Ghostly Progress Update

We are back to actual writing again on Untitled Ghost Novel Number One. The new batch of stubs will take us up through some significant turns in the plot, with new characters arriving and a few new avenues of conflict opening up. Plus, of course, hauntings.

The first thing we did when they were ready is make Kent read them aloud. We discussed them to make sure there were no glaring holes that should be filled before moving on to the next step. (There weren’t.) Then we divvied up the first few of them. Sometimes we both have our eye on a particular scene, and sometimes we’re both hoping the other will pick up certain ones. This time, though, it was easy. We agreed right down the line and got a fairly even division of labor. As we check these off, we’ll have quick chats about who should do which ones next and keep rolling down the list.

One big advantage of our stub-based workflow is how it facilitates writing scenes out of order. Stubs contain enough info about each scene to protect continuity as we jump back and forth. Especially in a co-authoring situation, it’s essential to have that flexibility. With both of us writing, something’s always being done out of chronological order. Right now, for example, Kent’s in the middle of the scene that comes after the one Jen’s writing.

A writing partner is someone who helps keep your system running smoothly.