Another problem is that it can be pretty hard to keep a collaboration on track using the method I explained before – largely because there is no track when you’re making it up as you go. When do you stop adding new elements to the story? When do you start wrapping it up? What about all those loose ends? And do you even know what’s going on?

This was one problem with our collaboration. It had started with a kind of crime mystery vibe. That’s all very well, but it’s an easy matter to keep adding more and more mystery, especially when you’re somewhat absolved from the responsibility of making good on your intrigues. You may not know what you’re writing about, but it’s okay – someone else can pick it up later.

Now, as much as I emphasised how friendly the atmosphere of a collaboration can be (and I meant it), there will likely come a time when someone writes something that you think is utter crap. Or (even worse!) a fellow collaborator may think that of your writing! It’s not fun to force someone to edit out what they thought was a great idea. This is where it helps to have an odd number of collaborators – at least you can vote on it! Plus, it helps you give or take criticism well. And, you can always console your friend (or yourself), that if it’s that great an idea, they’ve now got it all to themselves and can use it in something else. Still, such hardening stuff, though good for you, can be unpleasant.

And lastly (because this may often be the last thing that happens with a project), they can peter out and die, without ever being finished. After all, when you’re just relying on yourself, you know where you stand, and you can discipline yourself. As fun as it might be to discipline someone else(!) its not necessarily going to work.

I’m not sure whose turn it is on our collaboration (I’m pretty sure it’s not mine), but it seems to have ground to a halt. I am hopeful that it can be resurrected with a bit of persuasion to all involved, but it does mean that there are some rather scary unknowns left at the end of the process. I have no idea what will happen when we come to edit, for example. Whose responsibility is it, and will the more sensitive nature of editing cause arguments?

But for all that, I did enjoy it while it lasted, and I would definitely do it again. If you’re feeling a little demotivated, sorry about that, but maybe you can avoid these things if you bear them in mind during your own collaboration. You can always give my post on the advantages of collaborative writing another read  to get you in the mood again.

Now, I should say before I start proper that my experience of collaborative writing is a little limited, and restricted specifically to a “make-it-up-as-you-go” format. But that can be fascinating, of course, and I would recommend giving it a go at least once.

So, here’s the deal with this approach. Two or three people (the latter in my case), take it in turns to write a section of the story (it might be a page, a chapter, or something less well defined. In our case, it was what you might call a “scene”). One person starts, and sends their section on to the next person, who adds to this and passes the whole lot on, and so on (and yes, one of those people was Dave).

The immediately interesting and liberating thing about this approach is the massive unknowns that are inherent in the process. You do not have to have the slightest idea where a story is going to begin with, and feel no responsibility that the seeds living in the details of your work have to sprout later in the piece. It’s impossible to guess what the next person will write anyway.

This freedom will either mean a lot less, or more worry about the writing process, depending on how self-conscious you are. Personally I get some reassurance from knowing that the other people in the group are experiencing the same worries, and it makes that much easier to just start writing.

Another fantastic thing about this is that you are automatically provided with new inspiration with which to continue the story. Every time it comes round to your turn there are more new details and unexpected twists for you to pursue or ignore. It is constantly fascinating to see how others interpret little hints you leave, or pick up and develop what you thought were throw-away details. Of course, it can be just as annoying when someone completely ignores what you thought was a carefully laid out set up.

It may not be just inspiration to carry on the story either. Imagine that somewhere along the process, you come up with a brilliant scenario to occur later in the story, or maybe an entire plot. Now it may be that that never unfolds, but there’s nothing stopping you from using those ideas elsewhere.

And sometimes it’s just fun to do something with someone else for a change. Writing can often be a lonely experience, and working with someone can get you used to a few things you should be trying to do anyway. One of these is sharing your work. Some writers are a bit precious about what they’re working on, but it can be a real help to share it with a few people and get some feedback. Of course, this process is automatic when collaborating, and provides a more comfortable atmosphere with which to do it, as all sides are exchanging work.

Finally, it’s a writing experience, and as such should be embraced if you get the chance. It’s a fun challenge and can develop your writing skills in interesting ways. But, there are some downsides of course, and with time limited, you may also want to consider if you should spend that time on your own writing. Read my post next week on some of the pitfalls of collaborative writing.

What have you got out of collaborating with someone else?

It works by installing a bit of software that allows a specific folder to be designated as your ‘DropBox’. The contents of this folder is then automagically uploaded to DropBox servers whenever your computer is on, including any changes you make. Anything on the server that has changed is also automatically downloaded.

Where it gets clever is that you can install it on several computers, and register those computers on the same DropBox account. So, if I’m editing a file in my lunch break at work, that sits in my DropBox folder, it will automatically get uploaded. Then, when I’m at home and I turn on my computer, the document will be automatically downloaded to my home computer. And it works on Mac (my work PC is a Mac), Windows (my home PC) and even Linux, and files can be sent between these different operating systems.

There is also a web interface, that tracks changes to documents, allows you to compare them and roll back changes! Plus, a way of sharing photos between family members and friends.

Another use for writers might be as a collaboration tool – the same document can be updated among different writers.

Of course, some of you will be concerned over issues of copyright. I recommend you read the license agreement if you are worried. But, the quick and dirty version is that you own everything you upload, you agree that you own it, and you agree that it is your responsibility. And here comes another warning – it is not intended as a backup system, even though files are being stored on DropBox servers.

So there you have it. If you give it a go (or have done already), or have thought of another use for it for writers, let us know what you think below.