Collaborative Writing in Fiction: Methods to Maintain a Single Seamless Voice

When co-authoring a piece of fiction, the goal is to craft a story that reads as a single, cohesive voice, rather than a compilation of multiple individual voices. This can be challenging, particularly when each author has their unique writing style. In this article, we will explore strategies to ensure the narrative appears seamless, whether the authors write from a single authorial perspective or from different viewpoints.

Avoiding the 'Two Authors' Effect

Co-authoring a book with a single voice is crucial for a smooth and immersive reading experience. In the case of the book co-authored by Nightmare Syndicate (pseudonym for the authors), we treat the story as if it were written by a single author. We don’t indicate which author wrote which section; instead, we focus on blending our styles so that the transitions remain invisible to the reader.

For example, in the first draft, we divide chapters, but once we enter the editing stage, we swap and refine each other's sections. The final book is readers' final judgment, not knowing which parts came from which author. It is important to convey the arrangement in the introduction if you want the readers to know which author wrote which parts. However, most co-authors aim to produce a singular voice.

Precious Examples: Good Omens

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is a celebrated collaborative effort. Yet, one of its few criticisms is the inconsistency in voice. Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett each have distinct writing styles, which occasionally made it possible for readers to identify which part of the book was penned by whom. This inconsistency can be jarring and detract from the narrative's coherence.

To understand this better, let's take a look at a portion of a current project by the Nightmare Syndicate (pseudonym for the authors). In the fourth draft, we used color coding to highlight the sections written by each author. In the fifth draft, the distinction between the authors' contributions has largely melted away, ensuring a uniform voice throughout the story. This approach ensures that readers cannot differentiate between the authors' contributions.

Strategies for Different Viewpoints

If co-authors are writing from different viewpoints, several strategies can be employed to maintain a cohesive narrative:

1. Segregated Narratives: Assign specific chapters or sections to each author, allowing them to craft their own perspectives without their contributions being mixed within the same narrative.

2. Character-driven Stories: One author can write from the viewpoint of one character, and the other can write from another character's perspective. This method ensures a clear distinction and smooth transition between viewpoints.

3. Consistent Narrative Voice: Both authors should strive to adopt a similar writing style, perhaps agreeing on certain linguistic or stylistic choices to maintain a uniform voice.

4. Composite Author: For particularly challenging transitions, the authors can adopt a "composite author" approach, where the authorial voice is a blend of both contributors. In the case of Good Omens, Pratchett's author's note suggests that by the end, their contributions were indistinguishable, working in a "composite creature" capacity.

Conclusion

Collaborative writing in fiction is an art that requires careful consideration and execution. By focusing on voice consistency, clear arrangement, and strategic writing techniques, co-authors can produce a seamless narrative that captivates and engages readers. Whether writing from a single authorial perspective or from different viewpoints, the goal is to ensure the story flows as one cohesive voice, providing a delightful reading experience.