In an earlier post I talked about Script Frenzy and how Charlotte and I are co-writing a musical. To make our script writing last until 100 pages, we've also started writing a TV series, which give us two scripts to work on. Two scripts means we can both write at the same time. And two writers means a 'write in'.
Writing is almost always a solitary occupation. While Charlotte and I write the same script, we don't work on it at the same time. It's the same with novels. Always we write on our own. And that can get a little lonely.
We found the solution to this problem however. This afternoon, armed with music, chocolate and two laptops, we sat down to have our very first Script Frenzy 'write in'.
Out fingers flew over the keys. The sounds of two tortured keyboards filled the air. Somehow, the knowledge that someone else was working just as hard as me spurred me on to work harder, longer and better.
Together we worked of hours, hardly noticing the passing of the time. Two hours solid work past in the blink of an eye. Two hours I never would have worked through on my own. A marathon of writing, made easy by the fact that there was another person writing alongside me.
Writing together makes things more fun. Script Frenzy will fly by as long as I have Charlotte working alongside me. Write ins are amazing fun, and so productive. If you want to get a heap of work done, work with someone else. It's amazing what you can do.
Do you like to write with another person? Do you find it easier to concentrate and get more work done? Or do you fine it distracting?
The only person I've ever really written with is my sister. For the most part though I tend to fly through pages when I'm alone and get slowed down if I try to work with someone else.
ReplyDeleteI often prefer to write alone when I'm novel writing. Having other people round seems to prevent me from really getting into the swing of things. However script writing seems to be different, especially when you're working together to reach a goal.
DeleteI've never really co-written anything with anyone. I think it's great that it made you work harder while having more fun. Makes me want to go grab a writing partner and sit them down beside me. I gotta get this novel done! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is lots of fun to co write a script. There's something about working together to reach a goal that makes it easier to work. Plus we never write on the same script at the same time, so when we switch scripts it's amusing to see what the other person wrote.
DeleteWriting is solitary work, which can make it tedious at times. I do agree though, when writing with a fellow author it makes things go faster. Them being there spurs you on, forcing you to push yourself. I always enjoy writing with my friend and mum.
ReplyDeleteI do hope your Script Frenzy goes well! I applaud you for having a go at it!
A Bit Unlikely,
Jack
Sometimes it's good to leave the solitary writer life and have fun with some other writers. I love talking with fellow writers about writing. It's so energising. One day I want to have a 'write in' with a friend or two. That would be so much fun.
DeleteI loooove writing with other people. I think that's my favorite thing about Nanowrimo. I almost never win, I just do it for the write-ins. :)
ReplyDeleteWriting with people is the best way to write I believe. There's something about having a bunch of other people all working together that helps creativity.
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