by Lenore Appelhans JenneweinNovember 17, 2013 10:44 am
Daniel and I started developing picture books as a team back in 2004. Our earliest picture books were practice vehicles, helping us learn how to create a picture book as well as how best to work together. Our third collaboration landed us an agent and our fourth got us a book deal. Along the way, Daniel and I have discovered a few best practices for successful creative partnerships.
1. Give each other space.
When we started out, we thought we had to muddle through every detail of the development process together—from idea to execution. Soon enough, we felt suffocated by the project, and frustrated with each other. So we changed it up. We’d ruminate on our current task independently and then come to each discussion meeting with solid recommendations on hand.
2. Check your ego at the door.
Even giving each other ample space, our discussions can become quite heated. Naturally, each of us is convinced our approach is the right one. We’ve learned that we can’t hash things out immediately. It’s most harmonious if we present our recommendations with minimal commentary, and then each go back in our respective caves to consider all angles. After some reflection, I often realize that Daniel’s proposed solutions for the story are better than mine, or something he brought up leads me to rethink and rewrite for the better.
3. Try to have fun!
Sometimes we make the mistake of approaching our sessions with too much seriousness. Yes, publishing is a business, but the ideas flow best when we relax and let our creative sides go off on tangents. One of those tangents could be exactly what we need.
Lenore and Daniel Jennewein live and work together in Frankfurt, Germany. CHICK-O-SAURUS REX is their debut picture book as a team. Daniel is also the illustrator of IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? and TEACH YOUR BUFFALO TO PLAY TO DRUMS, both by Audrey Vernick. Lenore also writes novels for teens under the name Lenore Appelhans, including THE MEMORY OF AFTER and CHASING BEFORE.
Visit them at LenoreAppelhans.com and DanielJennewein.com.
The Jenneweins are giving away a signed copy of CHICK-O-SAURUS REX plus a personalized illustration by Daniel.
This prize bundle will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for this prize if:
Good luck, everyone!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: PiBoIdMo 2013, Picture Books, Uncategorized
Tags: CHICK O SAURUS REX, collaboration, Daniel Jennewein, Lenore Appelhans, Lenore Jennewein
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“check your ego at the door” – good advice for any of us! Also – I love the whole chicken-T Rex ancestry thing! awesomesauce!
By Sue Heavenrich on November 17, 2013 at 10:47 am
Great PB stories! I love your suggestions too. Thank you two.
By Patricia Holloway on November 17, 2013 at 10:54 am
working as a team would be so nice to have the support from one another. a great bonus!
By Pam Jones on November 17, 2013 at 10:55 am
It’s got to be a double edged sword! It’s hard to work so closely with someone you love, it must be harder still to keep your autonomy intact. Another great husband/wife team I absolutely love is Don and Audrey Wood. I am in awe of couples who can work together without driving each other crazy! Kudos to Lenore and Daniel!
By Juliana Lee on November 17, 2013 at 10:55 am
That is inspiring. I love that you 2 work together. Awesome!
By mochamusing on November 17, 2013 at 10:57 am
Love “check your ego at the door.” Thanks for the suggestions.
By Kathy Doherty on November 17, 2013 at 10:58 am
The funny thing is I’ve already been itching to read this book before I was searching for books to review on my site for next year and found this book without realizing there was a spotlight for the creators here (LOL!)
I was so busy with my own picture book coverage I missed some guests posts here and am getting to the ones I missed.
That said, there are times when you need to stand your ground something. Book related or otherwise. Just be prepared to respectfully make your case, of course.
I certainly agree that we need to remember to “Have Fun.” It’s hard to remember that when we’re BEYOND the rough draft stage and we’re trying to get things to read competently.
As much as we try to separate business and creativity, sometimes they’re more intertwined then we’d like…(I don’t compartmentalize well)
Anyway, good luck with this book and thanks for sharing your origin story as it were.
By Taurean Watkins on December 2, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Thank you for this helpful advice. I will work on checking my ego at the door even when I write alone.
By laurenhk on November 17, 2013 at 10:59 am
How great that you two work together as a team. I Love “check your ego at the door” as well, it’s great advice. Love your “Little” character great collaboration between text and illustrations. Thank you for your suggestions and best of luck to you!
By Theanna on November 17, 2013 at 11:00 am
We do still drive each other crazy, but we try to keep it to a minimum!
By lenoreva on November 17, 2013 at 11:01 am
Great advice!
By LovableLobo on November 17, 2013 at 11:03 am
Check your ego at the door is good advice for any writer. Also, I think the more you get to know your partner and his methods, how he thinks, etc. you get more comfortable and can trust their advice more readily.
By Linda E.H. on November 17, 2013 at 11:04 am
Very true!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:05 am
This is a great post. The creativity is there. Having been stationed in Frankfurt for three years, just the architecture is enough to spark creativity. And listening to German stories are always picture book idea generator. I love how they work together by checking their egos at the door. Great post! 😀
By jackiewellington21 on November 17, 2013 at 11:05 am
German stories are sometimes so crazy. Very inspiring indeed.
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:07 am
You don’t have to tell me about them being crazy. I remembered in 1991, my son went to German school. He came home to tell us about the story from 1940’s when the African-American GI’s would grow tail at dusk… shocking to hear of course coming from an 8-yr-old. I went to the school and was shocked to learn that it was a common story told during Hitler’s reign. WOW!!!
By jackiewellington21 on November 18, 2013 at 12:27 pm
I haven’t heard that one, but I’m not that shocked based on other tales I’ve heard.
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:00 am
Thanks for the reminder to not be too serious and “try to have fun.”
By Sarah Kilfoil on November 17, 2013 at 11:06 am
Great advice!
By msmo1958 on November 17, 2013 at 11:06 am
Love the “animal commentary” approach. And writing is always about “checking your ego at the door.” Thanks for the attitude check & the inspiration you two!
