by Trisha Speed Shaskan & Stephen Shaskan
Writing is often thought of as a solo process. Picture a beret-clad, tortured artist in a dimly-lit room typing on a laptop with a bottle of Absinthe on hand. But it doesn’t need to be that way. Every book is made by a team—the author and editor for starters. So why not collaborate with someone from the start of your story?
Since we first met while working at an elementary school, we’ve been collaborators. We became friends, eventually married (but that’s another story), and formed a rock band together. Stephen played guitar. Trisha played drums.
At school, we co-taught a class. We eventually co-taught classes where we encouraged students to collaborate on creating stories and comics. But it wasn’t until we had both published books—Stephen as an author/illustrator and Trisha as an author—that we began collaborating from the start of the story process. After our agents submitted an early chapter book for us that was rejected, an editor asked if we were interested in submitting a new chapter book series idea. In the past, Trisha had written the story, then Stephen read it and illustrated it. This time, we decided to collaborate from the start. Since then, we’ve found the process is really beneficial; it helped us create our graphic novel series Q & RAY and our picture book PUNK SKUNKS. This process could help you too.
When choosing someone to collaborate with on brainstorming story ideas, choose someone you fully trust. Once you’ve chosen a person, there are ground rules.
First: Collaborators need to find equal value. Brainstorm mutual interests that could be the subject of a story—basket weaving, sky diving. This allows each collaborator to have the maximum amount of investment in the story. When we first brainstormed a list of ideas to work on collaboratively, “rock bands” was one of the first subjects we both agreed on. Stephen wasn’t so keen on tea parties.
Second: Maintain mutual respect with your collaborator(s). Allow ample space for everyone’s ideas. Remember to keep things positive. There aren’t bad ideas when brainstorming (except for bands that throw tea parties according to Stephen). Think of the brainstorming session as a large pot of soup. Your collaborative cook throws in rutabaga. You don’t like rutabaga, but this is the first time you’re trying this recipe. When the soup is done, you’ll be able to see if the rutabaga works or not. When we brainstormed which animals might play in a rock band, we tried moles, then badgers who looked much better as folk rockers than rockers when sketched, before choosing punk skunks for our story.
Third: Have a sense of humor. Don’t take anything too seriously. Try to laugh at yourself. Even if you seriously want the band to throw a tea party.
Once we’ve brainstormed a story idea together, we also brainstorm the conflict. For PUNK SKUNKS, the natural conflict was one skunk wanted to sing about one topic, while the other skunk disagreed. Together we brainstormed what the characters’ personalities might be and came up with a possible outline for the story. But when it was time to write, Trisha wrote the story on her own, then Stephen illustrated it on his own.
Our first collaborative story idea that became PUNK SKUNKS was rejected as a chapter book as was our second idea, Q & Ray. We loved the stories so we switched the formats. We sold (and have now published) PUNK SKUNKS as a picture book and Q & Ray as a 3-book graphic novel series for young readers. Plus, we learned the benefits of collaborating. There’s group investment in the story. We’ve combined our expertise. The process forced each of us to think outside ourselves and to maybe let go of the tea parties. We hope you try collaborating too.
Trisha Speed Shaskan has written over forty books for children, including the picture book PUNK SKUNKS and the Q & RAY graphic novel series, which are all illustrated by her husband Stephen Shaskan. Trisha is also the author of the upcoming picture book THE ITTY-BITTY WITCH illustrated by Xindi Yan releasing in July (Two Lions/Amazon). Trisha and Stephen, their cat Eartha, and dog Beatrix live in Minnesota. Visit Trisha online at: trishaspeedshaskan.com or on Facebook.
Stephen Shaskan is the author and illustrator of several picture books including: BIG CHOO, TOAD ON THE ROAD, MAX SPEED, THE THREE TRICERATOPS TUFF, and A DOG IS A DOG. He is also the illustrator of the picture book PUNK SKUNKS and the graphic novel series Q and Ray, both written by his wife Trisha Speed Shaskan. Stephen lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with Trisha, and their cat Eartha and dog Bea. Find him at stephenshaskan.com or on Facebook.
You can also follow Trisha and Stephen together on Facebook here.
Trisha and Stephen are giving away a signed copy of PUNK SKUNKS and a signed copy of Q & RAY CASE #1: THE MISSING MOLA LISA. There will be two winners of one book each.
Simply leave ONE COMMENT below to enter.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.
Good luck!
673 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 19, 2019 at 8:09 am
Louann Brown
So excited to see you two here! Just finished my first collaboration, a non-fiction book, with a critique partner. It was a lot of fun. Rock On U2!
January 19, 2019 at 5:02 pm
tsshaskan
Yay, Fab Louann! Great to see you here! Congrats on YOUR first collab! ROCK ON!
January 19, 2019 at 8:10 am
Andrea Mack
An interesting approach to writing.
January 19, 2019 at 5:03 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Andrea! It’s fun to try with any trusted person–a child, friend, or of course your best friend!
January 19, 2019 at 8:16 am
Linda Mitchell
What an amazing post. Thank you for the practical advice and the giggles. Love all of it.
January 19, 2019 at 5:03 pm
tsshaskan
Thank YOU, Linda! I am so happy you enjoyed it. Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 8:17 am
hallee2012
This is great. It sounds like you’ve created a terrific working relationship! Love how your back and forth brainstorming became reflected in your characters’ actions. How fun and funny! One of my dear friends who is an illustrator recently suggested we collaborate. Can’t wait to share this post with her. Thanks so much for sharing!!
January 19, 2019 at 5:04 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much for your kind feedback! I hope you and your dear friend have a blast! Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 8:17 am
kiwijenny
I love the thought of collaborating. My husband is writing a biography of a preacher
and writing a cautionary tale about a pea. Hmmmm
January 19, 2019 at 5:05 pm
tsshaskan
Nice wide range of material! HA!
January 19, 2019 at 8:17 am
sarahheturadny
You guys are lucky to have such PB brainstorming power within your marriage! I’ve often imagined working on making PBs with a (small) group of people.
January 19, 2019 at 5:05 pm
tsshaskan
Sarah, Stephen has also talked about brainstorming with a small group of people–could be really wonderful!
January 19, 2019 at 5:06 pm
sarahheturadny
Yes!!!!
January 19, 2019 at 8:18 am
Tina Cho
How cool to collaborate as husband and wife. I love the title Punk Skunks! Congrats on your books.
January 19, 2019 at 5:06 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Tina! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:19 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
So fun to hear the way collaborators work! Great backstory on how Punk Skunks and Q and Ray were developed!
January 19, 2019 at 5:06 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Kim! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:20 am
Matt Forrest Esenwine
I’ve collaborated on two PBs with different authors, and I would agree that being able to develop the plot/conflict/narrative with someone else is a huge benefit – it’s like you have a co-author AND editor right there with you!
January 19, 2019 at 5:07 pm
tsshaskan
Matt, totally! It IS having an editor & author. Good points.
January 19, 2019 at 8:26 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you for posting you two, great advice.
Congratulations on finding success, and each other.
January 19, 2019 at 5:07 pm
tsshaskan
Mark, Thank YOU for reading our post! Well wishes to you!
January 19, 2019 at 8:29 am
Beth Gallagher
Wonderful to see a couple working together! Thanks for the great advice on looking at writing from another POV. 😊
January 19, 2019 at 8:29 am
tanyakonerman
Punk Skunks sounds so fun! I’ve never really thought of collaborating but it looks like it works well for you. Maybe I’ll give it a try down the road!
January 19, 2019 at 5:08 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Tanya! I hope you give part of the collaboration process a whirl! Why not?!
January 19, 2019 at 8:35 am
thecrowsmap
What fun! Congratulations on your joint ventures:)
Gail Hartman
January 19, 2019 at 5:09 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Gail! Cheers!
January 19, 2019 at 8:35 am
pathaap
Loved reading about the process you go through when collaborating. Always helpful to read about different approaches to writing a story.
January 19, 2019 at 5:10 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you!
January 19, 2019 at 8:46 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Hi, Trisha and Stephen! Great to read about your process:)
January 19, 2019 at 5:10 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Laura! I hope you’re having a great writing week!
January 19, 2019 at 8:50 am
Writer on the run
Thank you for such a great idea! How great that you can work together creatively!
January 19, 2019 at 5:11 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! I hope you can collab too!
January 19, 2019 at 9:00 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Cool collaboration comments. How special for you two to be able to work so closely together, pinging off of each other’s strengths. Thanks for the steps to follow when working with another author/artist.
January 19, 2019 at 5:14 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Sherri. You’re so kind. I hope the steps inspire you!
January 19, 2019 at 9:04 am
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for a great post! What an amazing collaboration!
January 19, 2019 at 5:15 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Melissa! Sending you well wishes!
January 19, 2019 at 9:04 am
reluctantspy
Congratulations on your marriage and your books.
January 19, 2019 at 5:15 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much! This year, we’ll be married 19 years!
January 19, 2019 at 9:05 am
Joy Pitcairn
This is so fun! What a great way to get to spend time with your spouse. 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 5:16 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Joy! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 9:09 am
Rick Starkey
I love the brainstorming process! Thanks.
January 19, 2019 at 5:16 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Rick! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 9:11 am
authoryvonafast
Thank you for sharing your experience! I have begun collaborating on a story with a friend and member of our local SCBWI, so this was very helpful. And i will be writing a blog on collaborating for our Wonder of Words blog. Is it OK if i use some quotes? with attribution of course. Also i’d love to hear more about the benefits as well as the pitfalls with collaborating.
