As an extroverted introvert and a natural producer, I find I hate writing. Don’t take that the wrong way - when I’m in a groove, I actually adore the craft. Unfortunately, more often than not, in order to find that writing pace, I also have to be entirely alone. Well, me, my laptop, a good soundtrack, and a cuddly kitty on my lap. Perhaps a cup of tea and a blanket. See? Who sees the light of day when writing solo is so inviting?!

My most productive writing sessions, however, have always been collaborative. In fact, earlier this year I officially became a paid feature screenwriter, and it was because of my ability to sit in a room with other producers and implement their notes that I was able to secure the opportunity. Part of this skill has been honed after several years of co-hosting The Coverage Report in the Stage 32 Writer’s Room which is essentially a guided script exchange between members and guided by professionals like myself. It was tested, however, when I started writing for production - not perfection.

If you take nothing else from this blog, please remember this ONE THING - when you start writing a screenplay or a manuscript, it is for you; when you finish writing, it is for others. If you are going to be a professional writer, then you have to allow yourself to be comfortable with being uncomfortable long enough to get your work into the next set of hands.

For the purposes of this blog, “collaborative writing” is when two or more people are actively contributing to the same project at the same time.

What Parts Are Actually Solo?

Setting Expectations & Deadlines *Although it doesn’t have to be

• This may be the hardest part for solo writers, and it’s at the top! Setting a deadline for yourself before you attempt to reach a goal is crucial to letting go when you reach it. Otherwise, you may get stuck in a perfectionist cycle, and that serves no purpose. When it comes to setting expectations, every solo writer must develop a plan on how to reach that deadline. However, this must also include the writer’s feelings - do you expect it to be a crap draft? GREAT! No pressure. Do you expect that on version 12 you’ll be able to share it with a producer for discussing financing? Then there may be more steps than simply “write it” to get you there. The reason this doesn’t have to be “solo” is because working with a coach or a manager can help you to determine these expectations and deadlines. Of course, you can also ask for advice in the screenwriting lounge - you never know who you’ll meet and who can help!

Research *Although it doesn’t have to be

• This is the essential 30,000 ft. view of your story and how information in the world informs what and how you include that information. Now, I have definitely been in a collaborative setting where I, as the writer, was digesting notes from two other producers, and we would stop and research something as it would come up. This is a great example of using research as a checks-and-balance for the notes you will assuredly get. If you are researching on your own, just keep in mind that as the script evolves, so will the related information. Just because it’s important information when you started the script does not mean it will remain important as new directions emerge with script revisions.

Organizing Research

• This is the part of research that is painful for some and exhilarating for others - wrapping up the research portion and tying it into a little bow as a “bible” or other reference material. The reason this is labeled as “solo-only task” is because the system of organization has to be functional for you first and foremost. It can be delegated, but I would not recommend allowing too many cooks in this particular kitchen. Part of that is fully recognizing that writers who are prone to procrastination often get trapped in fussing over trivial details, like organizing research. Put it together and then walk away. You can always revisit this when you resurface from your latest script iteration!

Pre-Writing

• This is the most important exploration part of writing. Character deep dives, world-building, and even establishing a beat sheet (whether you have an outline or not, you should know what your major “set pieces” are before you dive into your script). This is where you go from a 30,000 ft. view of your story idea in the world and into a 3,000 ft. view of your story’s world. Even a 300 ft. view of your characters. Now, you can do this with a writing partner, but you should answer these essential questions for yourself as one of the writers. If you’re not prepared to do this on your own, then every choice you make will be coming from a conversation with others and not from an authentic place within yourself. Consider starting with your answers and then meeting with your writing partner to discuss the similarities and differences. Do the homework so you can show up and make a more specific choice.

The Writing *Although it doesn’t have to be

• This is you and your screenwriting software of choice. This is after you have your source material - research, outline, beatsheet, character breakdowns, etc - and are diving into and fleshing out each scene from beginning to end. This is where you go from a 3,000 ft. view to a 3 ft. view or even a 3in. View. Now, you can certainly write SOLO but still be around other people. Since the dawn of coffee shops, all sorts of writers have been writing alone while surrounded by other writers. And isn't it interesting how you can do the work all by yourself, but don't necessarily have to be alone as you do it. It is only if you are participating in an “Accountability Group” that there is a collaborative aspect because others working on their own project will still learn about yours. These "accountability buddies" may not be a part of your project, but when they are part of your community, they can still be an invaluable part of the "solo" process.

The Delivery

• If you’re handing off your writing to the next set of hands - a manager or a producer or even submitting to a contest - that is one of the few things that is not “collaborative”. If you don’t do it, then someone else does.