By Dorina Lazo Gilmore on November 17, 2013 at 11:07 am
Cheers to tangents!
By Susan Cabael on November 17, 2013 at 11:09 am
Such a great team you two are. The thought of relaxing and letting the ideas flow is outstanding advice. Thank you for the inspiration. ~Suzy Leopold
By Suzy Leopold on November 17, 2013 at 11:10 am
Great advice for working well as a team. Thanks!
By Sheri Roloff on November 17, 2013 at 11:10 am
Great post and wonderful advice!
By schriscoe on November 17, 2013 at 11:12 am
My husband and I don’t have teh same way of saying things… Just writing a christmas letter was quite a hard task !
So I admire the two of you ! 🙂
By nicole snitselaar on November 17, 2013 at 11:13 am
Some days it seems impossible, doesn’t it? I will admit to wanting to throw in the towel a few times!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:08 am
🙂
By nicole snitselaar on November 18, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Love the little chicken with the mighty bones!
By gpatmiller on November 17, 2013 at 11:15 am
Thank you!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:08 am
Try to have fun! Thanks.
By Dawn on November 17, 2013 at 11:15 am
Is it maybe a good thing that I don’ t have to negotiate with someone? I love the feedback when I think I’m “finished” but cant’ imagine how you do this! Congrats!
By cantsing1 on November 17, 2013 at 11:16 am
Both my husband and I say that it helps that we worked in advertising for many years and are used to being beaten down by others, haha.
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:10 am
Love the concept of your new book! And I agree, ideas do flow best when we relax and let our creative sides have free rein! Thanks!
By Sandy Perlic on November 17, 2013 at 11:17 am
Thank you!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:15 am
There’s no I in the word team! YEAH! Great advice. I gotta get CHICK-O-SAURUS REX. Thanks for taking the time to help out other writers. *waving and smiling*
By Robyn Campbell on November 17, 2013 at 11:17 am
Yay! Hope you enjoy it. *waves and smiles*
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:15 am
Great Team-Work tips…Thanks! 🙂
By Ashley Bohmer on November 17, 2013 at 11:21 am
Collaboration is hard. Congrats on having a successful team!
By Anne Bielby on November 17, 2013 at 11:22 am
Check your ego at the door is definitely good advice for anyone working in publishing! Thanks for a fun story and helpful tips.
By Laura Gehl on November 17, 2013 at 11:25 am
It’s so interesting to read about your collaboration. It’s so important to find out what process works for you.
By Andrea on November 17, 2013 at 11:29 am
I love seeing husband and wife teams do this stuff! It makes the coolest books!
By Shanda McCloskey on November 17, 2013 at 11:29 am
So much of this applies to any book you want published. You, your agent, your editor, etc. are a team. Thanks! So fun to hear your insights.
By Sue Poduska on November 17, 2013 at 11:29 am
Great advice 🙂
By Holly Bliss on November 17, 2013 at 11:30 am
It is great to hear about collaborations and how to navigate them to amazing books like Chick-O-Saurus Rex. I’ll have to bring these ideas back to my brothers on our next project!
Thanks Lenore and Daniel, and thanks Tara for bringing so many insights and inspirations.
By Peyton Leung on November 17, 2013 at 11:34 am
Best of luck on your project!!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:16 am
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a writing partner. Thanks for sharing your process!
By Lori Alexander on November 17, 2013 at 11:34 am
Great advice! Thanks for sharing your process!
By katiemillsgiorgio on November 17, 2013 at 11:36 am
How great!
By Kathy moncrief on November 17, 2013 at 11:36 am
Great post! Thank you Lenore and Daniel 🙂
By mkokeefe on November 17, 2013 at 11:42 am
Congratulations on your partnership. Unfortunately, I don’t think such a partnership would work for my husband and I. He continually tries to change the name of my books, believing his idea is better! I am just thankful of the fact he supports and encourages me. He has yet to tire of my writing talk!
By MichelleLynn on November 17, 2013 at 11:48 am
Daniel wants me to write a novel with him (meaning he has the ideas and I write … uh, no thanks!)
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:17 am
Great advice thanks.
By Jaclyn Crawford on November 17, 2013 at 11:51 am
So true — if we’re not having fun doing this — if we don’t absolutely love it — we better find some other business to be in. It’s already hard enough as it is — we have to enjoy the process or move on to something else! Thanks!
By Courtenay Schurman on November 17, 2013 at 11:57 am
What a helpful post. I’m considering a creative partnership in the future and know I need to take heed of your advice!
By cat jones on November 17, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Thank you, Tara, for having us 🙂
By Daniel on November 17, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Interesting advice on working with a partner. I imagine this must be a difficult thing to do without some kind o ego agreement. Thanks for advice. Having fun sounds like a great way to produce a fun picture book.
By KidLitReviews on November 17, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Thank you. I’ve just been commissioned to write a non-fiction picture book with a really good friend of mine (who’s illustrating it). It’s really exciting but completely different from how we’d normally do things. I’ll try and remember your advice.
By Juliet Clare Bell on November 17, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Congrats! I wish you a successful partnership!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:18 am
Thanks for your advice. My husband and I have collaborated on a few books, and you are so right that you should have fun working together.
By Shirley on November 17, 2013 at 12:11 pm
I’d love to hear your experiences working together!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:19 am
Writing with a partner would be challenging is think. Great that you can do it!
By Debra shumaker on November 17, 2013 at 12:16 pm
Enjoyed your post. Sounds like you’ve figured out how to work together with less friction and come up with great stuff. Congratulations on all your hard work and accomplishments.