January 19, 2019 at 5:19 pm
tsshaskan
Yes! Thanks! We’d be honored to be quoted and would love to read your about your experience too! We’d be happy to chime in about pitfalls. We’ve also presented on the topic but didn’t include it in this post. Please email me at: trishaspeedshaskan@gmail.com. It will be great to connect!
January 19, 2019 at 9:15 am
jheitman22
Thanks for the behind-the-scenes tour of your books, and much continued success to you!
January 19, 2019 at 5:20 pm
tsshaskan
Thank YOU! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 9:21 am
Laura
A good partnership really does help the ideas to flow!
January 19, 2019 at 5:20 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 9:22 am
lindaschueler
Punk skunks! Hee hee, I love it!
January 19, 2019 at 5:20 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Linda! Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 9:26 am
Jennifer Bower
Two minds are always better than one! Thanks for sharing your story and congratulations on having a successful partnership.
January 19, 2019 at 5:21 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Jennifer! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 9:27 am
Shirin Shamsi
This is such an inspiring story of a collaboration that works so excellently. I love the Punk Skunk idea-so creative and so humorous. LOVE IT!!!
January 19, 2019 at 5:22 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Shirin! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 9:30 am
KidLit Underground
What a cute story! PUNK SKUNKS sounds like marriage #goals . Same advice applies to crit groups as well (though sometimes you do need to deliver negative feedback; but there are constructive ways to say it).
January 19, 2019 at 5:23 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much! You make a great point about the same advice applying to critique. Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 9:31 am
Juliana Jones
It’s great that you two can work so well together. Thanks for sharing your collaborative process.
January 19, 2019 at 5:23 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Julianna! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 9:32 am
Sandy Foster
Thank you for the great ideas! My husband and I have been thinking of collaborating on a story and you’ve given some great ground rules for beginners!
January 19, 2019 at 5:25 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Sandy. I hope you and your husband have a great time collaborating!
January 19, 2019 at 9:34 am
marsha e wright
What a unique story of your own to meet each other in this universe, work together, fall in love, marry, and collaborate with your talents! Must keep the marriage “alive.” Fun books that I have on my library list for next week! Congratulations and best wishes for continued collaborating success.
January 19, 2019 at 5:26 pm
tsshaskan
Marsha, thank you so much for all your kindness! We’re honored to be put on your library list! Wishing YOU success!
January 19, 2019 at 9:39 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Congratulations, Trisha and Stephen! Sounds like you have a wonderful life.
January 19, 2019 at 5:26 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much, Manju! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 9:40 am
Julie Mondi
I would love to find someone to collaborate with. Thank you!
January 19, 2019 at 5:26 pm
tsshaskan
Thank YOU, Julie! I hope you find that someone!
January 19, 2019 at 9:45 am
Patricia Alcaro
Thank you for sharing!
January 19, 2019 at 5:27 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading, Patricia!
January 19, 2019 at 9:46 am
michelemeleen
Great insight into the collaborative process!
January 19, 2019 at 5:27 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Michele! Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 9:47 am
Laurie Goodluck
Collaboration with a spouse can sometimes be like riding a tandem bike or kayak… lol, so your rules and guidelines are most helpful! Thanks from a fellow spouse collaborator.
January 19, 2019 at 5:28 pm
tsshaskan
Laurie, Haaaaa! SO TRUE! That’s why we created guidelines! Wishing you & your collaborator well!
January 19, 2019 at 9:47 am
ptnozell
Interesting idea to collaborate at the start. Congratulations on your continuing success.
January 19, 2019 at 5:28 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 9:50 am
Erik Ammon
But I like being a brooding solo artist 🙂 Congrats to both of you for finding each other, and on your writing/illustrating successes!
January 19, 2019 at 5:29 pm
tsshaskan
Ha! Erik! Enjoy your brooding! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 9:51 am
rimna
Great advice – thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 5:29 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post!
January 19, 2019 at 9:58 am
Kathy Halsey
Great ideas on collaboration! You both make a great team. TY.
January 19, 2019 at 5:31 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 9:58 am
thelmakat
Thank you for sharing your process and Congratulations on your success!
January 19, 2019 at 5:31 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 9:59 am
shiela Fuller
I have a friend who I think would be awesome to collaborate with. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 19, 2019 at 5:31 pm
tsshaskan
Thank YOU for reading. Good luck with collaborating!
January 19, 2019 at 10:02 am
polly renner
Cute story Trisha and Stephen! I also have a friend who loves to draw so we talk picture books together.
January 19, 2019 at 5:32 pm
tsshaskan
How wonderful to have that friend, Polly! Thank you for reading our post!
January 19, 2019 at 10:03 am
Rebecca Colby
What a fab title! I’ve always wondered what collaboration would be like, so I enjoyed hearing your story. Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 5:32 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Rebecca! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:03 am
Juliana Lee
Ah, good morning Trisha and Stephen. Started today with my coffee and a couple of rocking skunks! I remember reading this picture book with my granddaughter a while ago and we loved it! Now that she’s a little older, I’m going to share Q & RAY with her. I have a feeling we’re both going to love this series too!
January 19, 2019 at 5:34 pm
tsshaskan
Awww! Thanks so much for sharing our SKUNKS with your granddaughter & now Q & RAY too! You ROCK! Sending you well wishes!
January 19, 2019 at 10:06 am
Karin Larson
It was great reading about your collaborative process and what clearly works well for you. Congrats on your success. I love the titile Punk Skunks!
January 19, 2019 at 5:34 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Karin! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:06 am
storyfairy
Wow, you guys have really great ideas for collaborating! I enjoyed reading this post. 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 5:34 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks! I love the name Storyfairy! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:11 am
Mel Copeman
A few years ago I would have said no to collaborating, but as my niece grows older we seem to be naturally collaborating stories together. So now I wouldn’t say no to it!
January 19, 2019 at 5:35 pm
tsshaskan
That is wonderful, Mel! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:12 am
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
I love the synergy that you have found together. It would be so dreamy to collaborate with someone start to finish on a manuscript. #lifegoals
January 19, 2019 at 5:36 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much Lenora! I hope your wishes come true!
January 19, 2019 at 10:16 am
Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll)
Collaborations sound fun and challenging!
January 19, 2019 at 5:37 pm
tsshaskan
Katie, we definitely had to adjust to collaborating! It isn’t always easy. And we don’t always collaborate on stories. But the ones we create together we wouldn’t have created separately. 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 10:16 am
Deb Sullivan
What a great story…and helpful reminder of the benefits of collaboration. Thanks for sharing!
January 19, 2019 at 5:38 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading, Deb!
January 19, 2019 at 10:17 am
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
Hi Trisha & Stephen, Thanks for sharing your process. I love the MOLA LISA title. The covers are so inviting – 100% fun promised to readers from the outset. I wish you much success on both your collaborative adventures and your solo projects. Thanks for your Storystorm give-aways, too.
January 19, 2019 at 5:39 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much for your kindness & for reading our post! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 10:20 am
supermario6
Thanks for introducing me to this writing team.
January 19, 2019 at 5:39 pm
tsshaskan
Thank YOU for reading our post! Nice to be introduced!
January 19, 2019 at 10:28 am
Amy Houts
My sister and I talked about collaborating on a book. Thanks for sharing your process on to succeed. And best wishes with your work!
January 19, 2019 at 5:41 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Amy! I hope you & your sister give it a whirl! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 10:30 am
James Arthur
Great post! Sometimes the story is not meant to be written by yourself.
January 19, 2019 at 5:41 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, James. You are wise.
January 19, 2019 at 10:33 am
Paula Puckett
Good suggestions for collaboration. Give and take, find common ground, and have a sense of humor. Thanks for sharing!
January 19, 2019 at 5:42 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Paula! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 10:36 am
C.L. Murphy
I’m impressed! Thanks for sharing.
January 19, 2019 at 5:42 pm
tsshaskan
Thank YOU for reading! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 10:38 am
beckylevine
Great examples of pulling together multiple perspectives. Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 5:43 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Becky! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:40 am
Jennifer Phillips
Congrats to you on all dimensions of your collaboration. A wonderful story to hear!
January 19, 2019 at 5:44 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 10:46 am
Linda KulpTrout
I love the idea of collaborating with another writer. I hope to try it someday!
January 19, 2019 at 5:45 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Linda! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 10:46 am
Janice Woods
Thanks for sharing!
January 19, 2019 at 5:45 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading!
January 19, 2019 at 10:50 am
Jessica Kulekjian
I love learning how your collaborative stories were born. Thank you for sharing!
January 19, 2019 at 5:46 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Jessica! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:52 am
Ashley Congdon
Collaborating with someone would be great if you found the right partner. Good idea to keep in mind. Congrats on the books!
January 19, 2019 at 5:47 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:53 am
Katie Giorgio
How fun to collaborate! Thanks for sharing!
January 19, 2019 at 5:47 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:55 am
Joan Longstaff
Collaborating sounds like fun! Thank you for posting.
January 19, 2019 at 5:48 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Joan! Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 10:56 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Trisha and Stephen congrats on your success!
January 19, 2019 at 5:48 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Lori! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 10:58 am
nrompella
Interesting. Thanks for sharing your story.
January 19, 2019 at 5:48 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our story!
January 19, 2019 at 11:00 am
Susan Macartney
What a special, collaborative relationship! Great to hear your story – thanks for sharing.
January 19, 2019 at 5:49 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our story, Susan! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:01 am
aliciaminor
I believe in the power of TWO. A supporting second always make it happen and it’s been proven so find your writing partner and make it happen. You’ll see a gold at the end of the rainbow.
