achieve than a successful marriage. At least there is sex in a marriage, or at least should be.
--Den
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