By Meline on November 17, 2013 at 12:24 pm
I had an email crash of epic proportions that I have been dealing with for the entire week. 8-( I am a bit behind, but am finally able to get back to focusing on PiBoIdMo and having fun doing it. I’m grateful for the extra ideas I had in the first week. I am collaborating on a poetry collection and like having a partner. Thanks for this post.
By Rosi Hollinbeck on November 17, 2013 at 12:26 pm
“Try to have fun.” I like that tip the best. I think picture book writing should be fun. Thank you for sharing your wonderful tips. You two are the dynamic duo.
By Sandie Sing on November 17, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Thanks for sharing a bit of your process!
By Karen Williams on November 17, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Thanks for the post! Terrific advice that could be used for critique groups as well, I think.
By kpbock on November 17, 2013 at 12:33 pm
Great advice. Thanks!
By supermario6 on November 17, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Daniel, IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? is one of my favorite books. Keep your successes coming!
By Carol Gordon Ekster on November 17, 2013 at 12:47 pm
Daniel says thanks! (he just found out his right hand is broken too, poor guy)
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:20 am
Great post! My daughter and I hope to work together in creating picture books. I’ll keep your wise advice in mind. 🙂 Your picture book looks adorable! Thank you for sharing with us today.
By cherylsec on November 17, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Thank you! Best of luck to you and your daughter.
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:34 am
It’s amazing that you work together!
Thanks so much for telling us a bit about how you make it work so well.
By ksw2 on November 17, 2013 at 12:52 pm
🙂
By The Backdoor Artist on November 17, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Two creative heads must make for some passionate meetings indeed! But the outcome can be doubly powerful. 🙂
By Mary Jo on November 17, 2013 at 12:58 pm
“passionate” was the nice way of putting it 😉
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:34 am
Great advice – whether you’re collaborating initially or not – cuz we ALL need to work with others.
Thanks so much – that book looks SO fun!
By Joanne Sher on November 17, 2013 at 1:03 pm
Thank you!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:35 am
Practical advices: I work in a team, too!
By Malena Fuentes on November 17, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Thanks for the advice; perhaps one day I will need to apply it.
I think ego is something to check at the door every time there is an outside opinion offered. 🙂
By Lynn A. Davidson on November 17, 2013 at 1:05 pm
I’ve never worked on a writing project with my husband, but I often show him my first drafts. He’s brutally honest with his feedback and he is good with ideas. I don’t know that I would want to collaborate on a story with him, but if I do I will make sure we follow your suggestions. Thanks!
By Susan Nicholas on November 17, 2013 at 1:05 pm
Daniel also reads and rips apart my novels, but there I don’t have argue if I want to keep what I have, haha.
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:37 am
Thank you for the great post. I appreciate your advice on keeping comments to a minimum, I’m afraid that sometimes I go on too much. I like the way you had to learn to work together and appreciate what good things can come when you stop and really listen to what the other person is saying.
By Nancy Churnin on November 17, 2013 at 1:06 pm
We’ve gone so far as to forbid commenting out loud and write everything down instead. Whatever helps!
By lenoreva on November 18, 2013 at 9:38 am
Even though you drive each other crazy it sounds like a great car pool. Congratulations and thanks for sharing the process with us! Your books are a wonderful testimony as to what can come from a good partnership.
By Stephanie Shaw on November 17, 2013 at 1:08 pm
Great idea for a post. I’ve been trying to talk my husband into writing with me since he’s funnier than me. Great tips!
By kristivaliant on November 17, 2013 at 1:09 pm
At the very least he can inspire you!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:02 am
Thanks for sharing with us some of your strategies for working together–they are good suggestions for collaboration in general.
By amievc on November 17, 2013 at 1:12 pm
Congratulations on finding your way to work together for publishing success! Even if we do not have collaborators, these tips are important for critique groups to consider. Thank you!
By jheitman22 on November 17, 2013 at 1:28 pm
It’s great to have support, congrats!
By Rosie Pova on November 17, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Your own critique group in-house. I’m fascinated by by Lenore writing the YA books on the afterlife and Little Chick. It shows that you will always have a market to reach.
By Melanie Vickers on November 17, 2013 at 1:40 pm
They are definitely very different projects! I like having something else to work on when one project seems to have hit a dead end. Then I can come back to it later and see from new angles.
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:04 am
Tara, This was so much fun to read! Thank you and kudos to Lenore and Daniel!
By Kim Pfennigwerth on November 17, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Great to see a team working so well together. Thanks for the post!
By Christine M. Irvin on November 17, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Love their point about “checking your ego at the door” 🙂
And CHICK-A-SAURUS REX looks adorable!
By Corey Schwartz on November 17, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Thank you!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:04 am
Love your titles and thoughts on writing. I’ll be looking up your books at my LBS!
By writeknit on November 17, 2013 at 1:46 pm
Awesome! Thanks 😀
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:05 am
Nice post. Good to see that collaborative PBs work out well.
By Sylvia Liu on November 17, 2013 at 1:47 pm
Thanks for sharing on the blog. It’s interesting to see how you developed your collaboration into where you give each other space to be creative and bring ideas together, in a piece that works. Not always easy to do as a couple. Keep up the good work!
By Ellen Mott on November 17, 2013 at 1:52 pm
I appreciate hearing this advice as I’m going to working on a collaborative project next year. Thanks for the tips, Lenore!
By tpierce on November 17, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Best of luck! Hope it turns out well 🙂
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:05 am
Wonderful post thank you!
By Dawnyelle on November 17, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I love that you each listen to the other and then go your separate ways to mull it over in your own individual creative spaces…or “caves”. That’s a great way to find quiet acceptance of each other’s ideas, and then grow them together. I’ve always believed that creative collaboration, even in groups, can lead to magical things! Thanks for sharing your perspective. :o)
By lisajmichaels on November 17, 2013 at 1:59 pm
My cave is bigger and more sound-proof than Daniel’s, lol.