January 19, 2019 at 5:49 pm
tsshaskan
Wow! I love your “power of TWO” wisdom. Thank you. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:02 am
danielledufayet
So happy you two work together -what a team! Punk Skunks looks adorable. Thanks for sharing and congrats!
January 19, 2019 at 5:50 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Danielle! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:07 am
Dea Brayden
Thanks for this. Love the ideas that come from collaborating early! And love the idea of Punk Skunks. Congrats!
January 19, 2019 at 5:50 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Dea! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:11 am
Janie Reinart
Rock on! You two were made for each other. What fun to work as a pair.
January 19, 2019 at 5:51 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Janie! You ROCK!
January 19, 2019 at 11:23 am
tanjabauerle
Congratulations. Great inspiration.
January 19, 2019 at 5:51 pm
tsshaskan
Thank YOU! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:23 am
Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt)
I don’t have a partner to collaborate with, but I do have an amazing team of critique partners. We get together and brainstorm. Some wonderful creations have come out of those sessions.
January 19, 2019 at 5:51 pm
tsshaskan
That is amazing that you have a brainstorming team. Wishing you all well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:24 am
Alicia
Great idea! Thanks
January 19, 2019 at 5:52 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Alicia!
January 19, 2019 at 11:25 am
Jennifer Hunt
Thanks for sharing your story of collaboration! Punk Skunks and The missing Mola Lisa-ha ha! Love!
January 19, 2019 at 5:52 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I am glad you laughed! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:27 am
Claire W Bobrow
That’s the first rutabaga in a soup recipe analogy I’ve ever heard and…I like it! Thanks for the excellent tips on creative collaboration, Trisha and Stephen.
January 19, 2019 at 5:53 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Claire! Stephen added the rutabaga! HA! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 11:28 am
Krista Harrington
Thank you for the great article. I’m now wondering how I could mush my artsy brain with my husband’s PhD in Industrial Engineering brain. Hmm…
January 19, 2019 at 5:53 pm
tsshaskan
Krista, that prospect sounds very promising! What wonderful brain power you and your husband must have. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:28 am
June Sengpiehl
Fascinating post. Interesting to see different ideas of how writers work their craft.
January 19, 2019 at 5:54 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, June! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:29 am
KATHY Z.PRICE
Thank you for the idea of collaboration! Punk Skunks sounds so fun
January 19, 2019 at 5:54 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Kathy! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:29 am
Marie Sanderson
Interesting idea! I’ve never considered collaborating on a PB but I can see that two heads can definitely be better than one. Congratulations on your lovely partnership!
January 19, 2019 at 5:54 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Marie! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 11:30 am
SARAH Meade
Great ideas here. Thanks for the post!
January 19, 2019 at 5:55 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Sarah! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:31 am
betlw
Trisha and Stephen, a terrific idea, collaboration! You have a winning team there, twice the ideas and talent too. I love the idea of punk skunks. What a combination. Great post.
January 19, 2019 at 5:56 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much for your kindness! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:31 am
Susan Johnston
Love the title PUNK SHUNKS! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 19, 2019 at 5:56 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Susan! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 11:34 am
mariaordish
Great story! Thanks for the post Trisha!
January 19, 2019 at 5:57 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Maria! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:34 am
Pamela Harrison
Collaborations sounds fun! Thanks for the idea.
January 19, 2019 at 5:57 pm
tsshaskan
Yay! I am glad you liked it, Pamela! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:35 am
Ellen Sirianni
Great advice! Thanks for sharing.
January 19, 2019 at 5:58 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Ellen! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:37 am
lizricewrites
Punk skunks! Love the title and your collaboration info.
January 19, 2019 at 5:59 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:42 am
carol w Munro
Beret and Absinthe? Uh, nope. But I’ll share my Shrek-ears headband and bottle of Woodford bourbon with a collaborator. 😉
Interesting that you swapped formats for those projects. Something to keep in mind for the ideas I’ve been generating during Storystorm. If it doesn’t work as a PB, think again. Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 6:02 pm
tsshaskan
Ha! Carol! I love the Shrek-ears headband & bourbon. Clearly a winning combo. I always think it’s great to experiment with different formats–picture book, graphic novel, chapter book. You never know where you’ll strike gold! Thanks for sharing some of your process with me!
January 19, 2019 at 11:44 am
maryzychowicz
We don’t hear a lot about collaboration like this. Interesting take on that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas. I can’t wait to read Punk Skunks!
January 19, 2019 at 6:03 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy our Skunks! Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 11:45 am
heidikyates
How fun! Thank you for sharing your ideas. I’m looking forward to reading Punk Skunks. 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 6:03 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Heidi! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 11:48 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Stephen & Trisha: Thank you for sharing your experience with the benefits of collaboration as you combined your expertise.
Suzy Leopold
January 19, 2019 at 6:04 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Suzy! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:51 am
Brenda Miller
I think keeping a sense of humor throughout the process is key. My husband and I work together on picture books and seem to work best when we’re laughing. Thanks for a great post.
January 19, 2019 at 6:05 pm
tsshaskan
That is Fabulous that you & your husband can collaborate and laugh together! Thanks for reading our post. Wishing you both well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:54 am
Gabi Snyder
Thanks for sharing your ground rules for collaborating! And congrats on your books!
January 19, 2019 at 6:34 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Gabi! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:55 am
Nora Fry
Collaborators are critical. Thank you!
January 19, 2019 at 6:34 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Nora! So true. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:56 am
Jay
This is an interesting take on collaboration. Thank you.
January 19, 2019 at 6:35 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Jay. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 11:57 am
Liz Steinglass
It’s great that you are able to collaborate so well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:35 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Liz! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Jennifer G Prevost
What a talented household! Thanks for sharing a different approach.
January 19, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Heather Stigall
Thanks for the tips on collaborating. I’ll keep these in mind if I ever have the opportunity to collaborate w/someone.
January 19, 2019 at 6:36 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Heather! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:01 pm
Marcie Rinka Wessels
The Shaskans rock! ❤
January 19, 2019 at 6:36 pm
tsshaskan
Marcie: YOU ROCK! XO!
January 19, 2019 at 12:02 pm
8catpaws
Punk Skunks? Phew! This collaboration smells good!
January 19, 2019 at 6:37 pm
tsshaskan
Haaa! Thank you! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Gregory E Bray
The post title has Vanilla Ice stuck in my head. Punk Skunks sounds like a book right up my alley.
January 19, 2019 at 6:37 pm
tsshaskan
Ha! Thanks, Gregory! Every once in a while, everyone needs a little Vanilla Ice, Ice! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Shutta Crum
Thanks! Enjoyed this.
January 19, 2019 at 6:37 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:20 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you Trisha and Stephen, for showing us how beautifully collaboration works. What a wonderful team.
January 19, 2019 at 6:38 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Judy! You’re so kind. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
I’m inspired by your collaboration. Thanks for the insights into your process!
January 19, 2019 at 6:38 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Robin! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Carole Calladine
Thank you for sharing your collaborative process. Great titles particularly like skunks as rockers
January 19, 2019 at 6:39 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Carole! You’re kind! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Darcee A Freier
How wonderful that you work together! Thanks for the collaboration guidelines.
January 19, 2019 at 6:39 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Darcee! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Cathy Ogren
Collaboration! My favorite rule is number three: Have a sense of humor!
January 19, 2019 at 6:42 pm
tsshaskan
Ha! Thanks, Cathy! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Diana Murrell
I love this idea! I often do this wihen teaching and love the results. I think the equal value point is very important for making this work so that everyone benefits.
January 19, 2019 at 6:43 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Diana. I totally agree. Having equal value is key. I find it interesting that you do this when teaching because that was our first collaboration. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Nicole Vuong
What a great story!
January 19, 2019 at 6:43 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Nicole! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
So lovely to hear of such a positive collaboration! Congrats and can’t wait to read!
January 19, 2019 at 6:43 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Michelle! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Arlene Schenker
Thank you, Trisha and Stephen. I never would have thought of this possibility. You make it sound easy!
January 19, 2019 at 6:45 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Arlene! It isn’t always easy, which is why we created ground rules. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 12:55 pm
jenabenton
I love the idea of collaboration. Thanks for sharing.
January 19, 2019 at 6:45 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Jena! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:01 pm
Rinda Beach
I love having critique partners who give me fresh eyes on a project,. I also love when a story takes charge and leads me through the plot.
January 19, 2019 at 6:46 pm
tsshaskan
Rinda, isn’t the best when a story takes charge? Sounds like you’re doing great! Thanks for reading our post.
January 19, 2019 at 1:04 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
Great ideas, thanks
January 19, 2019 at 6:46 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Kathy! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:04 pm
K.A.Steed
Thank you for the idea on collaborating!
January 19, 2019 at 6:47 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:07 pm
matthewlasley
I met my wife through elementary school (we both teach first grade at different schools) and we are both into picture writing. We have been discussing collaborating and have a couple of ideas. We have worked on a few things for our classroom, small books that filled in holes in our curriculum. That was a great experience.
Thanks for the encouragement and the push.
January 19, 2019 at 6:48 pm
tsshaskan
Dear Matthew, it sounds like you & your wife are a Great team! I can’t wait to read about your collaborative story in the future! Wishing you both well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:11 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
I’d love to collaborate with someone! Maybe someday I will!
January 19, 2019 at 6:48 pm
tsshaskan
Fab! I hope you do! Thanks for reading our post.
January 19, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
How lucky to have eachother to collaborate with! I love my critique groups for their input, but might want to try to collaborate with someone at some point. Good luck with your upcoming books.
