The Art & Science of Collaboration
By Tananarive Due - November 17, 2008
Most writers prefer to work alone, and I am no exception. A closed door is my creative sanctuary, as good as a mountain cabin.
But some projects are bigger than one writer. And in 1997, I met a man named Steven Barnes who would become my collaborator in every way—as a husband, a parent and a co-author. He is my sounding board for solo projects, and we also co-author novels, short stories and screenplays.
It isn't always easy. Collaboration is both an art and a science.
How do we do it? Very carefully.
Our first real argument—in a public restaurant, no less—was during an early collaboration on a film project. That was when I first realized that even a soul-mate needs special handling when it comes to sharing a creative space. For writers, the creative space might be the MOST personal space we have.
But Steve and I just celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary, and our bond has only deepened as we continue to grow into our lives as both spouses and collaborators.
How do we do it?
Separate offices. Separate literary pursuits, outside of our collaborations. Healthy respect on both sides. And a "tie-breaker": One us has to have the final say.
I've experienced the joy of seeing how one of Steve's ideas paid off in ways I couldn't see—the reward for allowing a playmate to roam my most personal space.
Sometimes, even a writer needs to open the door.
But some projects are bigger than one writer. And in 1997, I met a man named Steven Barnes who would become my collaborator in every way—as a husband, a parent and a co-author. He is my sounding board for solo projects, and we also co-author novels, short stories and screenplays.
It isn't always easy. Collaboration is both an art and a science.
How do we do it? Very carefully.
Our first real argument—in a public restaurant, no less—was during an early collaboration on a film project. That was when I first realized that even a soul-mate needs special handling when it comes to sharing a creative space. For writers, the creative space might be the MOST personal space we have.
But Steve and I just celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary, and our bond has only deepened as we continue to grow into our lives as both spouses and collaborators.
How do we do it?
Separate offices. Separate literary pursuits, outside of our collaborations. Healthy respect on both sides. And a "tie-breaker": One us has to have the final say.
I've experienced the joy of seeing how one of Steve's ideas paid off in ways I couldn't see—the reward for allowing a playmate to roam my most personal space.
Sometimes, even a writer needs to open the door.