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:06 am
The best collaborative projects I’ve done come from having fun with an idea and letting both teammates have a say in the result. Though it also is crucial to have a good partner! I definitely hold on to the people I work well with 🙂 Great tips!
By abrianc on November 17, 2013 at 2:05 pm
How wonderful to be able to create together. Thanks for sharing.
By Flower Trellis on November 17, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Collaboration sounds wonderful–and terrifying. Thanks for sharing!
By Laura Purdie Salas on November 17, 2013 at 2:10 pm
It’s interesting to gain insight on how a writer & illustrator team works to develop a picture book. Thanks for sharing.
By Sherry Walz on November 17, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Love the drum playing buffalo book! This is a great lesson for working with colleagues on any level… thanks!
By Michelle @ Fitztopia on November 17, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Lovely to hear from a fan of the Buffalo! 😀
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:07 am
So cool to see this sort of collaboration!
By MC on November 17, 2013 at 2:17 pm
This looks like such an adorable book. I’ll have to read it.
By Kim on November 17, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Hope you enjoy it!!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:07 am
These sound like good recommendations to use with critique partners too! My daughter and I loved Daniel’s illustrations for IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? We look forward to CHICK-O-SAURUS REX.
By melaniebellsworth3 on November 17, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Oh yay! That’s wonderful to hear! Hope you enjoy CHICK as well.
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:08 am
It must be so nice to share your passion for a story with a partner who is just as excited about it as you are! Congrats on your success.
By deborahholtwilliams on November 17, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Yay! So nice to see a post from members of SCBWI Germany/Austria for PiBoIdMo! Ich freue mich sehr! Your collaboration and teamwork are inspiring! 😀
By bucherwurm65 on November 17, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Go SCBWI G/A!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:08 am
I met Daniel and Lenore at the SCBWI Europolitan Conference last March. They both gave interesting talks. What a team! CHICK-O-SAURUS REX looks like a great book.
By danacarey1 on November 17, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Hi Dana! Nice to “see” you again. Hope you’re having a great month!!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:09 am
Hip hip hooray for Chick-o-saurus Rex and the Jenneweins! Congrats on a great book…it is definitely my grandson’s favorite story right now. 🙂
Thanks so much, Lenore and Daniel…tips on creating an atmosphere for a successful partnership are valuable for all of us in our every day lives, not only for collaborating to produce a great picture book. Whether it is a business relationship or a personal one – giving the other space – checking ego at the door – and remembering to have fun…are so important!
By viviankirkfield on November 17, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Aww! Send our greetings to your grandson. 😀
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:10 am
I will, Lenore! He loves the special inscription you guys did!
By viviankirkfield on November 20, 2013 at 2:22 am
Practice vehicles, space, ego checks and FUN. All great ideas. I especially like the fun.
By teresamis on November 17, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Not being so serious about what I am passionate about would be a challenge for me. Giving each other space while contemplating recommendations is a great idea for keeping things light in the meeting room later. It is good y’all have found a way to appreciate each other’s creative styles….we get to read a great book as a result. Thank you for sharing.
By Jewel Sample on November 17, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Love the notion of giving each other space (or, for those of us flying solo, giving ourselves space!) and being playful with our process. Go, team Jennewein!
By LeslieG on November 17, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Great advice. Thanks.
By Amanda Banks on November 17, 2013 at 3:22 pm
That’s a fun and challenging team dynamic. I love those books. I’ve definitely read the buffalo at Kindergarten one. Best wishes!
By Catherine Johnson on November 17, 2013 at 3:23 pm
Great post!
By Laura Zimmermann on November 17, 2013 at 3:31 pm
I love the title, story, and cover of “Chick-o-saurus Rex!” When you mentioned “rethink” and “rewrite” I nodded my head a lot. It seems I am doing a lot of rethinking and rewriting and sometimes the words and the pacing get jumbled in my head. It’s nice you have each other to re-evaluate story structure with and bounce off ideas. Keep having fun! I look forward to more books that you write together.
By Lori Dubbin on November 17, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Thanks! I’ve definitely had those jumbled moments. I’ll jot down notes or talk to Daniel and try to untangle them.
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:12 am
Sage advice for any kind of team!
By lmconnors on November 17, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Thank you for the collaboration tips! From experience, I agree that a little separate “cave” time is a very good idea.
By Sarah Harroff on November 17, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Thank you for this post! And for the advice that has multiple applications.
By Anne Bromley on November 17, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Thanks for your recipe for productive collaboration. Great advice that can be applied to all relationships. Have fun! I look forward to reading your books.
By Kathy Cornell Berman on November 17, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Thank you! Hope you enjoy them 😀
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:12 am
Thanks you for the great advice. I can’t wait to read your Chick-a-saurus Rex book!
By Angela Turner on November 17, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Yay! And we are excited for you to read it!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:13 am
Wonderful suggestions! Thank you!
By Jill Lyttle Tadros on November 17, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Another perspective for me to learn from. Thank you and shall seek out your books.
By Kaye Baillie on November 17, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Awesome! I love how supportive we are in the this community. It warms my heart.
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:13 am
I love a good underdog story! Thank you both!
By Susanne Whitehouse on November 17, 2013 at 3:55 pm
As an illustrator, my job is to collaborate with the author’s words and the editor’s wishes. Your advice is a great help. As I begin to write my own stories, I have to keep these ideas in mind too. Someday a different illustrator might be in my shoes on a story I wrote. So valuable! Thanks.
By Joanne Roberts on November 17, 2013 at 4:16 pm
Thanks so much for all your comments! Working as part of team definitely has its challenges, but it can be highly rewarding too. CHICK was an exciting book to work on, especially during the stages when the editor and art director were involved and giving their input and advice too. It’s such a great experience to go through the process and see the book improve every day. Now that’s its out in the world, we’re thrilled that you’re looking forward to checking it out. 😀
By lenoreva on November 17, 2013 at 4:29 pm
Check your ego at the door! I think that is so important whether collaborating or working solo with either writing or illustration. Fun post, Thanks!
