Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Upcoming Spousal Writing Collaboration

Have any of you writer-types ever done a writing collaboration with a spouse or significant other?

The reason I ask is, I am trying to plan ahead and line up the writing projects I want to work on this summer after I graduate next week, and one of the projects on deck is a full length musical stage play collaboration with my husband.

Why is this such potentially hazardous territory, you ask? Well, on paper, it shouldn't be. Although Hubby is a physical education/coaching student, he is a hobby writer and often has brilliantly inspired ideas (I'm actually jealous of his muse, who seems to love him more than mine loves me). This play project is based on one of his ideas. He's pretty good at dialogue, but sometimes is a clumsy writer and is the worst speller on planet Earth. He also "doesn't do" formatting.

I, on the other hand, am building a professional writing career. I am a pretty fair writer in general, write good, solid dialogue, and I'm good at keeping story on track. I spell very well and I've got formatting down pat.

So again, on paper it should work well. However, we've tried collaborating before on shorter projects and it often deteriorates into chaos. We have a rock solid marriage - been together for 23 years and counting. But for some reason when we write together it's very volatile. We bicker and argue, heave giant sighs of disgust and roll our eyes as if the other person is just the dumbest lout in the world.

We are further hindered in this project by the fact that neither of us has written a full length play or a musical. Hubby can barely read music, but writes inspired lyrics; I can read music but can't write it, and I write fair lyrics (we do have someone to write the music, though, thankfully).

But this idea is so good it's begging to be written and I know we can do it if we can get through the creative friction and focus on the nitty gritty.

So, what do you think or chances of success are? I've posted a poll so you can vote on whether you think we're destined for success or doomed to failure. Cast your vote now!

5 comments:

Kathryn Magendie said...

I voted, but it must not of liked my vote, ever the cynic *laughing*....
keep us posted! :)

Terri Tiffany said...

Wow--it will be a challenge but it sounds like you both have some strong will and drive. You can do this!!

Anonymous said...

I think it could work. You would have too set up rules, and maybe a safe word! When I say "powder keg" we must stop what we are doing and retreat to different rooms for 5 mins. But if you keep your sense of humor and have lots of sex I think you could do it.:)

M. Bail said...

Thanks for the encouragement, ladies!!!

Angie Ledbetter said...

It should work since you have opposite abilities. Maybe if you do a he said-she said and only contribute to your own character's part, it'll smooth out. Good luck!