Being Creative With Others

I have to tell you, I am not a fan of co-writing. Why is that? I think it is hard to take something so personal as writing and do it with another person. What is funny, inspiring, dramatic, cute, etc., to me might be totally different for someone else. And for me, I usually put a big piece of me in all my work so I usually get pretty emotionally attached to things. And everyone knows that when emotions get involved, watch out. I've only co-written a few times but it is never really been a good experience and I have lost friendships over it. Writing for me is very personal as I am sure it is for most people, so be careful when a friend asks you to co-writing, set a few boundaries, unless you are comfortable with losing that friend forever. Because in the end, feelings always get hurt. Of course, this is a very tough business, so you have to find away to keep business, business, and to not to take things so personally. It is hard. I know that. I've been doing it a long time and it is hard not to take "you're too short, you're too fat" personally but it is the nature of the business. With writing it is the same way. It is hard not to put all your heart and soul into something and be okay with people calling it crap or saying that you are an amateur. Writing is writing, acting is acting...if you do it because you love to do it, I think you'll be okay. Just remember everyone has a right to their opinions and just because they don't think you are talent, well, that doesn't mean that they are right.