By Diane Kress Hower on November 17, 2013 at 4:32 pm
I love this post. A friend and I recently talked about collaborating. I am so afraid of it, because of my tendency to be a know it all. OK – it’s more than a “tendency”. I forgot about the having fun part of the process. I like fun!! Thanks!
By Genevieve Petrillo on November 17, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Yeah, it can be a challenge, especially when neither team member wants to give an inch. Conflict!! But we can get through it if we make the effort.
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:15 am
This is good advice for me and my fiance! He gives advice even when I don’t want it!
By storyfairy on November 17, 2013 at 4:40 pm
I love your ideas on working as a team. It gives me a lot of direction for my collaborative project. Thanks!
By Kerry Mazengia on November 17, 2013 at 4:44 pm
AH! I just saw you both yesterday and didn’t even realize you’d be up today! HOW FUN!!! I love seeing you guys (and am glad you’re alive). And actually, this is a really great post. My husband is beginning to “dabble” in illustration and my dream is to one day share a book with him… this will be important for us! 🙂
By Marcy P. on November 17, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Hi Marcy – great seeing you on Saturday! Glad we could give you a happy surprise 😉
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:16 am
I’m excited to read your book! Thanks for the great post!
By kirsticall on November 17, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Colloboration is tricky business. How wonderful that you have made it work so successfully.
By MSackman on November 17, 2013 at 4:52 pm
Thanks Lenore for the tips in working together. It is wonderful that you and Daniel have the same passion for picture books. Leaving your ‘ego at the door’ and not commenting straightway, but going away to consider all angles, is sage advice.
By Helen Ross on November 17, 2013 at 4:54 pm
Thanks for your post. Love your ideas. Looks like you do “have fun”
By mona861 on November 17, 2013 at 4:55 pm
I admire your ability to live and work together. Great teamwork.
By lindamartinandersen on November 17, 2013 at 4:59 pm
Thanks for the post. I want to read this book.
By Ashley Bankhead on November 17, 2013 at 5:04 pm
great advice 🙂
By Cecilia Clark on November 17, 2013 at 5:13 pm
Great advice.
By Russ Hogle on November 17, 2013 at 5:13 pm
Great post. I would love to colloborate with someone. That sounds like so much fun.
By Jodelle Brohard on November 17, 2013 at 5:14 pm
I think I will be adding a little silly to my day tomorrow! Thanks for the tips.
By Noel Csermak on November 17, 2013 at 5:20 pm
For those of us who don’t work with collaborators, but who are part of a critique group, some of the same suggestions could apply.
By Debra on November 17, 2013 at 5:21 pm
Truly enjoyed your reflections on collaboration. I enjoy working with another friend on related projects, your ideas will definitely offer us some new ideas about process. Many thanks.
By Ann E Werner on November 17, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Great post. And, with a happy ending about working together.
Best of luck on continued “creating”.
By Stella Jane Stauffer on November 17, 2013 at 5:33 pm
This is really interesting! I do everything myself as both a write & illustrator, so it was fun to see how you work together.
By creationsbymit on November 17, 2013 at 5:36 pm
It seems you could keep each other on track if one starts to veer off. Love that you keep the fun, though.
By Mary McClellan on November 17, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Never thought about working with someone else, but this is good advice even if you are working alone. Sometimes I need to give myself some space!
By Laurie L. Young on November 17, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Thanks again, for another great post. Chicko Saurus-Rex. LOVE IT!
By sspratt2010 on November 17, 2013 at 6:28 pm
So excited to read Chick-o-saurus Rex! I have the only copy so far in our library system…nah nah nah nah NAH nah…. Thanks for your post!
By RaChelle Lisiecki on November 17, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Great advice to “check your ego at the door!”
By Lori Mozdzierz on November 17, 2013 at 6:31 pm
I don’t have much of an ego and know I play well with others…just never considered working with another writer before. Interesting post!
Donna L Martin
By Donna L Martin on November 17, 2013 at 6:44 pm
Love that you write books together…thanks for the advice in your post!
By Heather Greene on November 17, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Thanks for the tips on collaboration!! 🙂
By Jill Siegel on November 17, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Great timing Lenore! My husband and I met 20 years ago in a college writing class. I told him just this morning that we need to start writing together. He has a million stories about growing up playing along the Sangamon River. If he’s not going to write them, I’m going to pick his brain and write them myself.
By Gaye Kick on November 17, 2013 at 7:01 pm
Thank you for sharing with us.
By underthemapleleaves on November 17, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Teamwork! High five, everyone!
By elisehyldenillustration on November 17, 2013 at 7:08 pm
I like the fact that you are a team and have learned how to work together.
By Debra Daugherty on November 17, 2013 at 7:10 pm
After recent co-writing a YA novel with a mate I nodded along to all of those guidelines, especially ‘check your ego at the door’. Great article and good on you for making it work. 🙂
By B Lee Draper on November 17, 2013 at 7:12 pm
Collaboration usually brings out the best and most creative ideas. It sounds like you have a good thing going.
By Judith Snyder on November 17, 2013 at 7:19 pm
Your book is so much fun… sounds like you both are, too! 🙂
By Jennifer Kaap on November 17, 2013 at 7:22 pm
I admire your creative partnership and how you approach it while at the same time having and achieving your individual interests and achievements.
By Yvonne Mes on November 17, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Cool! I like the tips! 😀
By thiskidreviewsbooks on November 17, 2013 at 7:48 pm
Love the thought that ideas flow best when we relax. Thanks for the post!
