Q & A with Louis K. Lowy discussion

Every writer has their own method of going about the (some call it labor, others pleasure) of writing. Either way, for me it's rarely an easy process.

If you'd like to know anything about my approach, I enjoy speaking about it. If you're a writer I'd also like to hear how you go about it.

Okay my first official question in the Writing habits and such tab is - and this relates to Mysti mentioning that she just did some collaborative work - when working with a collaborator (and this goes for everyone) how does that effect the way you write? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of working with another person or persons?

The other question I have is in regards to what Jack said about writing everyday. I agree, I think it's imperative to keep the engine running, so to speak. I equate it to a musician who practices everyday to keep his fingers and/or his embouchure in shape. But having said that I've found that I've had to put my writing temporarily aside because of the time factor involved in promoting Die Laughing. How do (and again, this goes for everyone) you balance the two?

A side question: how do you know when it's time to pull back on the promo and getting on to the next piece?

Louis wrote: "Okay my first official question in the Writing habits and such tab is - and this relates to Mysti mentioning that she just did some collaborative work - when working with a collaborator (and this g..."

I'm working with three other authors on a collaborative time-travel romance. First thing I've ever done as a team like this. Each of us is writing four separate stories, all interconnected, and all a century apart. We discussed the work via e-mail (since we live all over the U.S.) beforehand and decided on a general storyline. Then each of us composed a separate outline. I've began writing my part, and we are now e-mailing back and forth to keep our stories consistent.

It's so far a lot of back and forth, "So if X does this, then how do we explain this?"

Advantages so far are being able to brainstorm--4 heads are better than one. The disadvantage in our case is our distance. We can't sit down across a table over coffee and compare notes, so things get a little confusing in email.

We're considering trying Skype so we can video conference about it. I'll keep you updated as the process goes along.

Mysti wrote: "Louis wrote: "Okay my first official question in the Writing habits and such tab is - and this relates to Mysti mentioning that she just did some collaborative work - when working with a collaborat..."

Mysti, I’ve been collaborating with a friend of mine on a semi-regular basis for a couple of years. We mainly work on screenplays. We live close by so we have the advantage of working in the same room. One of the joys for me is she has a quirky POV that’s different than mine (of course she may say I’m the one with the skewered outlook), but either way we feed off of each other. I think that’s probably the best advantage to working with someone. Another big advantage – as you said – is that two heads are better than one, many times one of use will throw out an idea that the other one wouldn’t have thought of.

I suppose the disadvantage is you’re kind of chained to the other’s schedule, and sometimes you have to compromise in ways that aren’t to your liking, but really, if you have a good collaborator – which I do – than the advantages far outweigh the advantages.

BTW I’d definitely try the Skype thing if I were you – much more immediate I would think, it’d allow you to feed off each other in a more immediate manner.

Yes, let me know how it’s coming along.

Jack wrote: "Louis wrote: "The other question I have is in regards to what Jack said about writing everyday. I agree, I think it's imperative to keep the engine running, so to speak. I equate it to a musician w..."

That’s interesting, Jack – thanks for sharing the info. As I’ve said I’ve had to put the halt on any serious writing due to time constraints, which for me is kind of guilt inducing. Fortunately I have a second novel that’s complete but in the revision stage, and a third novel that’s still a bowl of spaghetti…So I guess the answer to when you stop promoting is that it's more of an intuitive thing, yes?