So it’s been over a month since me and @lukeofkondor set off on our voyage to write two novels together. And… wait for it…

The first draft is down!

Not only have I smashed previous personal bests for word counts in a day, there have been so many lessons learned already, and I thought it’d be nice to share those with you. Whether you’re co-writing with someone, or looking at finding support while you write solo, then this could apply to you.

1. Your Story WILL Change

Before we started this process we did extensive background research. We planned our characters, set the plotlines and knew exactly what we were doing.
Two weeks in and we realised we had bitten more than we could chew.
Not that that’s wasted effort at all. As our books are part of larger series we have a lot more to work with. But we both certainly overstretched with the amount we felt we could fit into a book. Even now, our 50k targets have capped out at 70k.
So be wary of change and adjusting as you move along.

2. Sharing the Experience Eases the Pressure

We all know the basic facts. There are good days, and there are bad days. In the 40 or so days that we were furiously tapping at the keyboards we both went through them. Great days when we could share how well we’d done, and the accomplishments we’d achieved. Shit days where the days were heavy and the words were few.
With someone alongside you it eases that pressure. Writing is a lonely endeavour, and just having someone to offload to can make the difference between a crap day, and an average day.

3. Characters Take the Lead

Ever heard a writer moan that ‘My characters won’t do what I need them to?’ Have you ever said it yourself?
Here’s my advice: ‘Listen to your character!’
Characters are organic parts of your ego, your mind, your hidden psyche. If they suddenly pick up a hammer and smash their girlfriends’ face in, let them! See where it goes. Your head is naturally tuned to stories and their rhythm, so trust them. Sometimes they’ll find a secret passage that you never knew was there.

4. Be Flexible

Depending on your situation (full-time writer, part-time, rarely) it’s good to be flexible. Whether that’s in word counts, time management, deadlines etc. Sometimes in life things happen. You can’t control it. So be realistic with your targets and the best way to achieve them. Our final word counts changed. Our stories took u-turns. We introduced characters we hadn’t planned to. Things can change. Go with it.

I’m sure there’ll be a thousand more lessons as we continue on this crazy journey. For now, first draft is down. ‘The Rot’, and ‘Lazarus’ are well on their way and are on target to be completed and published over the next few months so we’ll keep you posted.

Oh, and if you’re wondering how the crap we’re coordinating this journey, check out my previous article: https://steemit.com/writing/@kobur/how-i-m-co-writing-two-novels-with-lukeofkondor-advice-for-writers