By erin on November 17, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Great tips for working with someone else! Thanks
By Tracy Molitors on November 17, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Great advice for working with someone on a book. There are many benefits. Thanks.
By katmaz2012 on November 17, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Think your suggestions may just apply to team efforts in general, and relationships in particular. Congratulations on making your partnership work so successfully.
By Marty McCormick on November 17, 2013 at 8:12 pm
Thanks for the tip for having fun with the project.
By Therese Nagi on November 17, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Relax and have fun! I have to do more of that! Thanks for sharing.
By Janet Halfmann on November 17, 2013 at 8:22 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your insights!
By Amy Cohas on November 17, 2013 at 8:33 pm
Thanks for sharing your insight and ideas!
By Michelle Mapp on November 17, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Congratulations to the both of you!
By Alicia van Thiel on November 17, 2013 at 9:12 pm
Check you ego at the door. I will definitely have to remember that when I work with my husband.
By lindaschueler on November 17, 2013 at 9:21 pm
My son and I read many Kindergarten themed books in prep for the school year, and “IS YOUR BUFFALO READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?” stood out as a clear favorite. Great work on the illustrations, Daniel. Looking forward to reading your new collaborative PB.
By S.H. Sherlock on November 17, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Good ideas for working together.
By Christine Cowan on November 17, 2013 at 9:36 pm
Great team work! I had the opportunity to do interactive musical storytelling with a partner for ten years. Two heads are often better than one. Tangents are fun!
By Janie Reinart on November 17, 2013 at 9:45 pm
I love the team approach!
By Deirdre Sheridan Englehart on November 17, 2013 at 9:53 pm
A dynamic duo of PBs – love it!
By Dawn Young on November 17, 2013 at 9:53 pm
I love that you collaborate, yet have found ways to not overstep your working boundaries despite being married. Well done!
By marciecolleen on November 17, 2013 at 10:25 pm
Thanks for the tips. Have fun…I think we all need to remember that. It’s easy to lose creativity when you are too serious.
By Sandi Lawson on November 17, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Worked with my husband (in radio) many years ago, but I”ll tell you one thing. That radio station wasn’t big enough for the two of us! 🙂
By Cathy C. Hall on November 17, 2013 at 10:43 pm
very cute ideas. Thanks for the advice 🙂
By heather sisson on November 17, 2013 at 10:45 pm
Thanks for sharing.
By Eileen on November 17, 2013 at 11:01 pm
Creative tangents work for me too! Thanks for the tips. So neat that you work together! I think my hubs and I could work together… some days. 😀
By megmillerwrites on November 17, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Thanks for sharing your process!
By Rachel Smoka-Richardson on November 17, 2013 at 11:27 pm
Thanks for sharing your process. It’s always neat to hear how authors and illustrators work together. I think it’s healthy to take a step back and consider others’ opinions before jumping into the work/conversation. Thanks for the good advice!
By Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill) on November 17, 2013 at 11:27 pm
Sometimes giving yourself space when writing is the most impt thing thanks for your posting!
By Fashionista Philly on November 17, 2013 at 11:28 pm
I like you idea of making suggestions to each other and then going back individually to think them over before forcing a decision an either of you. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
By Lacey Gunter on November 18, 2013 at 12:07 am
Love the cover and love how they were able to work out how to best collaborate 🙂
By writersideup on November 18, 2013 at 12:08 am
I am awed by people who can creatively collaborate.
By Jessie Oliveros on November 18, 2013 at 12:28 am
i have to buy chick-o-saurus-rex today!
By dee win on November 18, 2013 at 2:28 am
Aww! I hope you enjoy it!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 5:51 pm
thanks for the tips on working with an illustrator…
By Tania Cole on November 18, 2013 at 4:57 am
Wonderful post & suggestions, thank you!
By rgstones on November 18, 2013 at 7:26 am
Thanks good idea to work together with someone on ideas. My friends that don’t write are always suggesting ideas that I could probably spend more time with.
By RadSheri on November 18, 2013 at 7:57 am
Can’t wait to check out your work!
By Alexa on November 18, 2013 at 8:35 am
I often wish for a partner to discuss ideas and develop stories with but, alas, I’m flying solo. Congratulations, you guys.
By Dee Almond on November 18, 2013 at 8:39 am
Love the rebus
By Gail Kamer on November 18, 2013 at 8:41 am
My husband and I work together on a lot of different projects. We have a pretty good system in that we don’t focus on the same thing at the same time, I have my jobs..he has his. Haha. Great post.
By Jessie Miller (@pigknit) on November 18, 2013 at 9:29 am
I think collaborating would be really great, and good for y’all for working out the challenges of that. Thanks for the post!
By Denise Bowman on November 18, 2013 at 9:35 am
Two people have twice as many ideas. I ask my husband for his opinion a lot.
By Carolyn Rohrbaugh on November 18, 2013 at 9:56 am
Wonderful post. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to collaborate on a story. What an awesome prize too, thanks for your generosity!
By Sharon K Mayhew on November 18, 2013 at 10:01 am
It’s always fascinating to see how other writers work! And how fun to have double the ideas and creativity!
By skeerswriter on November 18, 2013 at 10:11 am
I haven’t collaborated, but always wanted to. Will have to keep this stuff in mind if the opportunity ever arises.
By Kelly Parker on November 18, 2013 at 10:12 am
Thank you for your insight.
By yettee on November 18, 2013 at 10:36 am
Finding the right person to collaborate might be as hard as finding the right mate but when it works out it will be great!
By Angela Padron on November 18, 2013 at 10:44 am
I will reference these points when my sister and I write our stories together…thanks for the helpful hints!
By Jessica on November 18, 2013 at 10:46 am
Wonderful tips! Looking forward to getting your book!
