Episode 245 - Co-Authoring Fiction with LynDee Walker and Bruce Coffin
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This week on The Indy Author Podcast, I talk with LynDee Walker and Bruce Coffin about their experiences co-authoring the Turner and Mosley series. LynDee, an award-winning journalist and author of 19 novels, shares how her abundance of ideas led to the co-authoring opportunity with Bruce, a retired detective sergeant and best-selling novelist. The duo discusses how their collaboration began through mutual acquaintances, how they navigated the creative and logistical processes, and the unique methods they use to keep their writing cohesive. They highlight the importance of trust, creative synergy, and clear communication in a co-authoring relationship. With insights into blending their writing styles and managing different genres, both authors provide valuable tips for aspiring co-authors. The episode also delves into the development of their characters and storylines, emphasizing the fun and challenging aspects of writing collaboratively.
Episode Links
LynDee's Links:
lyndeewalker.com
facebook.com/lyndeewalkerbooks
Bruce's Links:
https://severnriverbooks.com/collections/bruce-robert-coffin
https://www.facebook.com/brucerobertcoffin
https://www.instagram.com/brucerobertcoffinauthor/
https://www.threads.net/@brucerobertcoffinauthor
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, I talk with LynDee Walker and Bruce Coffin about the intricacies and nuances of co-authoring fiction. Our conversation dives into the logistical, creative, and personal aspects of sharing the reins of a writing project.
Meet LynDee Walker
Our discussion begins with LynDee Walker, who provides listeners with an informative look into her book series and her collaboration with Bruce Coffin. LynDee introduces her fictional world, where strong women who find themselves frequently entangled in trouble take center stage. Her series, Turner and Moseley Files, co-authored with Bruce Coffin, brings a unique blend of adventure, mystery, and character dynamics.
Why Co-Author?
LynDee explains that the opportunity to co-author arose when she found herself overwhelmed with ideas but constrained by time. During a call with her agent, she discussed a concept involving young, resourceful characters who use their wealth and freedom to solve mysteries and embark on treasure hunts. Faced with her busy schedule, the suggestion to bring on a co-author seemed promising. This is when Bruce Coffin, a writer LynDee admired and trusted, was brought into the mix.
Testing the Partnership
To ensure compatibility, LynDee and Bruce decided on creating a sample chapter. This practice chapter allowed them to test the waters. Bruce initially had reservations, but the sample proved that they could indeed work harmoniously. LynDee recounts how Bruce’s wife, agent, and she herself were convinced about the potential success of their collaboration, eventually leading Bruce to agree fully.
The Creative Process
One highlight of the episode is LynDee’s detailed description of how the creative process is navigated. She generally takes charge of plotting and outlining, sending Bruce what she refers to as a "detailed outline." Initially, these outlines were extensive, running as long as 53,000 words for the first book. Bruce would then flesh out these outlines into full drafts, which LynDee would polish and enhance, a process that Bruce humorously describes as her "sprinkling glitter" on the manuscript.
Navigating Differences
LynDee emphasizes the importance of personal compatibility and shared vision in co-authoring. They had numerous discussions to ensure both had a unified outlook on the series' direction. The positive feedback from their editor and the seamless integration of their individual contributions were key indicators of their successful partnership.
Consider the Goal of Your Co-Authored Work
LynDee and Matty discuss the varying goals writers might have when co-authoring, from promotional crossovers to creating a cohesive series. This versatility allows for different methods of collaboration, whether focusing on seamless integration or showcasing distinct narrative voices.
Meet Bruce Coffin
Transitioning to Bruce Coffin, Matty underscores his impressive background in crime fiction and his decision-making process in joining LynDee for the Turner and Moseley Files. Bruce provides insight into his initial hesitations and how conversations with peers and his agent convinced him to embrace the opportunity, including an anecdotal endorsement from Reed Farrell Coleman.
Methods of Work
Bruce details how they handle the logistics of co-writing. Unlike some collaborations that involve shared online documents, Bruce and LynDee prefer keeping it simple with email exchanges of Word documents. This straightforward method works effectively for them, despite the copious file versions they each accumulate over time.
Bruce's Approach
Bruce’s approach to writing within the confines of LynDee’s outlines is both innovative and disciplined. He reads only as much of the outline as he requires for his current writing task, preserving a sense of discovery and excitement akin to reader engagement. This method ensures his creative freedom while respecting the plotted framework.
Differences in Genre
Bruce elaborates on the genre transition from detective procedurals to the more action-adventure style of the Turner and Moseley Files. This shift allowed for more imaginative and extreme scenarios, which can be liberating compared to the stringent realism required in crime procedurals.
Trust and Feedback
The element of trust is a recurring theme in their collaboration. Bruce highlights the importance of trusting each other’s instincts and decisions. Matty and Bruce agree that mutual respect and trust are crucial in successfully co-authoring fiction, ensuring that both partners feel confident and valued in their creative input.
Future Projects and Advice
Bruce teases his upcoming series, the Detective Justice Mysteries, which promises to retain the gritty, procedural essence of his previous work while introducing new dimensions and locales. When advising prospective co-authors, Bruce reiterates the significance of setting clear expectations and ensuring creative compatibility through honest and open conversations.
Conclusion
LynDee and Bruce's interview on The Indy Author Podcast provides insights into the art of co-authoring. From the technical logistics to the interpersonal dynamics and creative processes, their experience underlines the potential of collaborative writing when approached with mutual respect, clear communication, and a shared vision for the narrative.