January 19, 2019 at 6:49 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Carol. Wishing you well on your endeavors!
January 19, 2019 at 7:03 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Carol! I hope you collab & enjoy it! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:18 pm
Stephanie Shaw
As much as I love the idea of collaborating with someone, I haven’t found it to be successful. I’m glad you did. It was heartbreaking to have a publisher accept my text but not my collaborator’s artwork. I wish there more publishers open to this.
January 19, 2019 at 6:51 pm
tsshaskan
Dear Stephanie, I am sorry you had such a bad experience. Once, when Stephen and I submitted a story, the editor liked his art but not my writing, which was really difficult for me. So I understand how hard it can be–and that it isn’t always a fit. Wishing you well. Thanks for sharing your story.
January 19, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Glad collaborating worked for both of you! Sounds like the right match.
January 19, 2019 at 6:52 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Rebekah! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:27 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Terrific story. Thank you for sharing how you wrote it.
January 19, 2019 at 6:53 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Nancy! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:30 pm
karengreenwald2985
I love your history! Thanks for a great idea!
January 19, 2019 at 6:54 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Karen! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Lisa Billa
Collaboration sounds fun! Thanks for sharing how you’ve created your books!
January 19, 2019 at 6:54 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Lisa! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:33 pm
Bonni Goldberg
Thanks for sharing the trajectory of what became a PB and a graphic novel series. It’s important for all of us to be reminded that soemtimes a great charcater or story may need a different genre to reach the right readers (or publishers).
January 19, 2019 at 6:55 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks so much, Bonni. I am glad you paid attention to that part. I think it helps so much to be flexible with your stories. I am happier with both the stories and formats much more than their original formats. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Debbi G
Thanks for sharing how you collaborate.
January 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Debbi!
January 19, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Mary Worley
Nice to have some ground rules for collaborating. The punk skunks are adorable.
January 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Mary! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:41 pm
Debra Daugherty
Love the title Punk Skunks. Thanks, Stephen and Trisha, for sharing your story. You are proof that collaborations works successfully.
January 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Debra! Rock ON!
January 19, 2019 at 1:41 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Thank you for sharing your collaborative process!
January 19, 2019 at 6:57 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Annie, for reading our story. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Cinzia V.
Fun guidance on collaborating. Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 7:04 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you for reading our story, Cinzia! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Mary Lou
Great ideas!
January 19, 2019 at 7:04 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Mary Lou! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:57 pm
Aimee
You guys are the dynamic duo! Thanks so much for sharing a window into collaborative writing ☺️
January 19, 2019 at 7:05 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Aimee! You’re kind. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 1:59 pm
bevbaird
Great post on collaboration!
January 19, 2019 at 7:05 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Teamwork is both fun and rewarding – congratulations on your collaborative efforts and can’t wait to read your books!
January 19, 2019 at 7:06 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Amy! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 2:15 pm
andreesantini
Thanks, and I love the idea of punk skunks.
January 19, 2019 at 7:07 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Katie Engen
#synergy
January 19, 2019 at 7:07 pm
tsshaskan
TOTES! Thank you! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 2:37 pm
DaNeil Olson
Outstanding post – thank you.
January 19, 2019 at 7:08 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, DaNeil! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 2:38 pm
Sheri Radovich
Collaboration is a fun concept but critique partners are never in the same area to work with. So thinking about what compromises can be made. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
January 19, 2019 at 7:08 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Sheri! I hope the post will help you find a way. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 2:38 pm
leeanimator
Thanks so much for your help! Collaborating sounds like a lot of fun! I can’t wait to read your books!
January 19, 2019 at 7:08 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy our books!
January 19, 2019 at 2:39 pm
Sylvia Grech
I love your story! Thanks for sharing.
January 19, 2019 at 7:11 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much for reading our story, Sylvia! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 2:40 pm
Sarah Tobias
Very cool! Sometimes working with my Critique group has moments of collaboration, though in the end we each go back to our own story to work things out.
January 19, 2019 at 7:12 pm
tsshaskan
Sarah, that’s great. We have a wonderful critique group but haven’t tried collaboration. It’s a great idea. Thanks for the tip. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Maritza M. Mejía
Great post about collaboration . Thank you,Trisha.
January 19, 2019 at 7:13 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you for reading our post, Martiza! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I think all skunks are kinda punk. I’m glad they’re finally getting the punky recognition they deserve. I am not afraid of them, but Mom is. She says they will spray me and bite my face off. I think they are chill and want to hang with me. #humansamiright
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 19, 2019 at 7:14 pm
tsshaskan
Haaaa! That is fabulous. I hope you & Skunks have a blast. Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Kellie
What a wonderful opportunity if you are lucky enough to get it. I often brainstorm ideas with my writing buddy – and two heads are certainly better than one. Neither of us illustrate though.
January 19, 2019 at 7:15 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Kellie. I think collaborating on part of the process can give you a new window into your work. That’s fabulous that you have a writing buddy that you can share your stories with. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 3:42 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I don’t think I’d be a natural at this — I don’t even like collaborating on jigsaw puzzles! But maybe someday . . .
January 19, 2019 at 7:16 pm
tsshaskan
Haaaaa! Janet! Collaborating isn’t for everyone. I bet you fly solo wonderfully! Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Nancy Colle
True teamwork seems like a rarity these days. Interesting post. Thank you:)
January 19, 2019 at 7:17 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Nancy. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Jodi Mckay
What a wonderful way to take your relationship to a different level. Love the creativity you both bring to your work!
January 19, 2019 at 7:17 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Jodi! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 3:46 pm
leslievanzee
How awesome!
January 19, 2019 at 7:17 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! ROCK ON!
January 19, 2019 at 3:52 pm
Nancy Riley
Great tips. Now to find a collaboration partner!
January 19, 2019 at 7:18 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Nancy! I hope you find one!
January 19, 2019 at 4:02 pm
authoraileenstewart
How nice to work with the love of your life :0)
January 19, 2019 at 7:18 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you. We are very grateful! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 4:03 pm
Teresa Robeson
I’ve never thought seriously about collaborating with someone but this advice works equally well for talking myself through ideas. LOL!
January 19, 2019 at 7:19 pm
tsshaskan
Fabulous, Teresa! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 4:06 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Bouncing ideas off of someone else is always fun. When you both start bouncing ideas it’s even better.
January 19, 2019 at 7:19 pm
tsshaskan
The more bouncing, the better! Ha! Thank you. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 4:15 pm
Jane Baskwill
Thanks, Trisha. Collaboration can be tricky but also very rewarding as you have said. Have someone to bounce ideas off of often leads to many others!
January 19, 2019 at 7:20 pm
tsshaskan
So true. Thanks for reading our post, Jane! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 4:19 pm
Elizabeth W Saba
Trisha and Stephen – i just added all of the books listed above to my want to read/buy/share list. Thank you for the collaboration ideas.
January 19, 2019 at 7:21 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you SO MUCH, Elizabeth, for adding our books to your lists. We’re honored. Wishing you well on all your endeavors! Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 4:22 pm
Aimee Satterlee
Collaboration is a key to any book being published. It was neat to see how your ideas came together in Punk Skunks. Thanks for sharing, Trisha and Stephen!
January 19, 2019 at 4:22 pm
readstuffnwrite
Great reading about your collaborative experience!
January 19, 2019 at 7:24 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you for reading our story. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 4:25 pm
Sue Heavenrich
yay for teamwork! And punk skunks with their awesome mohawks.
January 19, 2019 at 7:25 pm
tsshaskan
Ha! Thanks, Sue, for appreciating the mohawks! You Rock! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Joan Swanson
Thanks for the information on collaborating.
January 19, 2019 at 7:26 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Joan! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
I love reading about the trial and error process and about how the format of the books were rejected … so you re-grouped, re-formatted and experienced success for these books and these fun characters!
January 19, 2019 at 7:33 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you for your close read of our story, Dawn. Your summary is amazing. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 4:33 pm
saputnam
Great post, Trisha and Stephen! Thank you for giving us a peek at how “Punk Skunks” came about. I loved reading about the process you go through. I’ve never considered collaborating on a PB before, but am open to trying it, especially for a couple of my Non-Fiction series.
January 19, 2019 at 7:37 pm
tsshaskan
Yay! I am so glad you’re open to collaborating! Thanks for reading and enjoying our story. Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 4:33 pm
mona861
mmmmm…never really thought about collaboration. There are a few crit partners who could also be good collaboration partners. Thank you for even planting that seed in my head.
January 19, 2019 at 7:38 pm
tsshaskan
Yay! I am so glad we planted a seed! Wishing you success in your future endeavors!
January 19, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Marge Gower
I would have loved to collaborate with my husband. Good luck on your future collaborations. Congrats on your successes.
January 19, 2019 at 7:39 pm
tsshaskan
Dear Marge, thank you so much. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 4:43 pm
Helen Matthews
I’ve brainstormed story ideas with my kids, mostly for the stories they are writing. Would love for them to maybe one day become my collaborators 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 7:39 pm
tsshaskan
Dear Helen, I wonder if your kids could collaborate now? I bet they’re wonderful! Thanks for reading our post. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 4:44 pm
Debbie Meyer
My husband is always singing or rhyming when he talks to me – he thinks it’s funny, but sometimes it’s just irritating. I keep telling him we should write a book together! 🙂 Congratulations on your success.
January 19, 2019 at 7:41 pm
tsshaskan
Debbie, HA! I hope the irritations become creations! Thanks for sharing your story and reading ours. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks, Trisha and Stephen! Love the Punk Skunks! Think I’ll be picking that up for someone special! 😀 Hope to find that collaboration partner someday in the near future.