By Jennifer Young (@ItsJennyYoung) on November 18, 2013 at 10:56 am
Nice to hear you have figured out how to work together and still enjoy each other company at the end of the day.
By Alicia Schwab on November 18, 2013 at 11:19 am
Thank you so much! I have been very lucky in finding people to collaborate with me with my picture books.
By Laurie Young on November 18, 2013 at 11:21 am
Great advice on creative collaboration. These tips are important in working with agents and editors too. Thanks!
By Quinn Cole on November 18, 2013 at 11:48 am
thanks for the post on how to make the duet work!
By Daniela Weil (@Daniela_Weil) on November 18, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Thanks for your advice. It’s a great reminder that there’s no “I” in “team”.
By helen dening on November 18, 2013 at 12:12 pm
I worked alongside my husband as well for about 8 years. It’s not easy, but if you can do it, it’s great for many reasons. Can’t wait to read your book. Thanks.
By danielledufayet on November 18, 2013 at 12:43 pm
Great pointers!
By gail maki wilson on November 18, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Checking ego is a great tip for so many situations in writing and life!
Thanks.
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on November 18, 2013 at 12:55 pm
I like the space idea! Breathing room definitely feeds the brain! Thanks!
By Ann Birnie on November 18, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Can’t wait to read CHICK-O-SAURUS REX. The buffalo books are a riot.
By laura516 on November 18, 2013 at 1:58 pm
It’s great that you are able to work together as a team!
By Erin Fennell on November 18, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Thanks! Great advice.
By Barbara Messinger on November 18, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Chick-O-Saurus Rex looks fun! Thanks.
By Kjersten Hayes on November 18, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Appreciate the advice. Thanks!
By DaNeil Olson on November 18, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Thanks! And I love that line … “even little chicks can have mighty bones”
By Jen Carroll on November 18, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Hi Guys,
I appreciated your openness and honesty on collaborating. Good for you both. And, anything to do with dinosaurs is perfect in my book.
Thanks,
Lynn
By Lynn Anne Carol on November 18, 2013 at 6:45 pm
Thank you for your tips!
By vijikc on November 18, 2013 at 6:57 pm
Thank you for your advice, particularly the third point. The fun is what is missing from my writing at the moment. As a family we have always had plenty of laughs and humorous conversations particularly about language. I would like to get some of this fun, tangential thinking, sense of the ridiculous into my stories.
By Jenny Blum on November 18, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Thanks for the tips. I loved, “check your ego at the door.” That would make a cute sign.
By Evie Hjartarson on November 18, 2013 at 7:28 pm
I hope you all have date night without business. I suggest weekly! ; )
By Deborah Bates Cavitt on November 18, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Oh, we have plenty of evenings free. That part we’re very, very good at!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 1:24 pm
I’ve always thought it would be fun to collaborate but I know I have really strong opinions, It would take just the right partner and just the right set of “Best Practices”. Thanks for sharing yours. Can’t wait to read Chick-O-Saurus-Rex! My library just got it in! I put it on hold.
By Penny Parker Klostermann on November 18, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Yay for your great library! 😀
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Thanks for all the great tips!
By Karen Mae Zoccoli on November 18, 2013 at 8:52 pm
Giving away a book is so kind of the Jenneweins. Thank you from all of us.
🙂
By Brenda Harris on November 18, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Thank you for your tips and have fun is the best part.
By Gloria Amescua on November 18, 2013 at 8:55 pm
That checking your ego thing is hard. Whenever I ask what someone thinks, its really hard to hear honest criticism but I’m getting better.
By Mary Flynn on November 18, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Good point about not hashing things out immediately. Certainly ideas need to perculate and get out somehow…
By helenajuhasz on November 18, 2013 at 10:02 pm
I’ve loved the experience of working with illustrators once the book has been completed. It would be a challenge but an enjoyable one to work with another person throughout the entire creation process. Maybe one day I’ll get the chance…
By Penny on November 18, 2013 at 10:49 pm
These tips are useful for me even when dealing with my inner critic, too! Love that you two work together on picture books. Thanks for sharing your advice.
By Caroline on November 18, 2013 at 11:29 pm
Thank you for sharing! Good tips for how to gracefully work as a functioning team!
By Dana Atnip on November 19, 2013 at 12:48 am
I so needed this post right now! I’m thinking about doing a web comic with my husband and part of me is scared to death. I’ve had so many bad experiences with group projects in the past. It’s a bit different because I know my husband, but he also has a big personality, so it may be hard to share the comic. Hopefully these tips will help me get through the worst of it. Thank you so much!
By Dani Duck on November 19, 2013 at 2:25 am
Group projects in school always had me doing all the work, but then I could make all the decisions too!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 1:22 pm
I’m delighted to find more English-language picture book authors here in Deutschland! I’m also interested Chick-O-Saurus Rex for my kiddies! I with you and your husband many more harmonious collaborations!
By janejpark on November 19, 2013 at 5:43 am
There are more of us than one would suppose!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 1:21 pm
Thanks for sharing your expertise. Even though I don’t work as a partner, I think much of this advice is sound for working with crit groups, or just approaching my work. Congrats on your success.
By Tracie Laulusa on November 19, 2013 at 7:51 am
Great advice! I especially like “check your ego at the door.” Something for all of us to remember when we have our stories critiqued!
By Pat Haapaniemi on November 19, 2013 at 8:39 am
Thank you. Great tips!
By Jennifer Voigt Kaplan on November 19, 2013 at 10:53 am
I appreciate the advice. I am hoping to collaborate on a picture book with my 10-year-old son. Whatever comes of it, I want the process to be fun for us.
By Tonya on November 19, 2013 at 11:03 am
That should be interesting! Best of luck!
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Sound advice. Thanks.
By Angela De Groot on November 19, 2013 at 11:07 am
Great suggestions. Thanks!
