It Takes Two

We know, we know: the word "coauthor" sounds weird. Peeps don't get it. Well hey, that's because it is weird. Writing together can be challenge or it can be easy—it all depends on the team's sensibility. Just because it's different, don't let that stop you and your BFF from cowriting a story or novel or movie together! Here are some frequently asked questions from our book tours and readings and maybe the answers will clarify the process and inspire you to team up with a pal and make your funny observations, romantic stories, adventures, or fantasies available for others to share.

I don't get it—How the eff can two people write together?

Crazy-sounding, right? But we think alike in so many ways and can literally complete each other's sentences. Our method basically could not exist without e-mail. Before writing each novel, we sit down together and map out a really succinct, air-tight outline—usually about 20 pages, with the entire story, each little plot turn, etc. Then we get crackin'—each will do a chapter and e-mail it to the other. Then, because we do not get bruised egos, we give each other free reign o' the red pencil and edit the chapters to our hearts’ content. The result is a layered voice with both of our styles everywhere and people really can't tell who wrote what.

So without e-mail people can't write together?

No. In fact, when we started our first project together, a crappy indie film called Intern that went to Sundance, we wrote it side by side on Carrie's mom's dining room table. We took turns typing and walking around the room. That method was actually more fun because we'd laugh hysterically as we'd basically act out the conversations and dialogue. But realistically, it does take way more time. It's much faster to bang out a chapter solo without distractions and laughter, and then have the other person edit and then add their own chapter.

My BFF and I spend all our time together. Does that mean we could cowrite something?

Sit down to craft that outline and make sure you truly think the same way. There are plenty of close friends—even sisters—who love and adore each other to death, but may not be cut out to be writing partners. The voices have to be very similar, so you literally can weave together the two styles and have the end result be seamless. But if you have someone who completes your thoughts, writing can be twice as fun!

Jill Kargmanand Carrie Karasyov
Authors of Bittersweet Sixteen