January 19, 2019 at 7:42 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you so much for picking up our book! I hope you find your collaboration partner! Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Heather Gallagher
Love the look of Punk Skunk!
January 19, 2019 at 7:43 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Heather! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 5:06 pm
rjtraxel
What a neat story and method.
January 19, 2019 at 7:43 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 5:12 pm
Natasha Garnett
In house collaboration- you two are so lucky! Maybe you need to get Eartha and Bea involved as well…
January 19, 2019 at 7:44 pm
tsshaskan
HAAA! I think Eartha & Bea should be involved. Thanks for the idea, Natasha. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 5:15 pm
Pat Miller
You make it sound easy–thanks for sharing the outcome of much give and take to get where you are now.
January 19, 2019 at 7:45 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Pat. It isn’t always easy, as I suspect you know, but it is a process, which often ends well. I am sending you well wishes.
January 19, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Margaret Flint Suter
Like the look of Punk Skunk! Thanks for being part of our process of learning!
January 19, 2019 at 7:46 pm
tsshaskan
Margaret, thank you! Wishing you success!
January 19, 2019 at 5:22 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thanks for sharing your cooperation story. Your skunk story sound fun.
January 19, 2019 at 7:46 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Bettie! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 5:28 pm
teacherwriteracker
You sound like an amazing team!
January 19, 2019 at 7:48 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Debra Katz
Spouses and collaborators- that’s quite a combination.
January 19, 2019 at 7:51 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Debra! Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 5:33 pm
bgonsar
Well done being able to collaborate together for so long!
January 19, 2019 at 8:08 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Rona Shirdan
It might be fun to do a collaborative project with the right person! Congratulations on the punk skunks!
January 19, 2019 at 5:38 pm
Kathryn Jean Hagen
Great work, Stephen and Trisha!! You two are a magnificent team!
January 19, 2019 at 8:09 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Kathy! You ROCK! I hope you’re having a great writing week!
January 19, 2019 at 5:39 pm
celticsea
You guys are lucky to have found each other. I think the hardest part is the part where you are searching to find someone in whom you can fully trust. That is a big task!
January 19, 2019 at 8:10 pm
tsshaskan
Oh, I totally agree. It is really hard to find a person to trust. Thanks for your input and for reading our story. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 5:44 pm
joyacey
These are things a good critique group can do for a children’s writer. The problem is building the trust.
January 19, 2019 at 8:11 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you. I totally agree: It is hard to build trust. I hope you find and build it!
January 19, 2019 at 5:58 pm
Melissa Mwai
Like the artwork for punk skunk. Also I’ve worked closely with other authors and the suggestions here are spot on.
January 19, 2019 at 8:12 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Melissa! I am so glad you like our Skunks! I’m also really happy to know you found our advice to be true. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:28 pm
Chelle Martin
How cool that you’re married collaborators. Really cute ideas. I’m glad you were able to change formats and get your books published. The challenge is finding someone you can trust. I fully trust my critique partner, but we haven’t collaborated on any ideas.
January 19, 2019 at 8:12 pm
tsshaskan
I agree: The trust issue is huge. And when collaboration, you really need to be in agreement on the rules. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Sara Fajardo
Thank you! Great post!
January 19, 2019 at 8:13 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Sara! Rock on!
January 19, 2019 at 6:33 pm
Latasha Vernon
Teamwork makes the dream work! Nice work, Trisha and Stephen.
January 19, 2019 at 8:13 pm
tsshaskan
Awww! Thank you! Wishing you well, Latasha!
January 19, 2019 at 6:34 pm
Lori Dubbin
Two is definity more fun than one and you guys prove that!
January 19, 2019 at 8:13 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Lori! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post about collaborating on your writing, and I do believe two heads are better than one.
January 19, 2019 at 8:14 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Jennifer! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:42 pm
Michele Helsel
I wish my husband would collaborate.
January 19, 2019 at 8:14 pm
tsshaskan
Sounds like a good wish. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:49 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Really enjoyed Punk Skunks and am looking forward to more of your collaborations, Trisha and Stephen. Maybe a tea party one????😎
January 19, 2019 at 8:15 pm
tsshaskan
Haaa, LeeAnn! THANK YOU for enjoying Punk Skunks! We really appreciate it! I do love a tea party! Ha!
January 19, 2019 at 6:55 pm
Tanya Shock
I enjoyed your post. 😊Thank you for sharing!❤️
January 19, 2019 at 8:15 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Tanya! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm
debbiemccue
Collaboration sounds like fun. You guys have the perfect set up for that. Thanks for the ideas.
January 19, 2019 at 8:16 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the post. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm
Carmen White
Oh my gosh!!! these Punk Skunks are sooo CUTE!!!! Seriously, I can’t take it!
As far as collaborating… I love it. There’s nothing like seeing what an artist or a letterer can do to a comic page, or an extra mind can do in a brainstorming sessions. My husband and I just started a Sci-fi serial novel and My sister and I (We have been collaborating since she was born) are getting ready to launch our first web comic. I find that collaboration brings out the best in everyone’s creativity if done right, AKA respectfully, honestly, and fee to get crazy with it.
January 19, 2019 at 6:58 pm
Sharron Magyar
Seem like fun and challenging to collaborate. Would like to try it! Thank you for the post.
January 19, 2019 at 8:20 pm
tsshaskan
Sharron, yes. It is both fun and challenging and also worth a try! Thanks for reading our post! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 6:59 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Love hearing about your process, and the idea of starting the books collaboratively and then ending independently.
January 19, 2019 at 8:21 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Melanie! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:03 pm
Vicki Wilke
How awesome to have a close and constant collaborator! Hoping the little angel on my shoulder counts. 👍🏼 Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 8:21 pm
tsshaskan
Vicki, everything counts! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:15 pm
annjex
I think collaboration is the best way to create. Thank you for your perspective–you are so fortunate to work together.
January 19, 2019 at 8:25 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you! I feel fortunate and am also so grateful you enjoyed our post. Wishing you well.
January 19, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Buffy Silverman
Love the idea of thinking of a brainstorming session as a large pot of soup. Going to go stir some ingredients!
January 19, 2019 at 8:26 pm
tsshaskan
YAY, Buffy! I hope your soup is delicious! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:37 pm
Frances Kalavritinos
My husband is the funniest person I know. I should ask him to collaborate with me on a story! Great idea!
January 19, 2019 at 8:27 pm
tsshaskan
Frances, ask him! Or maybe even just ask him to add humor to the story! Sometimes I ask Stephen to do that. I ask him to “make it funny!” Wishing you and your husband well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:37 pm
Angie
Great tips for collaborating! Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 8:28 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Angie!
January 19, 2019 at 7:42 pm
Poupette Smith
I tried this once with an artist friend and even though she knew how to draw and I didn’t, we sure had fun brainstorming!
January 19, 2019 at 8:28 pm
tsshaskan
Fabulous. It sounds like you’ve found a good match. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:43 pm
Mary Jane
A neat post about collaborating. Thank you both for this!.
January 19, 2019 at 8:29 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Mary Jane! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:48 pm
Barb Ostapina
Double the pleasure… thanks, Shaskans!
January 19, 2019 at 8:30 pm
tsshaskan
Ha! Thanks, Barb! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:49 pm
Trine Grillo
This is a sweet story of how you became collaborators.Congratulations on your successes.
January 19, 2019 at 8:29 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post, Trine. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:50 pm
joyceschr
The ultimate collaboration: wife and husband! Good for you. Thanks for the info.
January 19, 2019 at 8:30 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you for reading our post. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 7:54 pm
Hank Dallago
Loved how you two have collaborated to create such amazing story books. Thank you for the encouragement to collaborate more, and more.
January 19, 2019 at 8:20 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Hank! Wishing you well on your future endeavors and collaborations!
January 19, 2019 at 7:55 pm
Maria Marshall
I love the idea of collaborating. Your Q & RAY CASE #1: THE MISSING MOLA LISA is very tantalizing. Congrats on making it work and two great books.
January 19, 2019 at 8:19 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Maria! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:01 pm
Kaye Baillie
Brainstorming is a great thing. It’s amazing how ideas then become richer and broader. And I love the look of Punk Skunks!
January 19, 2019 at 8:19 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Kaye! I am so glad you like our Skunks! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Anjali Amit
Punk Skunks. What a great title. Thank you for encouraging collaboration as an alternate to the tortured writer in the lonely tower.
January 19, 2019 at 8:18 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Anjali! When I first starting writing stories, I always thought of it as a solo process. Now, even if I am not collaborating, I like to write alongside friends or share my process in some way. Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Lucretia
Thank you for sharing your insights. How fortunate and practical that your spouse is your collaborator–that’s real synergy! Congratulations on your publishing success through teamwork!
January 19, 2019 at 8:17 pm
tsshaskan
Thank you, Lucretia! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:08 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
It was fun to hear about your work process.
January 19, 2019 at 8:17 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Sharon! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:11 pm
Susan Schade
Thank you for sharing your process. Fun ideas!
January 19, 2019 at 8:16 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Susan! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:15 pm
Megan Whitaker
Sounds like a good pairing-love the title of Punk Skunks!
January 19, 2019 at 8:16 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks, Megan! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:24 pm
curryelizabeth
What a fun collaboration! Thanks for the great post!
January 19, 2019 at 8:31 pm
tsshaskan
Thanks for reading our post! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Meghan Burch
Some of my fave books are the result of collaborations. Thanks for sharing about your process and challenging to try it too!