By beckylevine on November 19, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Chick-o-saurus Rex has me at the cover! I can’t wait to read and see the result of the Jenneweins collaborative process.
By Wendy on November 19, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Thanks Wendy! It is such a fun cover – all Daniel’s idea 😀
By lenoreva on November 19, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Thanks for a great post!
By writeforapples on November 19, 2013 at 1:58 pm
TBH, I cannot imagine having a partner. Kudos to you two for making it work and offering suggestions on how to do it successfully.
By shiela fuller on November 19, 2013 at 2:43 pm
I like your style (both of you!) and will be looking for your “team” book!
By Linda Thompson on November 19, 2013 at 3:09 pm
CHICK-O-SAURUS REX looks like fun!
By City Sights for Kids on November 19, 2013 at 11:40 pm
I love the simplicity of your illustrations. They made me smile!
By bangersnmashdesign on November 20, 2013 at 12:13 am
Thank you for a great post!
By wendymyersart on November 20, 2013 at 1:45 am
This could be a great analogy for my inner plotter and pantser. They both need a little space for planning and for wild adventure, then to come together and be inspired or structured by the other’s ideas.
By Lauri Meyers on November 20, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Love your advice on working with someone else on a project. I guess the same applies to working with an agent, an editor, or your critique group.
By Perfecting Motherhood on November 20, 2013 at 4:14 pm
One day, I’ll find my writing partner too.
By Priya Gopal on November 20, 2013 at 9:00 pm
Great advice that’s applicable to so many areas of the creative process. Thanks!
By Melanie on November 21, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Great post, great advice. I have not ‘collaborated’ much on anything, other than with an illustrator friend, but only during the conceptual stage. I need to explore the process and see what comes about…your advice is a good guide. Thanks!
By SevenAcreSky on November 21, 2013 at 9:47 pm
Thank you for sharing how your collaboration works best. I think this applies in general to working with others. Can’t wait to read about Chick-o-saurus. 🙂
By Debbie Austin on November 22, 2013 at 7:44 am
Thank you! Sometimes it’s hard to just relax and let it flow, it’s easier to get caught up in the seriousness and to not have fun.
By Michelle Church on November 22, 2013 at 8:54 am
Thank you for sharing!
By littledbl on November 22, 2013 at 9:34 am
What a team to inspire us. I wish I could partner with somebody. Who would it be? Wishful thinking.
By aliciaminor on November 23, 2013 at 8:46 am
Loved your recognition that your first collaborations were practice books–and that practice led to your success.
By Buffy Silverman on November 23, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Your collaboration advice works well for any writer’s critique group as well–above all, respect.
By Jennifer Ali on November 23, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Great advice for any amount of collaboration and even critiques. Thank you!
By Sarah Maynard on November 23, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Interesting to see how you work together. Thanks for sharing your tips.
By Marcia Berneger on November 24, 2013 at 1:21 am
Yay, teamwork!
By colleenrkosinski on November 24, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Thanks for the post, Lenore! Nice to see you’ve found that balance in your collaborations.
By Kathryn Ault Noble on November 24, 2013 at 5:23 pm
Check your ego at the door is great advice for all writers (and people in general.) So glad that your collaboration came to fruition.
By Debbie Faith Mickelson on November 24, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Awesome advice for collaborations, and for projects in general. Thanks for the great tips!
By phinnum on November 25, 2013 at 10:20 am
What a great team you are! Love the illustrations and the story of the little chicken. Thanks for your post.
By Pia Garneau on November 25, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Great advice for all those who currently have or want to collaborate!
By Jessica Brannan on November 25, 2013 at 3:24 pm
That is such an awesome title! Thanks for this post!
By Myrna Foster on November 26, 2013 at 9:48 am
I like how you both support one another and give each other space to grow. Very inspirational!
By blanchebaxter on November 27, 2013 at 1:10 am
Thanks for sharing how you work together – and refine your ideas.
Chick-o-saurus Rex sounds brilliant – I’m going to seek out a copy for my kids!
By Tracey Jackson on November 29, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Just had a thought and I know exactly who I want to ask! Thx
By angiekarcher on November 30, 2013 at 1:33 am
Great advice and thank you so much for sharing! I do have a writing partner and greatly appreciate your advice on letting each other have their space. I also partnered with my brother as far as illustrating my ideas, this post also pertains to that as well. After reading the manuscript, I let him go with what he would like to highlight with illustrations. We may have different opinions as to what we would like to “see” but I let him go and he does the same with me! Very inspirational…thanks again! By the way…Chick-O-Saurus Rex sounds like a wonderful story and I wish you the best of luck with your success!
By Kelly Vavala on November 30, 2013 at 11:54 am
Reminds me of wallpapering a bathroom with my husband. LOL Thanks for sharing. btw, I lived in Germany (Weisbaden) for a summer. Loved it. Must tap some of those memories for PB ideas. It will likely have something to do with Black Forest Cake. Can’t get a good slice anywhere around here.
By carolmunrojww on November 30, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Great advice! I could never collaborate with my husband on art – the best we can manage is tandem cooking 🙂
By Mishka Jaeger on November 30, 2013 at 2:45 pm
Love seeing how you can work with someone close.
I have a critique group, but it is online. Still, you can apply those same suggestions! YAY!
By Tracey M. Cox on November 30, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Working on my partnership of one….I have to be kind and present with myself!
By alwaysbedancing on November 30, 2013 at 7:09 pm
Pretty good advice for the partnership of marriage, too! 🙂
By Amelia Shearer on November 30, 2013 at 9:36 pm
Great advice!
By cnparch on December 1, 2013 at 10:55 pm
Sometimes we forget that this is supposed to be FUN!
By Laurie J. Edwards on December 3, 2013 at 12:10 am