by Amy Duchene and Elisa Parhad

Editor’s Note: On Twitter this Friday (5/6/22) from 12-1PM PST, Amy and Elisa will take your questions and discuss why our stories matter, even when we think they don’t. Log into your Twitter account during our chat hour and use the hashtag #KTChat or @mention @amydishes and @SCBWISOCALLA to join the discussion! If you aren’t on Twitter, leave questions in the blog comments before the chat! 

We (Amy and Elisa) are long-time friends and co-authors of Pool Party. Luckily, we had a stellar experience working together on this project, but we know that not every collaboration ends with hugs and a publication. Collaborating together for nearly nine months on this project, we learned a lot about what works and what to watch out for so that you can find success too. Here are seven tips.

1. Cloud collaboration tools are essential. 

Tools such as Google Docs or Evernote are crucial for version control. This is so much cleaner than trying to pass a doc/draft back and forth via email. Plus you can both be in the file at the same time! Eventually we landed on Google Docs, but be open and try out different apps to see what works for you. 

2. Pass the baton. 

When you run out of steam ideating or are staring at a blinking cursor, it’s time to pass the draft. This is one of the most obvious benefits of working with a partner! At times you will feel inspired to be the writer, at other times, the editor. Do what works for you in the moment and everyone wins.

3. Be honest! 

You have a unique opportunity to sharpen each other, creatively, versus working in a silo. If something could be improved, say so (kindly and constructively, of course). Sometimes, picking up the phone or meeting in person works best for more difficult conversations. But don’t just focus on the negative—the positive aspects need honesty too, and praise never hurt anyone. We managed to talk through some really big changes in the manuscript to feel out where we wanted it to go and how we could get there. 

4. Share the load and balance each other. 

Inevitably, one party will have a busy week while the other is slower. Or one person will be creatively on fire while the other is in a reset space. Help each other out. What goes around comes around—you’ll inevitably benefit.

5. Lean into each other’s strengths. 

One of you may be the ideation guru, the other the executor. One may be the expert rhymer, the other the grammarian. Play to those strengths! And, be inspired by your partner’s super powers. You just may learn by observation or even osmosis. 

6. Allow yourself time. 

Yes, you can work double the speed because: two brains, one project. But you still need to allow time to think, let the story rest and marinate, and to come back with fresh eyes. While we typically found ourselves on the same page, we knew that new directions take time to process and we took the time we needed. Many nights were spent sleeping on a problem, a rhyme, a line. It’s amazing what clarity a new day can bring!

7. Always find the joy. 

For us collaboration was a joyful process—a chance to co-create rather than work in a vacuum. Take full advantage! Brainstorm and bounce ideas! Ask each other “what if?” and “what happens next?” And be sure to laugh! Because, if you can’t, what are you writing for? 

Does this leave you with more questions? Like, how to come up with an idea in the first place? Or, what types of projects would make good candidates for collaboration? Maybe you also wonder what questions you should ask your creative collaborator before embarking on a project? Like how to know if you’re clicking, overcoming hurdles or solving challenges, and more.

We’ll be answering questions about our process and experience in a live Twitter Q&A on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 12pm PDT hosted by SCBWI-L.A. on #KTChat. Please bring your questions about co-writing and/or working with a creative partner and we’ll keep this conversation going!

For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.

Amy Duchene is a writer by day and by play. By day she writes tech marketing content. By play she pens picture book manuscripts and poems. She loves a play on words, coffee, and the smell of chlorine on the skin post-swim. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three orange cats. Pool Party is her debut book.

Elisa Parhad is a Pasadena-based children’s book author and writer. Her books include Los Angeles Is…, Pool Party (written with co-author Amy Duchene) and New York Is… (Fall 2022), all published by Cameron Kids.

Images provided by the authors.