January 19, 2019 at 8:31 pm
tsshaskan
YAY! I am happy to meet a fellow collaborator! Thanks for reading our post! Wishing you well!
January 19, 2019 at 8:35 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
Thank you so much for your post! I’ve never collaborated, but sounds like it would be super fun, if I found the right person!
January 19, 2019 at 8:39 pm
Lynn Alpert
I think collaborating would be fun with the right partner! Thanks for your post!
January 19, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Jacqueline Adams
I like the point about switching formats when a beloved story is rejected. That’s worked for me, too. But I’ve never tried collaborating on brainstorming, and you make it sound so much fun that I want to give it a try!
January 19, 2019 at 9:29 pm
Alice Carty Fulgione
I’d love to work with a collaborator! The style of the partner, however, would have to mesh well with my style.
January 19, 2019 at 9:36 pm
writeknit
Collaboration is an interesting alternative to solo writing. Thanks for the food for thought!
January 19, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Mary Ann Cortez
Punk Skunks sounds so cute. Can’t wait to read it.
January 19, 2019 at 9:47 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
I’m a teacher at an elementary school and I used my autographed copy of Punk Skunks last year to supplement a reading lesson. My students loved it! Thanks for the post!
January 19, 2019 at 9:51 pm
Jessica Potts
Great post! Punk Skunks looks fun!
January 19, 2019 at 10:00 pm
Christine Pinto
Punk Skunks! Just those two words have set off a great brainstorm! I’m throwing together words that rhyme and having a great time! Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 10:38 pm
kathydoherty1
Collaboration is a wonderful idea!
January 19, 2019 at 11:08 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Interesting. I was always told not to find an illustrator when you are a writer. I wanted to do a PB w/ my sister and was talked out of it. Good to know, it can still be done.
January 19, 2019 at 11:13 pm
Deb Cushman
Love the idea of Punk Skunks!
January 19, 2019 at 11:16 pm
seschipper
Thanks, great post! Mola Lisa, Punk Skunks …Love it!! It would be great to collaborate and share thoughts and giggles along the way! 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 11:23 pm
Patricia Toht
I would think that collaborating would be hard, but you two have found a way to make it work. My hubby and I will have to give it a try sometime!
January 19, 2019 at 11:28 pm
authorlaurablog
Such good humor and creativity.
January 19, 2019 at 11:38 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Constantly collaborating with me, myself and I, and we have some fierce disagreements, but I have yet to lose in the end. (someone much wiser than me said never lose an argument with yourself)
January 19, 2019 at 11:39 pm
writersideup
How wonderful you can both work together this way! So joyful and fulfilling 🙂
January 19, 2019 at 11:41 pm
cravevsworld
Thank you for sharing a true and inspiring picture of collaboration.
January 19, 2019 at 11:44 pm
Peggy Jaegly
It was wonderful to hear about how you collaborate from the beginning of plotting a story.
January 19, 2019 at 11:48 pm
Li’vee Rehfield
Thank you Trisha and Steve it is wonderful what can be done as a team…😊
January 19, 2019 at 11:53 pm
Jane Dippold
Thanks for the great post on collaboration! How lucky to work with your husband!
January 19, 2019 at 11:59 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Collaborating on a book sounds like fun. Thanks for sharing your experience!
January 20, 2019 at 12:24 am
Rani Iyer
Great story! Love to find an illustrator collaborator.
January 20, 2019 at 12:31 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
THANK you for the GREAT example of making collaboration–both in work and marriage!–work. I LOVE your example pf thinking outside the box by changing formats for your books. You two are TRULY a MATCH!!
January 20, 2019 at 12:55 am
Emily Wayne (@heyemilywayne)
Great ideas!
January 20, 2019 at 1:25 am
ryanrobertsauthor
I keep telling my husband he needs to illustrate… ! Thanks for the post. 🙂
January 20, 2019 at 1:44 am
Erika Henkart
This is fascinating. Thank you for the insight!
January 20, 2019 at 2:34 am
fireurchin
You do know you have set my envy on fire, right? A partner? A partner who supports what you do? A partner who knows how to COLLABORATE? Luckily I am now finally an adult who loves myself, so letting that go. Also that for years and years editors said do not collaborate, because of this and that and so on. I now am old enough to have seen so many successful collaboration teams in picture books. I have a great critique group now, who will bash ideas around, though not actually working on the same project. I’ll keep collaborating with my inner demons and archetypes for now, but open to future possibilities. Dreaming of a Dream Team… ahhh.
bonnie fireurchin lambourn
http://fireUrchin.com
January 20, 2019 at 2:49 am
Katie Williams
Great idea, thanks!
January 20, 2019 at 3:01 am
catpledger
The ideas of others can help spark some fantastic ideas of your own when brainstorming with someone you trust
January 20, 2019 at 3:22 am
Jennifer
Twice the brainpower, twice the ideas! Thanks, good suggestion!
January 20, 2019 at 3:25 am
Jennifer
I love the idea of collaborating. I’ve been suggesting it to my husband, who is not a picture book writer, but who indulges me as I share my ideas. Then he starts contributing, and that inspires me, and it just snowballs from there!
January 20, 2019 at 4:39 am
Becky Hamilton
I have been talking about this for ages. Coming from work in advertising where all creatives work in teams – I found working alone hard. It is surprisingly hard to find a children’s writer who is happy to share. But I will find them.
January 20, 2019 at 5:03 am
susanzonca
This is something I have never considered. Thanks for sharing the concept.
January 20, 2019 at 6:08 am
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
Thanks for sharing your approach to collaboration, Trisha and Stephen. You’re right–we’re not solo artists. Team brainstorming can yield incredible and unpredictable results!
January 20, 2019 at 7:11 am
Amy Harding
What a dynamic duo dream!
January 20, 2019 at 7:39 am
debobrienbookscom
You guys were also open to reworking your stories when they were rejected. Great teamwork.
January 20, 2019 at 7:55 am
suzannepoulterharris
I have never considered collaborating. But I do find my critique partners very helpful … I guess that is almost collaborating. Maybe some day I’ll partner with one of them on a book.
January 20, 2019 at 9:01 am
kaleegwarjanski
i love the soup analogy!
January 20, 2019 at 9:06 am
Hélène Sabourin
Good point. Working with someone would make a world of difference.
I have to add that I am very familiar with Toad on the road. It’s the first book my youngest son read on his own.
January 20, 2019 at 9:07 am
Johnell DeWitt
How fun! I would love a collaborator. My kids loves graphic novels and there’s never enough, I’m excited to hear about yours.
January 20, 2019 at 9:36 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for sharing the story behind your stories!
January 20, 2019 at 9:51 am
Carolyn Lucas
Good post. Thank you.
January 20, 2019 at 9:58 am
angie9091
I love those skunks! So cute!
January 20, 2019 at 10:14 am
KRISTINA CASTILLO
I hope to be able to collaborate one day. I firmly believe that there is magic in more.
January 20, 2019 at 10:18 am
hmmmmm
Good-fit crit partners bring a little bit of that collaborative feel to writing work, but making the jump to full-on collaboration sounds amazing.
Thanks for the post — and tips.
January 20, 2019 at 10:27 am
Nancy Ramsey
Great ideas and suggestions! Thanks for this post!
January 20, 2019 at 10:49 am
David McMullin
The magic of working together is very special.
January 20, 2019 at 10:55 am
kmajor2013
My critique group is my only source of collaboration. Maybe it’s time to engage with someone on writing on a more frequent basis. Thanks for the suggestion and post.
January 20, 2019 at 10:55 am
Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson)
I love brainstorming with others – it brings out unexpected surprises!
January 20, 2019 at 11:29 am
megcason1
This was so interesting to read.
I love the use of punk skunks!!
January 20, 2019 at 11:32 am
ccnolympia
This was fascinating! Thanks for the post. I have never considered collaborating from the start. Thank you for sharing your story.
January 20, 2019 at 11:36 am
Barbara Farr Renner
I think skunks make better punk rockers than moles! Love the idea of collaborating. I’m also fascinated that Trisha and Stephen work together so well on so many projects. True soulmates.
January 20, 2019 at 11:51 am
donnacangelosi
Fun post! Thank you for sharing your ideas for collaborating.
January 20, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Sue Frye
Thanks for reminding us to brainstorm together!
January 20, 2019 at 12:28 pm
bookfish1
Thanks for sharing your story especially how some ideas/stories were initially rejected, but that was not the end of the story.
January 20, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Great ideas! I love the reminder to not take things so personally
January 20, 2019 at 12:39 pm
Wendy
Good suggestions for keeping harmony–I’d like to try this! (my debut has a Mona Lisa in clouds by my fantastic Italian illustrator)
January 20, 2019 at 12:46 pm
jenfierjasinski
Thanks for the encouragement to collaborate!
January 20, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Charlotte Offsay
What a fun process, thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Linda Hofke
That’s so neat that the two of you collaborate together. I’m not sure that would work for me and my husband. I prefer quirky characters and he thinks my ideas are whacky. LOL. But he does give me some really good feedback on word choices.
Punk Skunks is a great idea…kicking myself for not coming up with it.
January 20, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Laurie Bouck
Thanks for sharing! 😀
January 20, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Alexandra Hinrichs
Hooray for collaboration and punk skunks! Thank you for sharing!
January 20, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Cassie Bentley
Thanks for the guidelines for collaborating. The trust is so important, no wonder it’s first. Your sense of humor and joy come across even in the titles. I cannot wait to read them.
January 20, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Brooke Hollon
What a great post on collaboration! Thank you for sharing these guidelines. Can’t wait to read Punk Skunks!
