Forums » Writing Workshop » Read Thread

I am writing a story, Fantastical, and if you go on my profile it is there for a quick look-over.

I have plenty of ideas for the story but don't want to spill the cool little secrets and Advanced Ideas I have until I release it. But, I have limited time to write, and I want a co-author to help with this story.

I have my pet peeves about this, though. I don't want you to change my story, but write your own branches in my existing story. I would also like to discuss the branches and possibilities before you begin to write these branches.

If you would like to become a co-author, PM me or post below. I only want one, so give me some sample writing or something from one of your stories.

You'd probably get more interest and more people willing to show you what they can do if you provided some examples of what you're already doing. I know, site-savvy people can go see your game if they choose to, but if you want people to care, then showing you're willing to make an effort first is wise.

Also, this: "I don't want you to change my story, but write your own branches in my existing story. I would also like to discuss the branches and possibilities before you begin to write these branches."

Makes you sound a bit too controlling and difficult to work with. Part of the benefit to a co-author is someone to bounce ideas off of and help you improve your own writing. A co-author should be a partner, not a subordinate. If you just wanted a beta-reader or some ideas thrown at you, that would be one thing... but you're asking for a lot more work than that.

Exactly.  You're less likely to get any interest when you begin by Demanding they give you samples of their work without providing any of your own.

The way you phrased this makes it sound like you basically want someone else to do the hard part of actually writing the story, while you do the fun/easy part of having ideas. 

Understandable. And no, I was not being lazy but rather have run out of ideas and a good way to expand a story is to make more branching paths- that would go to other people. But I wouldn't be sure if I want a crazy storyline that is silly and shit... does that make sense? Well...

I will provide a sample of my writing- the first page of the story that I am writing.

'Fantastical'

The last time you actually settled down in a 'home' was way back when you were a child- you remember fondly of the days you laid in your fathers lap as he read stories about heroes and the rest of the Epic Tale. You loved that. You loved having a home-cooked meal when your mother returned from her days of farming- you remember thanking her and serving your scraps to your dog, Pancho.

You faintly remember the days that led up to you leaving your beloved hometown and piling in a caravan and traveling. You don't seem to pinpoint the exact cause, but you remember your father and mother screaming at each other. A vicious fight, ending with your mother leaving, dashing away.

Your father scooped you up in his arms, and you remember your dog, Pancho, looking up at you in fear as you are dragged from the small cabin.

That's all gone, now. Just memories in the void, only to think upon as you see fit. You hear the stories your father has told you. How your mom and him used to be so happy. You always, always, always asked why Mom left you and him, but he only answered in a silent shaking of his head and some mumbling.

That was a decade ago. Your mother's face has disappeared into the wraps of your imagination- you imagined her with red hair, but your father always said he blonde hair had upheld her beauty. You don't remember her voice. You don't remember her at all.

Ever since then, you have been traveling with your father across the country. Living out of the caravan, he keeps his living by selling, trading, and buying things to keep his business alive. You have learned many skills in that regard- learning how to haggle people down to their lowest possible price, knowing how to basically steal from the rich and steal from the poor all the same.

It's just business, your father says. Nothing personal.

You imagine that this is what your life will be forever- traveling the country, haggling strangers to take money, travel more, explore new places.

In a way, you wouldn't mind that. You enjoy the sense of adventure that comes with the way of the merchant- but you always wished you could do it to adventure- become a traveler in a sense of adventure, not money. You dream at night of becoming the world-renowned swordsman like Edgar the Brave in the books you used to read.

But you know you have to wait. Your only 16, you think, and with no formal training of the sword, not having ever held one, you doubt that you are on the way to becoming Kaiden the Brave.

__________________________________

There ya go. Sorry if that came across as controlling, but I would like my story to be the best it can be.

also a shameless bump

If your still down, I'll join you.

PM me and we'll see how it goes!

The reason co-authored stories never take off is because people would pretty much always prefer to put that kind of time and effort into their own work, and not into someone else's in a situation where they need permission and approval and don't even get the final say on the branches they write. 

The best bet for this kind of thing would be to approach a couple of friends with the idea rather than random internet strangers who are likely all wrapped up in their own things and don't have any kind of reason or incentive to jump through hoops to be a part of yours.