As Tony Shaloub said in Barton Fink, "throw a rock in here, you'll hit one. And do me a favor... THROW IT HARD!"

All kidding aside, a writing partnership, one that's satisfying and productive, is harder to foster than most marriages. I've worked with three collaborators in the past and all brought great things to the table. What did I bring to the table? Animosity, derision, sarcasm, and bile.

Get the idea who was the problem in my collaborative ventures?

I think the most important thing you should ask yourself is WHY you feel you require a collaborator. Figuring out 'why' should help facilitate 'who,' ya' know? I discovered I was a far too opinionated, ornery cuss to really bring about a successful partnership so I steer clear of them, even though there are numerous times when I'd love that 'second opinion.' I simply feel too strongly about my work to 'share the love.'

GREAT advice Scott. You're a good friend.

I'd LOVE to get a writting partner -- but ONLY if that's a girl. 'Cuz if the writtin's not so not, maybe something else can be...

(hehehe heee...)

For all those out there who can't joke arround, fie on you! But in all honesty, that is one my aspirations; find a writing partner who's also a girlfriend. Maybe someday.

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

Scott,

Great advice for those who have a hard time getting to the finish line: know the ending. Arthur Miller often would not start unless he knew where he was finishing: “I think the end is the play, and that is what you are looking for. Until you’ve got that end, it is not a play.”

Of course it will not work for everyone (or every project) -- but a nice trick to push through act two.

I'd say definitely try a writer's group. Since you'll reiew each other's scripts it could help you in both ways - finding a partner and "learning" to finish.

Some of the collaborators I see on Triggerstreet suffer from similar styles. IMHO, a writing partner should be almost your opposite. It might be more difficult at first, but you'll bring different strengths to the project.

I offered to share writing credit on a recently completed script with a prospective writing partner and was turned down. There's more than a good chance that the script may be optioned soon.

i would take a female writer to balance the energy.

One suggestion: Join the Zero Draft Facebook group which I host. Great community of writers.