Tag: collaboration

Co-Creativism (That’s a word now)

Guest post
by: Daniel Stiles

Authors, in my experience, and as a general rule, are solitary folk. Granted, I base this information entirely on the only author I know personally and spend considerable time with, myself. Often, I certainly do not enjoy my company, and I like to believe it’s the same for other authors. It makes me feel closer to them even as I despise them for it.

I find such a mindset understandable considering an author’s work can serve as an author’s creative child. A child must be guarded and protected until ready to be presented to the world as a full fledged adult. Only at that time can a parent step away to allow society to appreciate the brilliance that has been spawned. Nobody wants others to know about the problem child locked in the attic rattling chains and breaking windows. That’s why authors can’t have guests over. However, sometimes it makes two to create a child. All right, maybe it always takes two to create a child, but we’re talking about stories here. Continue reading “Co-Creativism (That’s a word now)”

The Benefits of Anthologies

This post is about an under-appreciated form of “platform building” that has a lot more side advantages than the ones you normally hear about. The concept of “platform” has become distorted. Originally it meant that you have a presence or recognition that will fuel sales. You’re a famous athlete, a major radio preacher, a business seminar star, a slut who sleeps with politicians: a ready-made brand for your work. I always said that a platform isn’t something you do or get, it’s who you are. Continue reading “The Benefits of Anthologies”

Making of Bad Book Part 2

This is part 2 of the ugly truth behind the pretty lie behind the true but entirely fictional story of the nefarious yet delightful and somehow oddly musical collaboration that lead to the writing of Bad Book. You know, it takes a great deal of words to say a very long thing like that. You’re welcome.

In this episode, Kat helps JD fight a mysterious rash that threatens the very fabric of the space-time continuum, and Stephen sends a message to JD about a looming deadline. Erica yields to Kyle’s advances before learning he is actually the evil twin brother of her lost ex-husband’s father in law, and Antrobus learns an important lesson about sharing. Some of those scenes may have been cut to make room for commercials.

DISCLAIMER: This product is intended to be dry-cleaned only.

 

A little help from my friends…

Ahhh, Easter is over. I have a sugar hangover that would fell a mortal man. I looked into the innocent eyes of my three year old daughter and tried to explain why a bunny would bring her candy in the middle of the night (she asked, she’s a sharp one). Strange thing, that. I don’t know how many times I have told the child not to take candy from strangers…but, it’s OK if it comes from a giant rabbit who breaks into your house in the middle of the night. Hmmm. I think she is humoring us. And it is a dangerous message. Almost as much as Disney (Copyright, all rights reserved, appropriate trademarks and kow-towing implied…please don’t sue us) convincing my daughter that “poison” makes you fall into a beautiful, peaceful sleep until a handsome chap on a horse comes and kisses you and you wake up and fall in love. Thanks capital D Disney. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, my head hurts, much like it did when I woke up in an alley with the taste of Robotussin in my mouth and no pants only to find out months later I had “co-written” a book. Collaboration. That’s what I want to talk about.

Continue reading “A little help from my friends…”