Collaborative Opportunities

Accountability Writing Blocks

• This is where you get together with a dedicated group of writers and write on your own projects. Okay, that sounds solo, BUT usually, at the beginning of your writing block, most groups take a moment to let people talk about what they’re writing and what they hope to accomplish during their time. Then, when they wrap, they share what they finished, including any struggles or breakthroughs they may have had. And THIS is the part that is collaborative - your creative tribe loves to encourage and celebrate you! They may even give you suggestions that lead to your next breakthrough! Some people even join “mastermind” groups just for the privilege of working with these high-level peers. It may seem like they aren’t part of the process, but by keeping you accountable and energized, an “Accountability Group” can be pivotal to a writer’s success. Don’t discount the importance of a regular time, day, and group to help you reach your goals!

• So How Can You Find One?- In the Stage 32 Writer's Room, member Martha Caprarotta coordinates and hosts a Writer's Cafe every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:00 am PT/ 1:00 pm ET, to help writers come together over Zoom for extra support and writing sprints. She posts about the Cafe with the Zoom link in the private Writer's Room lounge.

• In Celebration of November Write Club- I'll also be hosting a writing sprint every WEDNESDAY over Zoom in the Writer's Room at 12:00 pm PT/ 3:00 pm ET, all month long! I'll post a writing prompt in a Writer's Room lounge post ahead of the sprint each week so that you can feel inspired to jump in and challenge yourself to write something new if you don't have a specific writing goal that you're working towards this month. I can't wait to see you all there!

• But Kay, I'm Not a Writer's Room Member- Well, November Write Club is the PERFECT time to explore the Writer's Room and all of the incredible perks that we offer our members who are working on their craft and their goals. If you'd like to get your first month FREE, click HERE!

Workshopping

• This is a step beyond a writing community or tribe. This might be something you do with a coach, a manager, or a writing partner where you unpack a particular aspect of the work and actively try out solutions. This could include reviews, feedback, or notes, making a plan for revisions, or even determining changes. One of THE most important aspects of workshopping is the speed at which you can cycle through options because you have someone else in attendance to bounce ideas off of. Of course, workshopping also helps keep a writer out of their head and reign in any potential feelings or insecurities that can so easily slow down a solo writer. This is one of the advantages of Script Consultations, as well as Labs, as it gives you a chance to receive verbal feedback and ask questions. That back and forth is the fastest way to make decisive story choices.

Setting Expectations & Deadlines - Collab Remix

• If you’re working with a partner, a producer, or a manager, you’ll need to make this into a conversation. What do THEY need from you and when? In what condition do they expect it to be in? What’s at stake should you not get it to them on time and on par? It’s also worth noting that this must remain a conversation because if they dictate the terms, then that may cross your boundaries and cause mental or physical health issues. But if you attempt to make this decision on your own without a conversation, then the person/people you’re working with may see you as inflexible and difficult to work with. Ask questions to make it a conversation until you can agree.

Research - Collab Remix

• Researching with others can be SUPER fun, especially if you are working with the director, who is more likely to be creative than the producer. Just be sure that you’re researching to answer a particular question. Otherwise, you could just be dragging someone else down into your rabbit hole of madness. #AliceinWonderland

The Writing - Collab Remix

• Whether working on a script, a manuscript, or even just a list, it’s quite fun to work on the same document at the same time as someone else. It is, however, important to establish those expectations ahead of time so that your time spent is in fact collaborative. For example, if my producing partner and I are sitting to the same script, he might make comments on the source document while I make changes in the script directly. We’re working together to implement notes, but are tackling two different tasks.

Now, I don’t expect every writer reading this will suddenly jump into a writing partnership, but I do hope that more of you can now see - not all of your work has to be done “alone”. The same habits necessary to exercise regularly, eat healthy, and do household chores are also needed to deliver your writing. And just like those lifestyles utilize accountability buddies, groups, and communities, so must us writers. Otherwise, we never emerge from the cycle of curling up on a couch and researching until we pass out. I mean, the cute kitties would still wake you up, but they can’t read and appreciate anything you’ve made.

So, get out there and find a way to connect with like-minded creatives so they can be a part of your process! It only gets better when you expand your circle.

This Week's November Write Club Challenge!

For your first week of November Write Club, we're continuing this conversation about ACCOUNTABILITY! By completing this week's challenges, you can set yourself up for success with your goals and be entered to win a FREE Stage 32 Webinar or Pitch Session that will be announced LIVE on Stage 32's Instagram this Friday, November 8th at 10:00 am PT!

Week One Challenges:

• Comment on this blog below, sharing your thoughts about writing solo or with a collaborative partner and/or any questions that you have for Kay!
• Post in the Stage 32 Screenwriting Lounge sharing YOUR current November Write Club goal(s) with us! (You can find it quickly by clicking HERE)
• Comment on at least 3 other members' posts in the Stage 32 Screenwriting Lounge to offer insights, words of encouragement, or support!

Make sure you're following @Stage32, @Stage32scripts, and @rbwalksintoabar to keep up with all of the exciting November Write Club announcements all month long!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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