Jan 15, 2011

Will you write with me?

This is kind of weird, but I am at a stage in my writing where I write my best when it's a collaborative effort. I have begun 'collabing' with crit partners and friends, just to play around with style and ideas. It's been fun. I've even been working on a project with my niece for over a year, but it's totally under wraps.


Here's the thing, I feel that I am meant to collab with people. I think that's part of my niche. I don't mean I want to be the next David Levithan (although that would rock!)


Many people have told me that is a quality of a good agent. Well, that's nice, but I don't see myself as an agent. I look at a great book in the same way as a comprehensive meal. It's hard to make an amazing meal for six guests and have all the food turn out perfectly. Heck, I can't even time the entrée and side dish for a dinner for one. I am awesome at measuring ingredients and organizing them for optimum grabbing and going. I love doing the dishes and keeping the give-and-take flow going. When it's a friend and me making dinner, I excel. When I do it alone, I flounder. Don't forget the part where I like doing the dishes*


I feel the same way about writing, at the moment. I know I cannot have a career solely based on my ability to prolifically write half of a book, but I need that catalyst of another writer. I cannot be the one to add the pièce de résistance.

And so, my admission brings me to my potentially not blog appropriate request:

Will you write with me?

*Here's where you are supposed to remember the part where I like to do dishes.

My request is far more simple than it may seem. I am not asking you to write a book with me. we can discuss ideas and whatnot, but I usually start by exploring short stories and seeing where that leads. Writing with people who I admire is awesome, but I'd also like to venture into blind collabing with writers who I know nothing about. If you're new here and are interesting in delving into each my perspective, then it's perfect. If we're old friends, and you want the same, then it's still perfect!

Will you write with me?

Email me at jonarntson@gmail.com and let's get the party started. This is an open invitation. All you need to have is the interest to collab, anything other worries or hesitations you may have can be discussed. If you know someone who is of a similar ilk, hook us up! Everyone loves a good yente. I want to start building new kinds of relationships as I begin taking my writing career more seriously.

When we skype, this is what you'll see.

Will you write with me?

9 comments:

  1. Oh, I'm in.

    Oh, wait. I'm already writing with you. Hmmm. I don't think that my schedule will permit a second collab with you. You're stuck with what you've already got. Remember, you get what you get and you don't get upset...

    I'm in a silly mood today...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wait - I'm already writing with you... and we've only Skyped once! NO FAIR.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice beard! Awesome offer! I love this thing you are pursuing. Expect an email from me.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think this is a great idea. Hmmm....let me sit with it awhile, figure out what I've got time for. I do have to say that I usually hate Skype, but that's a personal issue with me...long story. Anyway, I'll get back to you. Good luck!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Is this like a mass invitation to a blind date?

    Happy New Year Jon (it is a little late, but not too late).

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are beautiful Jon! I love seeing you. I'm not a fan of collaborating, myself. It's just *not* my thing, the same way it *is* your thing. I hope you'll keep us posted though as you explore this avenue. I think it's fascinating! Plus, I want you to be happy and successful!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm glad you like the way it looks. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think this is about the coolest blog post I've read in a while. If I were a good collaborator (which I'm not), I'd totally write with you. For now, though, can I just cheer you on? :)

    ReplyDelete

:D