January 20, 2019 at 1:35 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love working with another person. It’s so much fun to bounce ideas off each other.
January 20, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Jen Bagan
Great post! Thanks so much for sharing!
January 20, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Cheryl Malandrinos
I’m glad collaboration has been so successful for you. It hasn’t been for me, but I keep looking to find the right match. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 20, 2019 at 3:02 pm
chardixon47
Thank you Trisha and Stephen for laying out some ground rules concerning collaboration. Congrats on your successes!
January 20, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Such a good point about brainstorming with others from the beginning of the project. I had a story idea, but was kind of stuck on which way to go with it and when I shared it with my critique group, some wonderful ideas were discussed. As I played with it, two of the ideas turned into a beautiful story about a little boy and grandma.
January 20, 2019 at 3:38 pm
nrompella
Thanks for sharing. I’ve thought about collaborating before.
January 20, 2019 at 3:41 pm
jeanjames926
I love the collaboration approach. Thanks for a great post.
January 20, 2019 at 3:49 pm
Valarie Giogas
Taking the critique group to the next level. Interesting.
January 20, 2019 at 4:01 pm
Myrna Foster
Thanks for sharing your experience! Your collaboration has produced some fun results.
January 20, 2019 at 4:20 pm
Lynne Marie
Being ‘punked has never been so fun. Thanks for sharing your insights.
January 20, 2019 at 4:26 pm
DB Cote
I liked your suggestion to “Allow ample space for everyone’s ideas. Remember to keep things positive.” Thank you.
January 20, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Pam Miller
A perfect match that appeals to everything kids like. No wonder it works. Thanks for sharing your story. Congratulations on your success.
January 20, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Shereen S.
I’d love to co-author a story with someone. Sounds like a fun challenge Thank you for sharing your story.
January 20, 2019 at 4:43 pm
denarose
Thanks for this post! Your books sound wonderful, and so does your creative process. I’m going to remember your suggestions if I ever collaborate with anyone on a book or story. Thank you!
January 20, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Lori Alexander
Sounds like a great way to make a book! Thanks for the insight into your process.
January 20, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Nadine Poper
Congratulations on your publishing journey. Thank you for being a part of Storystorm!
January 20, 2019 at 5:36 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you for sharing your success story of collaboration. Congratulations on your books, very excited to read them.
January 20, 2019 at 6:57 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Thanks for sharing your collaboration process, so helpful!
January 20, 2019 at 7:11 pm
Tracey Brown
Thank you for sharing your collaboration journey and ground rules. I’ve always thought it would be fun to collaborate one day!
January 20, 2019 at 7:42 pm
Kelly Vavala
What fun! Collaboration is a great idea with someone you trust! Great advice! Thank you for sharing!
January 20, 2019 at 9:30 pm
Marie Powell
This post was very timely for me. Thanks!
January 20, 2019 at 9:30 pm
Hillary Homzie
Collaboration is such a wonderful way to grow as an artist.
January 20, 2019 at 9:34 pm
Janet Smart
Congratulations on all your published books! It would be great to have someone to collaborate with on my stories.
January 20, 2019 at 9:50 pm
Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2)
It is great to have a collaborator. I have heard that many picture book authors have their illustrator “thrust upon them”. I have put some of your books on hold at our public library!
January 20, 2019 at 10:31 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
How fun, to be able to work with your spouse on projects! I’m going to give my husband some colored pencils and see what happens, haha!
Seriously though, I do bounce ideas off of him. Its feels great to use our give-and-take communication style, to enhance my brainstorming sessions.
January 20, 2019 at 10:41 pm
Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life)
What a creative and engaging team you make!
January 20, 2019 at 11:54 pm
setwiggs
I like the steps to this collaboration and will share it with a writing friend.
January 20, 2019 at 11:55 pm
Sandy Perlic
Punk Skunks is an awesome idea. So nice to read how collaboration has worked out for you!
January 20, 2019 at 11:59 pm
Erin Le Clerc
You sound like a wonderful team. I love the Punk Skunks!
January 21, 2019 at 2:09 am
Zoraida Rivera
I’ve collaborated creating workshops, but had not thought of doing it for a book. You offered great tips for trying. Thanks.
January 21, 2019 at 2:58 am
Mirka Hokkanen
Fun to learn about your process, I had incidentally just talked to my husband about a project last week!
January 21, 2019 at 8:48 am
MD Knabb
You two make a great team and write fun books!
January 21, 2019 at 8:53 am
Joana Pastro
This post might have been just the push I needed to propose a collaboration to a CP for an idea I’ve had for a while. Thanks!
January 21, 2019 at 8:53 am
mbhmaine
How wonderful to find such collaborative energy within your marriage! I imagine it’s spilled over to enrich your relationship in general. Win, win! My husband and I were just discussing a picture book idea and pondering whether we might want to try to write it together. Hmmm….
January 21, 2019 at 10:30 am
Ashley Bankhead
How fun that you can collaborate on your books! What a fun way to write your books!
January 21, 2019 at 10:55 am
Monica Stoltzfus
Thank you Stephen & Trisha! You both are so inspirational in your lives together as creatives souls who fan the flame of writing and drawing.
January 21, 2019 at 11:04 am
Mardi Edwards
What a great team. I am glad to collaborate with my writing coach too.
January 21, 2019 at 11:06 am
Angela De Groot
Collaboration would be fun to try. I wonder if it works better for writer/illustrator team, or writer/writer team?
January 21, 2019 at 11:07 am
Carlie Cornell
I don’t know that I believe you’ve let go of the tea party. But thanks for the suggestions.
January 21, 2019 at 11:19 am
Krista Maxwell
Great idea!
January 21, 2019 at 11:52 am
Jim Chaize
A week ago at my critique group someone suggested I collaborate with another member on a story. Something to think about. Thanks, Stephen and Trisha.
January 21, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Therese Kay
I think when you have good, true collaboration, that the end product ends up better than what either one of you could have come up with on their own!
January 21, 2019 at 12:12 pm
colleenrkosinski
Collaboration sounds like a fun idea!
January 21, 2019 at 12:14 pm
Sensibility and Sense
Thanks so much Trisha and Stephen! Collaborating can really help spark new ideas and new ways of thinking about books! Patti Richards
January 21, 2019 at 12:40 pm
creationsbymit
Now that’s teamwork! Very inspiring! My husband & I have brainstormed story ideas in the past. Time to take the next steps!
January 21, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Daryl Gottier
Congrats on your successful collaboration, on so many levels! Thanks for sharing your story, I’m eager to see more of the Punk Skunks.
January 21, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
There is definitely an art to collaboration, or top of the “art” part, LOL. Perhaps it helps to think of it as working within a constraint, like writing poetry according to rules of a specific form. It makes you more creative, not less. Thanks for this thoughtful post!
January 21, 2019 at 1:44 pm
Kate Dolan
You two rock! Thanks for the advice
January 21, 2019 at 2:28 pm
lauriekaiserwrites
How wonderful to see a collaboration as successful as yours. Would love to read Punk Rocks. Very clever!
January 21, 2019 at 2:33 pm
RaeMcDonald
A story worth sharing and the power of collaboration with support and humor…and a shared purpose. Thank you.
January 21, 2019 at 3:25 pm
julielacombeauthor
Love the thought of collaborating! I tell my middle school students all the time that more brains are better than one!
January 21, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Sara A
What a cool inside peek at the process!
January 21, 2019 at 4:15 pm
Anna Brooks
Wonderful advice. Thank you! (And tea parties get a bad rap…they are so much more than tea!)
January 21, 2019 at 4:28 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Can’t wait to get started!
January 21, 2019 at 5:01 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
Thanks for the advice! I enjoyed hearing about your collaboration and I’m excited to read Punk Skunks!
January 21, 2019 at 6:03 pm
CJ Penko
This was such valuable advice on a subject less discussed in this industry. Thank you so much for the insight!
January 21, 2019 at 6:12 pm
Judy Pressler
Wonderful advice for collaborators. Your books sound delightful. Can’t wait to read them.
January 21, 2019 at 6:13 pm
Kimberly
I second CJ Penko’s comment. Appreciate the topic.
Thank you!
January 21, 2019 at 6:13 pm
yangmommy
What a creative & collaborative relationship! And it’s nice to see skunks as the MCs for a change 🙂
January 21, 2019 at 6:21 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Thanks for the ideas on how to make it work.
January 21, 2019 at 7:19 pm
aidantalkin
Love the humour and whimsy you bring to your writing and your attitude on having fun while creating!
January 21, 2019 at 8:21 pm
marty
Love the Punk Skunks!
January 21, 2019 at 8:23 pm
Kelly Ohlert
Yes! Working with my mom on some picture books. Thanks for sharing your story!
January 21, 2019 at 8:48 pm
Vicky
It would be a lot of fun to collaborate on a story…or three. and yes, having fun is at the top of the list.
January 21, 2019 at 10:08 pm
Lucy Staugler
Trisha + Stephen = Definition of Collaboration!
Thank-you!
Great post!
January 21, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Angela H. Dale
so great to hear about successful collaboration – inspiring. Thank you!
January 21, 2019 at 11:32 pm
Jill M Proctor
Collaborating is so much fun! Congrats on all your successes!
January 22, 2019 at 12:05 am
Jabeen Chawdhry
What a wonderful collaboration story, thank you!
January 22, 2019 at 12:05 am
Connie Van Horn
I’ve done this and didn’t even realize I was collaborating with someone…trusted of course. Thanks!
January 22, 2019 at 12:23 am
LaurenKerstein
I loved reading about strategies that lead to a more successful collaboration.
