Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Clene` S. Elder on April 22, 2012 at 7:58pm

My "Nitty Gritty" has to do with writing collaborations...

I've brought this issue up to a few people and in a forum or two.  But, I haven't received a real answer to date.   So, here's the deal...

No one can be successful alone.  I've noticed that many people have benefited from strong collaborations.  Some have been hurt by them.  So, please share with me when you have decided to collaborate on a writing project and when you've walked away from a collaboration.  Tips and pointers are welcome, too.

I need to know because I want to ensure that I am doing things the "right way" (if there is such a thing).

So, yes... Hit me up... Let me know, please!

Thanks you so much!

Permalink Reply by Laura Brennan on April 22, 2012 at 9:16pm

What a great question!  I have two avenues for you to explore:

1) Actual collaboration.  This is what you're already thinking about, and sometimes it's great, sometimes it stinks.  I collaborate a lot.  Someone needs lyrics for a song they're writing?  A scene to shoot for their acting reel?  A writer to finesse the children's show they're pitching?  I've done all of these and dozens more.  The thing I've found with collaboration is to start small.  Some relationships will work out, some won't.  You are pretty much never paid upfront or even at all with a collaboration, so it's got to be worth it either in terms of a passion project or you just adore the person you're working with, and that makes it fun.  Keeping it small to start also means that if it isn't fun, you've just done the little thing you promised, and then you can walk away.

If you do end up collaborating with someone, you MUST have something in writing.  I don't care if it's your sister or your best friend or someone who gave you a kidney.  Get it in writing.  A deal memo just needs to spell out your expectations on both sides, should something good happen with the project.  Ownership must be spelled out.  If you're writing, but it's someone else's idea (which, actually, I don't do unless I'm paid - it's not a collaboration unless they bring something to the table), how are you going to copyright it?  Who gets what credit?  Spell it all out in advance and have your lawyer look it over before you sign.  This will protect you if the relationship sours or if your partner declares bankruptcy, for instance.  Which happened to me.  Get it in writing.

2) Creating your core group, your "class of...", where you're all at roughly the same point in your careers and you grow up together.  This is a fantastic idea and you should absolutely do it.  You may or may not actually collaborate with them, but you will all help each other out, brainstorm together, be each other's cheerleaders... and you all win by the relationships.  This is why writers groups are so important, but they don't all need to be writers.  I took a class on moving your career forward which deliberately grouped writers with actors and directors and producers and musicians and editors -- we were all rising together, but we all brought a different perspective to the table.  I have a friend who deliberately creates a group like that, called a Mastermind group, that meets once a month for dinner and to catch up on each other's careers and offer advice and support.  You won't love everyone equally, but having a supportive group is essential.

So that's my two cents!  Hope it helps --

Laura

Permalink Reply by Clene` S. Elder on April 22, 2012 at 11:45pm

Laura:

 

I LOVE your reply.  You gave way more than just two cents! :-)

 

I come from the legal field.  I believe if it's NOT in writing then, it didn't occur. LOL!  I thought ALL writers thought this way too.  But, I recently found out that is not the case.

 

Personally, I do not work on any collaborative projects (writing or otherwise) without a Confidentiality Agreement (CA) AND a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  The  CA protects everyone's ideas while we are all "cooking" in the lab.  The MOU irons-out who does what, copyrights, etc. 

 

I presented the aforementioned to one particular writer, and the writer had an adverse response.  I presented the aforementioned to two other writers, and they had an "all-for-it" response. 

 

I chalked the whole thing up to the "creative process."

 

This is the first time I've gotten this far with a collaborative writing project.  And, I’m pretty satisfied.

 

Now, as for creating a core group, I think that is a great idea.  I do not have the luxury of having a face-to-face core group.  I am a huge introvert.  I like people.  I just think some folks find me a little odd. :-)  But, She Writes helps to fill this void.  This site has created an invaluable network of people who care about the craft of writing.  I am very happy with She Writes too.

 

Thank you so much for your detailed response.  You actually put my mind at ease.  I thought I was being a little over zealous with the CA and MOU.  Now, I know my instincts were right.  Thank God for you and my gut!

 

-Clene`

Permalink Reply by Laura Brennan on April 28, 2012 at 7:17am

On, no, Clene', you are right on the money.  I always work with an MOU, and although I don't ask for a CA, I always state upfront that I'm happy to sign anything that makes the other person comfortable because I never talk about someone else's project.  Never. 

(Quick aside: I do believe you've got to pitch like mad to get your work read, but I would never pitch without getting the explicit permission of my partner on a project that we share.)

The MOU is also a good way to get a feel for whether or not you and the other person are a good fit.  If you don't see eye-to-eye on that - and if you don't both share the same understanding of roles and expectations - it probably won't make for a fun partnership, no matter how talented both parties may be.

You come from legal!  How fabulous!  See, I see that as a tremendous asset to your partnership.  Possibly because one of my clients has a lawyer who so screwed up the MOUs that they're essentially unenforceable... in my favor, luckily, but still.  I like the comfort of working with people who know what they're doing!

Permalink Reply by Clene` S. Elder on April 28, 2012 at 4:00pm

Indeed!  Preach, Sister!  I love conversing with you.  Your perspectives are so solid.  I can tell you have a world of wisdom backing your experience.  Please let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do for you!  I am always here.  And, if it's a private matter you can always message me. :-)

Permalink Reply by Laura Brennan on April 28, 2012 at 9:17pm

Thank you!  :)  I do so love this community...