All Together Now by Jane Walters

An interesting discussion was had during our last ACW writers’ group meeting. So far as I recall, the discussion didn’t actually relate to the question I had raised, but I let that slide. As we shared our thoughts, I knew it was an obvious topic for a More than Writers blog post, so here we go.

Much has been said, in so many different ways, about the loneliness of the writer’s life: hours spent in isolation with only our thoughts for company, striving to come up with the written goods. But what our group became impassioned about on that Tuesday morning was the idea of collaboration. One of our members has recently completed his doctorate and is embarking on a series of strategic conversations which will take his subject where it is destined to go. He knows, with an obvious certainty, that the only way forward is together.

Many of us writers are introverts and lacking confidence, to boot, which makes us nervous of even showing our work to others sometimes. But what about the idea of creating that work with other people? As a simple example, I’ve recently been involved in my church’s carol service preparations. The pastor had a vision for it which he would be more than capable of producing on his own; but he asked me to write a set of short monologues to be performed by a small team from the congregation. We have both been blessed by working together on this small project. Or how about the recent ACW publication Write Well?* Fifty contributors teamed up to produce a resource that is all the richer for their united effort.

Perhaps you have a brilliant idea for a book but are struggling to get it off the ground. Or maybe you have been working hard on your manuscript, only to be increasingly aware of gaps that you can’t fill. It’s only a suggestion, but maybe it’s pointing towards you finding a co-writer. Think of the successful careers of TV comedy writers and you’ll soon find yourself quoting them in their pairings: Jimmy Perry and David Croft, David Mitchell and Robert Webb, Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin. If you’re already fantasising over your name going first, then maybe this is something you will want to pursue!

I’d love to hear your responses and suggestions. Does the prospect of teaming up terrify you? Excite you? Let me know!

 * contact our publicity officer, Annmarie Miles, to find out how to order your copy – publicity@christianwriters.co.uk

Jane Walters is vice-chair of ACW and the author of Too Soon (Jane Clamp, SPCK). She runs two ACW local groups as well as writing retreats further afield - one of which is taking place next February. Find details at www.janewyattwalters.com