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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7837-The-Power-of-Collaboration.html
Drama: August 31, 2016 Issue [#7837]

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Drama


 This week: The Power of Collaboration
  Edited by: NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

From blogging trips to the Masquerade, there are plenty of opportunities to write an interactive tale. And when you do, you may find that you've just embarked on an interesting journey.

This week's Drama Newsletter, then, is all about writing with others.

NaNoKit Author Icon


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

At the time of writing this newsletter, I'm on the final day of a 30-day blogging adventure. "30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUSOpen in new Window. [13+] hosted a virtual backpacking tour around Europe for those brave enough to sign up. Lyn's a Witchy Woman Author Icon was especially brave, as she was our tour guide.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but it seemed like fun and besides, I needed something after the (amazing) madness that was "Game of ThronesOpen in new Window. [13+]. I figured that I'd be researching different places, learning about history, and art, and architecture, and stop by other blogs to drop off some comments – it's always fun to get to know other writers. Turned out the challenge was about all of that, but also, essentially, writing the story of the trip together! Each day, we read the other's blogs, and incorporated the other in our adventures. We'd build upon what everyone else was doing. Kind of like a blog-based RPG. And you know what? I'm actually sad that it's ending, because it's been a unique experience. I can fully recommend you signing up next time it comes around!

You don't have to wait until then to write a story with others, though. Right now, you can sign up for "Wdc 16th Birthday Masquerade PartyOpen in new Window. [13+] In the Masquerade, you get to play a character of your choosing, and have to try figure out whodunnit. I've participated in the game before. That time, I played a rock star who didn't have a clue why he was there, didn't understand why everyone was dressed so funny... and was that a hand wandering around on its own? After a clash with another singer, and the not so pleasant ending of a pop star, my man locked himself in a train compartment. I think the poor guy has yet to surface.

I may lure him out of his compartment for this round. I'm sure there will be lots of fun and lots of drama (it is a Mystery challenge, after all). With characters ranging from Tinkerbell to Boudica, you know you're entering a unique experience that if you pass it by, you'll end up regretting it and wondering why you didn't simply embrace the weirdness.

Of course, here on Writing.Com there are always opportunities to write with other authors. There are those who work together on a regular basis, creating pieces that are elevated in their beauty due to their cooperation. And there are plenty of Interactives in a variety of genres. Those work like one of those pick-your-own-path story books. You could even create your own if you wanted to.

By working with other writers, you may end up achieving something that you never thought possible. When two (or more) minds interact in that manner, who knows what creative sparks will fly? It's a fascinating learning experience for everyone involved.

That's not to say that there aren't any potential pitfalls. There can be clashes of creativity. I've been lucky in that I haven't had it happen, but I can imagine that if person A wants to head in this way, and person B wants to head in the opposite direction, and a compromise cannot be reached, then yeah, you have a problem and the project might end up gathering dust.

When it works, though, you can end up with something amazing. For collaborations outside of Writing.Com I immediately think of Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It's one of my favourite novels, covering what could be the end of the world in an extraordinary manner.

Other personal favourites are Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance Chronicles and Dragonlance Legends trilogies. Those are beautiful, deeply moving fantasy tales, each of which I have already read several times, and will no doubt read again.

I must not forget Stephen King and Peter Straub, and of course, going back in time, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm!

If you are interested in some collaborative experimentation, I recommend either dipping your toes into collaborative events or Interactives, or finding an author with a compatible style. Some creative differences can enhance the outcome – and is half the fun – but if you don't “get” the other's work, it's unlikely to happen.

Whatever you do, have a great time, and I'll no doubt see you during the Birthday week!

NaNoKit Author Icon


Editor's Picks

The Birthday Week is nearly upon us. That means that there is a wealth of inspiration to enjoy. Here are some interesting contests, challenges and activities:

Sign-ups open for another (non-backpacking) round:

FORUM
30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS Open in new Window. (13+)
WDC's Longest Running Blog Competition - Hiatus
#1786069 by Fivesixer Author IconMail Icon


Sign-ups open now:

FORUM
Wdc 16th Birthday Masquerade Party Open in new Window. (13+)
A role-playing party where you can be whoever you want and win prizes!
#2085940 by Tornado Dodger Author IconMail Icon


Opens on the 1st of September:

FORUM
What Have You Learned On Writing.Com? Open in new Window. (13+)
A contest to show off your new skills. For Writing.Com's Birthday Week.
#2093196 by NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon


An excellent new contest:

FORUM
Write from the Heart Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Write a heartfelt piece based on the prompt provided.
#2093224 by Purple Princess Author IconMail Icon


Open September 1st to September 4th only:

FORUM
The Chapter One Competition. Open in new Window. (E)
GRAND PRIZE 500,000 GPs, Awardicon, Publicity, Accolades. ** 2016 Quill Awards Nominee! **
#2093120 by Carol St.Ann Author IconMail Icon


All sorts of fun going on here:

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1875052 by Not Available.


Opens September 1st:

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1948893 by Not Available.


This one's all about the romance:

 
FORUM
Potpourri of Romance Open in new Window. (13+)
Experiment with different genres of romance.
#2052565 by LostGhost: Seeking & Learning Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

The Drama Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! *Smile*


Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,

The Drama Newsletter Team

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