| At one point or another, most screenwriters consider writing with a partner. They're hungry for someone to bounce ideas off of, and they're tired of the solitude of writing. And that's how lots of impromptu writing partnerships are born. But the sad truth is that it can be hard to adjust to working with someone else, so many partnerships end as quickly as they began. But that doesn't have to be the case. |  |
If you know what to expect going into a partnership, and you know how to write as part of a team it can actually be a rewarding experience.
Chelsea and I have been writing together for almost four years now, so this article comes from experience.
Keep reading and you'll find out how to maximize your chance at success next time you try to write as part of a team.
Chelsea and I have been writing together for almost four years now, so this article comes from experience.
Keep reading and you'll find out how to maximize your chance at success next time you try to write as part of a team.
listen
The biggest sign of a good listener is someone who doesn’t interrupt. Let your partner speak their mind before you respond, and you’ll avoid tons of unnecessary conflicts.
don't Judge
You should find a writing partner that you genuinely think is a better writer than you. If you’re writing with someone that you think you’re better than, the partnership is doomed.
Compliment First
Whenever you’re giving notes on your partner’s pages, start with what you liked. It will set the tone for a productive conversation, and remind your partner that you’re a fan of their work.
Don't be afraid to look stupid
You need to be able to share any and all ideas with your writing partner, and you can’t be afraid to take chances on the page. Fear stifles good writing.
be willing to be re-written
Many writers struggle with others re-writing their work, even their own writing partners. This comes down to respect. Choose a partner you respect, and consider yourself lucky to have such a talented writer re-writing you.
don't get hung up on your own ideas
This goes hand in hand with ‘be willing to be re-written.’ You can’t take it personally when your partner deletes a line or moment that you liked. You can always put it back in if it’s that important, and chances are it didn’t work quite as well as you thought. Don’t be protective over your writing. It will slow you both down.
Carry Your Weight
If you’ve committed to writing 10 pages over the weekend, do it. No one likes a flake, especially when that flake is their writing partner.
Know yourself as a writer
Part of the joy of having a writing partner is that you have someone to fill the holes in your writing. Find a writer that complements your weakenesses and vice versa. Together you’ll become a super-human force.
be honest
While it’s important to be supportive of your partner’s work, you have to lay it all out there when something isn’t working. Yes, your partner may bristle at first, but a good writer (and writing partner) has to face the music when there’s a problem that needs to be fixed.
seek input often
This is one of the main perks of having a writing partner. If you’re not sure, ask. Have lots of conversations. Two heads are better than one. That’s particularly true if you’ve got a good writing partner.
embrace Change
If you’re working with a partner, you can’t be stuck in your ways. He or she might realize something big about your story half way through the writing process. Be willing to explore that. Honor all of their ideas (good and bad) equally.
be a focused Conversationalist
When you’re discussing your script with your partner, don’t get hung up on small details that don’t matter.
take ownership over your partner's work like it's your own
If you’re always keeping track of what they wrote versus what you wrote, you’re being too competitive and too possessive with your work. Take credit for your partner’s writing. Let them share in your brilliance too. That’s how you foster a good partnership. Everything equal, all the time.
