There are alternatives to keeping your ideas to yourself. The main point is to use your ideas to build your personal brand, and how you do it is less important.

I’ve interviewed hundreds of very successful business and marketing authors, and a high percentage have depended on their writing partners to get their books published in a timely manner.

Best wishes, Roger

Being a Roleplayer, I have done a lot of writing with others. Generally, however, it has been a case of each person in the group controlling an individual character (and taking their viewpoint) and working together to construct the story etc.

In this respect, which is admittedly a little bit different to your approach here, I would certainly say the ‘Three T’s’ also play a big part. Especially talent. At least, in my opinion.

There has been one place where I roleplay on occasion ( http://www.althanas.com ) where the end of each story or plot arc is ‘judged’ by one of the other members. In this they give feedback and suggestions for improvement. In general, that gives a good insight and has proven helpful to me. Though, yet again, talent seems to play a part here too primarily: I’ve had people tell me that sentences with an ‘unusual’ structure are incorrect, despite that not being the case.

Overall, however, I enjoy collaborative writing and will look into develop a more ‘formal’ and critical-based writing partnership with another writer, and see how things go. Of course, I will let you know how things go.

Matt

@Ching Ya Yes, a writing partner really does come in handy when the pressure is on, because that’s when you need them the most. And a team isn’t a bad idea. Working in groups may not have the personal touch of a single writing partner, but it can still work.

@Joanna I’m pretty solitary myself really. As I say, it tends to depend on the project. It was primarily in the last few months of writing my novel that I really used (in a good way) a partner. Give it a go and report back!

@Tumblemoose As good a place as any! Let me know how it goes if you give it a try.

@Cindy Positive, honest feedback – that’s what it’s all about. As long as the criticism is constructive, getting a fresh perspective from another writer is of great value.

@Writer Dad Great stuff, sounds like you’ve got it made there. As with all relationships in life, sometimes the right one comes along without you searching for it!

Thanks for all your comments so far!

Great post. I tend to be solitary like Joanna. Your words of wisdom have given me pause, however. I’ve got some ideas for folks from my community, maybe I’ll give them a shout.

I’ll let you know.

Cheers

George

Good advice by the way. I guess what matters to me is the trust, and the writing skills that I’m comfortable with.

Have a nice trip ahead Joanna, take care.

@wchingya
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Fortunately I’ve been blessed with the advice and critique of my sister who is a professional writer.

I wouldn’t class myself as a serious writer, however I do enjoy writing and unfortunately don’t write enough.

When I pass along any new piece of writing to my sister, I await with baited breath on what she will say about it. It is always a wonderfull learning experience (even the frightful red ink corrections) but I have seen marked improvements in my writing and editing.

I’m off now to check for some short term writing courses around my local area.

Cheers!