Yes, Susan is a great friend, writing colleague, and blogging mentor. But the little known fact is, she and I are partners in crime.
What have we done? Well, you see it's this way...Susan and I have teamed up to write a book together. Yes, it's true. And we are getting into trouble even as we speak, scheming and plotting and whatnot.
I cannot reveal all the details just yet, but I will tell you that it is historical fiction set in Colonial America.
Susan and I are sharing a few thoughts about this partnership in the form of a Q & A on our blogs today. I hope you will hop over to her blog and check out what she has to say.
Karen: Were you nervous about the project before you started? How about now that things are underway?
Susan: Karen and I had joked about the possibilities, but then started kicking around ideas. I was nervous because I never co-wrote a book before. As the book progresses, I'm adjusting to team writing.
Karen: I am still nervous! Susan has a lot more experience than I do, having several novels under her belt. I'm learning much as we go, and Susan is a great teacher. :)
Karen: What advice would you give anyone considering a collaborative effort?
Susan: Make sure you like each other. A lot. You'll be spending a lot of time together brainstorming, researching, and writing together. :)
Karen: I agree with Susan. I also encourage writers to check out this post at Pen and Prosper. Jennifer Brown Banks hits the nail on the head with great advice in Pros and Cons of Creative Collaborations.
Stay tuned! Susan and I will share more tidbits as our adventures unfold.
Have you ever collaborated on a writing project with anyone? Do tell!
Happy writing,
Karen
Photo credit: Lockheed -stock.xchng
Karen,
ReplyDeleteYou are brave for tackling such a project. My big fat ego would lead me astray. I wish you and Susan the very best. Let us know how it goes.
Hi Karen and Susan .. interesting - and partners in crime .. do you by chance live near one another?
ReplyDeleteGood luck - though I must say it sounds really interesting .. you obviously know each others' talents quite well ..
One day - I'd love to do something with someone .. would be great fun I think .. once the ego as Linda notes .. as been firmly put away.
Enjoy yourselves .. cheers Hilary
Howdy, Partner -
ReplyDeleteI'm confusing people. They're wondering, "Are they writing a mystery? A western?" LOL!
I must have been very tired when I wrote some of those answers. Yes, the eternal editor is kicking in. :)
Now that we've announced this project, I guess we'll have to finish this book. A little accountability is good for the soul.
Blessings,
Susan
Good luck with the project! I'd be nervous about co-writing a book as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool. I had no idea you two were collaborating like this.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Linda,
ReplyDeleteHadn't thought about it as brave, just something we thought would be interesting to tackle. lol As for egos, well, they've been held at bay so far...:P
Hilary,
I think you would bring a lot to the table if you were to collaborate with someone! :)
Susan,
Well, if we keep them guessing a bit it'll just make it more interesting I suppose. :) Yes, accountability, a good thing!
Alex,
Thanks! At this point, the nerves are less than the pressure to get moving on my chapter!
Wendy,
We are excited about it, and I am sure we'll have some stories to tell when we are finished!
Blessings,
Karen
Have fun with your project!! I co-authored a trail brochure years ago. I remember it as a fun process.
ReplyDeleteNot me. It takes a special talent and mentality to team up and write something. I don't think I could do it. But I'm glad to see it working for you two. Best wishes for your success!
ReplyDeleteI wish you guys lots of creative vibes! Becca and I are working on a Non-Fiction book and it would not work if we didn't have the respect and trust we have for one another. But, when you have those things, working together on a project is probably one of the best feelings in the world...as I'm sure you both know!
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Hi Susan and Karen. You two are indeed brave women to co-write a book. Best wishes for the success of the book.
ReplyDeleteThis is cool beans! Best to you both. Can't wait to read the updates and maybe some "sneak previews"?
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting! How cool is that, two of my favorite bloggers working together on a book, awesome! May you guys be an inspiration to many... sorry... girls
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think collaboration can be, as long as you have the right partner.
Stephen,
You know, there are certain projects that I would prefer to do alone, but then some, like this one, that I like a good partner in crime!
Angela,
I must say, you and Becca make a great team! Thanks so much, and best wishes to you two for success!
Rachna,
Thank you very much! I don't know if I feel brave as much as excited and nervous, but if you say so, I will go with brave...:)
Carol,
I had to laugh at your phrase "cool beans". My daughter says that a lot, so you must be among the coolest of people I know too. Thanks so much. :)
Marja,
You are so sweet! And a blessing too, thanks a bunch!
Thanks all, for your support!
Blessings,
Karen
What an amazing undertaking. You girls will produce something incredible!! Can't wait to see what this brings.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! The thing I'm curious about is how you blend your voices. That seems daunting to me. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is very exciting! I hope the writing process is fun, productive, and a great experience!
ReplyDeleteHeather,
ReplyDeleteThank you, and thanks for your vote of confidence. Will keep you posted!
Sarah,
Good question. I think we have similar styles and we are working to blend things as we speak.
Lydia,
We are excited too! It has been fun, a little daunting, but fun!
Blessings,
Karen
I am so excited for you both! 2 beautiful souls working on a project together! It will be an awesome book!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Two of my favorite bloggers writing a book together!!! I can't wait to read updates:)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great project! I can't wait to read the updates. Blessings on your endeavor!
ReplyDeleteAlisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! You are so sweet! :) Your support is appreciated!
Terri,
Oh, you're a sweet one too! Love you and your blog too.
Susie,
It has been good. A little challenging, but what endeavor like this isn't?
Blessings,
Karen
Congratulations on the new project with Susan, Karen! I have a friend who writes collaborative fiction often (and wrote a guest post for me awhile back). I look forward to hearing more as your project unfolds.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's wonderful! I've read books by collaborative writers and found that they can really bring out the fullness of different characters.
ReplyDeleteIn my own experience, the only collaborative writing I've done was for classes I've taken, and while playing "Pass the Story, Please" with my kids and in writing class - but those stories usually end up being pretty short and silly.
So this is what you have been up to? I like Colonial American. Catching up my friend, hope your week has progressed the way you expected. :)
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'll have to look up that guest post for additional tips!
Tyrean,
We're learning a lot as we go, that's for sure! It really is like "pass the story"!
Jules,
Yes, this would be the main project! Glad you are making progress on your project too. :)
Blessings,
Karen
Congratulations on your decision. I look forward to hearing more about this project.
ReplyDeleteHow fun, you two!! Wow! You shocked the socks off of me. I'd deliver you a mocha posthaste if I could, just to keep that creative fire burning. Consider yourself thoroughly coffeed in spirit, okay? And keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteYou rock!
Grinning,
Rhonda
I knew it! I knew it! You two are in cahoots!!!! I want to be in cahoots too, cuz the both of you are such great fun.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kathleen
Cecelia,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. :) Will keep you posted.
Rhonda,
Actually, that's what I was trying to do...shock your socks. LOL I will pass on the coffee to Susan too, thanks a bunch!
Kathleen,
Thanks so much! You are great fun too!
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteWe've got quite a cheering section! Thanks to everyone for their encouragement. :)
We could also use lots of PRAYER!
Blessings,
Susan