When I’m stuck on a writing project, I don’t need to go far for help. All I do is walk into the kitchen or den and ask my partner Ron for fifteen minutes of his time. A writer, too, Ron is often available to discuss any project I’m working on. So, whether I’m drafting a profile of an illustrator or a play about a blind date, I can always turn to the other writer in the house for feedback.
Throughout time, there have been many author couples—from Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gelhorn to Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes—and perhaps they might have disagreed with me. But I find that living with another writer has many advantages.
Immediate Feedback. Some freelancers join a writers group to get others’ reaction to, say, their novel-in-progress. But those groups often meet only once a month. However, when you share a house with another writer—one you trust and who is generous with his time—you can discuss your writing dilemma that very day, and then move ahead quickly to complete your work.
Fresh Approach. We’ve all had different experiences in life, whether it’s an early family situation or a job outside the home. With fiction writing, in particular, we bring those experiences into our work. Another writer can introduce an approach to our piece that we hadn’t considered on our own. Often, when I—a former editor in children’s book publishing—discuss a play-in-progress with Ron—a former advertising copywriter—I get an unorthodox perspective to a scene. I can’t tell you how often I’ve said, “I never would have thought of that!”
Different Expertise. Once, I accepted an assignment on a historical topic about which I knew little. Sure, I researched the topic, but I still had trouble grasping the cause and effect in the event. It was hard to write an effective historical fiction piece. Fortunately, Ron is a history buff and was able to answer my questions. After a short conversation with him, I went on to complete the assignment to my, and my publisher’s, satisfaction.
Are there any disadvantages? Only one.
Competition. At times, Ron and I submit our respective plays to the same contest. Granted, our plays are different. His are funny and irreverent. Mine are serious and sensitive. But when his is accepted for publication and mine is not (or vice versa), one of us gets hurt. Sure, we offer our congratulations, but “the loser” can’t help but feel a twinge of displeasure.
On only one occasion did both of our works get accepted to the same contest, and we celebrated with champagne at our success. That’s when we co-authored a short play and put both our names on the script as playwright, something we clearly need to do more of in the future.