I have this idea and I’m not sure if it’s interesting to other writers. I’d love to bounce it off you guys. Now, what I’m looking for is a general impressions of whether something like this might interest you. (And fair warning, if you’re not interested in collaborative writing or writing short fiction, there’s no need to respond. I know the majority of writers here aren’t and don’t know why you possibly would be. And as much as I respect your opinion, I’m not asking for feedback on the merits or appeal of this kind of writing. Just, if you’re interested in this form of fiction, would something like this appeal to you?)
Okay that being said, what I’m working on is creating a YA, paranormal online soap that I want to develop as a venue for other writers. You see, I realize that I’m mostly interested in (and my background stems from) producing. I write, but I prefer producing and editing more (I’m just odd that way, I suppose). And so, I’d like to work on a project that plays to my strengths but could also help other writers in the process too.
My thought was to create this world and a set of characters and an overarching storyline and work with a group of writers (who dig the characters and this world as well) and we’d write this ongoing serialized story that would really bring this world alive. Now, the catch is that each writer would be given an episode that has 3 segments with rough scenarios of what should happen in each scene. Depending on the interests of the writers involved, they might come up with the scenarios themselves or it might be assigned to them. A scenario could be as simple as “Cameron & Rachel’s relationship is getting rockier and they get into a fight.” Or it might be more elaborate because it advances the overall “A” storyline (i.e.; The Big Fight with the darker forces) or needs to feed into a sub-plot or character arc. Regardless, I think with 3 segments per episode, each writer would get to work with a variety of characters and on a variety of scenarios (ranging from humorous to intensely dramatic, love scenes to fight scenes) and this would keep the assignments interesting.
So, what’s in it for the writers? I hear you asking this already.
Well, shared profits of course, but making a lot of money off something like this would be highly unlikely, but not necessarily impossible (I found some great syndication possibilities). I think from the writer’s perspective, each episode could be treated almost like a writing exercise where you’d have a cast of characters and scenarios to choose from. Then, you’d just be expected to have fun with it. As a producer, I could take any raw stuff and help you polish it up. Since it’s a joint project, whatever helps make the work more entertaining and engaging, we’ll do. (Note - If I did help edit, it would only be for pacing, clarity, and world-building consistency, not for voice. You'd have final approval of any suggested changes. Think of it as a different form of SYW.) Also, by treating the episodes like writing exercises there’s less pressure on you as the writer to feel like you have to make everything spectacular so I don't think it would take away creatively from your own work, and “wow!” how cool would it be if your flash, character sketches, or writing exercises helped you build an audience? I think that’s pretty cool.J
Anyway, for those of you out there looking for ways to improve your writing or ways to stretch yourselves, would something like this appeal to you? I’m not necessarily recruiting at this point because the project is still very much in the germination phase. But in theory, would you want to be a part of something like this to give yourself a chance to branch out while you grew as a writer?
*Btw, I can post a very rough pitch for the idea, if anyone’s seriously interested in participating. Or you can always PM me, which might be a better way to go.
Okay that being said, what I’m working on is creating a YA, paranormal online soap that I want to develop as a venue for other writers. You see, I realize that I’m mostly interested in (and my background stems from) producing. I write, but I prefer producing and editing more (I’m just odd that way, I suppose). And so, I’d like to work on a project that plays to my strengths but could also help other writers in the process too.
My thought was to create this world and a set of characters and an overarching storyline and work with a group of writers (who dig the characters and this world as well) and we’d write this ongoing serialized story that would really bring this world alive. Now, the catch is that each writer would be given an episode that has 3 segments with rough scenarios of what should happen in each scene. Depending on the interests of the writers involved, they might come up with the scenarios themselves or it might be assigned to them. A scenario could be as simple as “Cameron & Rachel’s relationship is getting rockier and they get into a fight.” Or it might be more elaborate because it advances the overall “A” storyline (i.e.; The Big Fight with the darker forces) or needs to feed into a sub-plot or character arc. Regardless, I think with 3 segments per episode, each writer would get to work with a variety of characters and on a variety of scenarios (ranging from humorous to intensely dramatic, love scenes to fight scenes) and this would keep the assignments interesting.
So, what’s in it for the writers? I hear you asking this already.
Well, shared profits of course, but making a lot of money off something like this would be highly unlikely, but not necessarily impossible (I found some great syndication possibilities). I think from the writer’s perspective, each episode could be treated almost like a writing exercise where you’d have a cast of characters and scenarios to choose from. Then, you’d just be expected to have fun with it. As a producer, I could take any raw stuff and help you polish it up. Since it’s a joint project, whatever helps make the work more entertaining and engaging, we’ll do. (Note - If I did help edit, it would only be for pacing, clarity, and world-building consistency, not for voice. You'd have final approval of any suggested changes. Think of it as a different form of SYW.) Also, by treating the episodes like writing exercises there’s less pressure on you as the writer to feel like you have to make everything spectacular so I don't think it would take away creatively from your own work, and “wow!” how cool would it be if your flash, character sketches, or writing exercises helped you build an audience? I think that’s pretty cool.JAnyway, for those of you out there looking for ways to improve your writing or ways to stretch yourselves, would something like this appeal to you? I’m not necessarily recruiting at this point because the project is still very much in the germination phase. But in theory, would you want to be a part of something like this to give yourself a chance to branch out while you grew as a writer?
*Btw, I can post a very rough pitch for the idea, if anyone’s seriously interested in participating. Or you can always PM me, which might be a better way to go.
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Let me know the most appropriate place to post going forward, and if I get interest I'll post there.