January 22, 2019 at 12:57 am
Keila Dawson
A book recently sold to Charlesbrige is a collaborative project. And it’s been such a great experience. Rock on!
January 22, 2019 at 1:58 am
aturner513
As an introvert collaborating requires me to get out of my comfort zone. But I can do it and find it helpful. Thank you for sharing today.
January 22, 2019 at 7:28 am
jpuglow
Clearly, you love word play and togetherness. I’d absolutely love to collaborate on PB projects with my son, who is an artist. How does one go about selling the collaborative work to agents/editors who want the singular person (author/illustrator) submissions?
January 22, 2019 at 9:27 am
melissamiles1
I’d love to try something like this. I do have a critique group, but we’ve never officially worked on a project together. Thanks for sharing what works so well for you! 🙂
January 22, 2019 at 9:32 am
carmelamccainsimmons
What a joy it must be to have a creative partner you trust! Can’t wait to read Punk
Skunks!
January 22, 2019 at 10:25 am
Nicole Turner
Thank you for the post. I can’t wait to read your graphic novel series. I have twin 9 year old boys with dyslexia and graphic novels are their favorite thing to read because the words are usually big and spaced out. They will be so excited.
January 22, 2019 at 12:30 pm
CindyC
This is great advice on collaboration! Thank you.
January 22, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Debbie Huard
My husband, although not a writer or an illustrator, often collaborates with me. He’s surprising helpful. Thanks for tips on finding a great collaborator.
January 22, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thanks! Yay, teamwork!
January 22, 2019 at 1:09 pm
Anne Appert
Thanks for the advice about collaboration. Great post!
January 22, 2019 at 1:24 pm
Kassy Keppol
I am wondering about how difficult it is to get published if you collaborate? I have heard that publishers don’t like it. They want to pick the writer or illustrator and pair them is what I have always heard. I hope that is changing.
January 22, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Great teamwork! Thank you for this collaborative post!
January 22, 2019 at 3:44 pm
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
A few days behind… Yay, Trish and Steve! AWESOME post!
January 22, 2019 at 3:45 pm
Sally Matheny
Thanks for sharing!
January 22, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Bronte Colbert
Great tips! Thank you!
January 22, 2019 at 7:27 pm
Paula VanEnkevort
Thank you for sharing your experience!
January 22, 2019 at 7:45 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Excellent and helpful post! Thank you!
January 22, 2019 at 8:06 pm
Stephanie Lau
Wait a minute… Are the Punk Skunks secretly the two of you?
January 22, 2019 at 8:50 pm
Noelle McBride
Collaboration can be magical!
January 22, 2019 at 9:04 pm
Meilssa Chupp
Looking forward to collaborating some day!
January 22, 2019 at 10:50 pm
Steve Schwartz
Thanks for the sharing!
January 22, 2019 at 11:00 pm
martina.franklin.poole
Badgers are folk musicians, I totally came to the same conclusion!
January 23, 2019 at 12:47 am
J.D. Silverwood (@jdsilverwood)
I have written one manuscript with a collaborator and I love it. Thanks for sharing this great intel!
January 23, 2019 at 2:52 am
Amalia Reef
Thank you for this glimpse into your process! Great advice for collaborators – and for those of us who may need to reach out a bit more…
January 23, 2019 at 11:18 am
Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words)
Interesting approach to story generation. It obviously works well for you two. I’ve tried some of my stories in different formats, which I’ve also found quite beneficial.
January 23, 2019 at 11:24 am
Helen
Appreciate the insight into collaborating.
January 23, 2019 at 12:09 pm
writeremmcbride
Great ideas here. Collaboration is best done intentionally. One thing that can help, is to remember that the collaboration is in service to the story, as is everything else: plot, style, syntax, voice, presentation. It may not match either person’s personal style. That just might save the book!
January 23, 2019 at 12:51 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I joined a critique group this past year and I’m learning to trust our collaboration as we help each other become stronger writers…
Great post!
January 23, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Jill
I love the idea of collaborating with others…and I am a fan of tea parties!
January 23, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Sara Matson
Yay for Minnesota writers! And thanks for your post.
January 23, 2019 at 3:07 pm
kcareywrites
I’m fully on board with collaborating with an illustrator — but the control freak in me is having a full on tantrum at just the thought of collaborating on writing 🙂 (Not yet ready for the playground!)
January 23, 2019 at 3:14 pm
Kyle McBride
With the right person, collaboration can be magic.
January 23, 2019 at 6:08 pm
Dani Duck
I think the only person I could collaborate with is my husband. I’ve had some terrible problems with collaborations. Mainly because I wasn’t feeling of equal value in these collaborations. That part is so important!
January 23, 2019 at 8:32 pm
Amanda Davis
I LOVE to collaborate so I could really relate to this post. Two brains are better than one 🙂 Thank you, Shaskans!
January 23, 2019 at 10:12 pm
andromeda515
Sounds like a challenging and rewarding approach, but you’ve really got to trust that other person. i wonder how it would work with an acquaintance.
January 24, 2019 at 2:41 am
Michelle Sumovich
Thank you for the important thoughts on collaboration AND the important thoughts on badgers– 100% folk rockers. 🙂
January 24, 2019 at 4:21 am
Sherry Howard
Dream team! I love being able to involve my family in my writing in every way possible. How great it must be to have this kind of collaboration!
January 24, 2019 at 10:32 am
Emily
So interesting to read how you changed the format of your ideas from chapter books to a picture book and graphic. It sounds like your collaboration and reflection paid off! Thank you for sharing!
January 24, 2019 at 11:54 am
Kathleen Cornell-Berman
Congrats! Looks like you’ve found the perfect collaborator! Looking forward to reading your books.
January 24, 2019 at 1:04 pm
LAUREN BARBIERI
Great story of collaboration–thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2019 at 1:39 pm
rgstones
I love hearing collaboration stories. Thanks for sharing!
January 24, 2019 at 1:59 pm
alisongoldberg
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 24, 2019 at 2:09 pm
Lauri Meyers
Jealous of this creative process!
January 24, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Joannie Duris
Love the skunks! Thanks Stephen and Trisha for sharing your collaborative process.We often have wonderful brainstorming sessions in my critique group that take manuscripts in the direction they need to go. Maybe that’s brains are storming in a collaborative group process?
January 24, 2019 at 5:53 pm
Janet Halfmann
I love brainstorming stories with my grandchildren!
January 24, 2019 at 10:12 pm
Becky Shillington
Collaborating sounds like so much fun! Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2019 at 12:56 am
Viji Chary
Very good rules for collaborating! Thank you!
January 25, 2019 at 3:22 am
sharongiltrow
Love the punk skunks. I was also thinking the rules would work when collaborating with yourself.
January 25, 2019 at 12:42 pm
topangamaria
Good rules for collaboration
January 25, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Shanah Salter
These books sound so fun!
January 25, 2019 at 2:13 pm
laura516
Punk Skunks is a rockin’ hit! I need to pick up your series.
January 25, 2019 at 6:29 pm
dlapmandi
Never thought of collaborating, however, the three rules equal value, mutual respect and a sense of humor. Great post!
January 25, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Francoise
How I would love to find someone with whom to collaborate. You are so lucky!
January 26, 2019 at 6:55 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Thank you for sharing your process!
January 26, 2019 at 11:32 am
Tiffany Painter
A collaboration partner sounds like a great idea.
January 26, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Jane Serpa
Thank you for sharing.
January 26, 2019 at 2:49 pm
rhumba20
Thank you!
– Anna Levin
January 26, 2019 at 10:00 pm
Robyn Campbell
Great idea. I loved reading your post. I will say one thing; you are both very lucky to have each other.
January 26, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Lou
What an exercise in trust! Good for you two. I bet it’s making both your writing and your marriage stronger.
January 27, 2019 at 1:45 am
Robin Robb-Kraus
Love this post and love the art of collaboration! The process is so much more fun and you never know where it will lead! I have a few people in mind and I have been thinking how much more fun to write with a friend or spouse!
January 27, 2019 at 6:44 am
Maria J Cuesta
Punk skunks… 😅 love it!
Thank you!
January 27, 2019 at 8:19 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the ideas.
January 27, 2019 at 10:31 am
Patti Ranson (@pcakeran)
Adding creativity and laughs to a shared process … how great is that?!
January 27, 2019 at 11:00 am
Kristin Wauson
Often we are told not to collaborate so this is very inspiring!
January 27, 2019 at 11:05 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
This seems a tall order, finding the right collaborators. Thanks, will check out Punk Skunks.
January 27, 2019 at 1:29 pm
Caren Cantrell
I would love to find someone to collaborate with – not an easy task.
January 27, 2019 at 4:28 pm
heatherbell37
This article came at the perfect time! Thank you for sharing your collaboration ideas!
January 27, 2019 at 6:11 pm
Joyce
Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Terri Sabol
I recently asked my aunt to collaborate on a shared interest project. Great suggestions on collaboration. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Andrew Lefebvre
I love this. Thank you.
January 28, 2019 at 7:58 am
Susan Nicholas Korstanje
Thanks for the tips on how to make collaborating fun.
January 28, 2019 at 10:27 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Thanks for all the tips on collaboration. So far I haven’t collaborated closely with an illustrator. The editor has handled it and I’ve been very pleased. And that is a form of collaboration. But I love the idea of collaborating more closely as the story progresses.
Congrats on your successful collaborations!
January 28, 2019 at 12:30 pm
cantsing1
Wow! Sounds scary! Gotta think about this one . . . hmmmmm
January 28, 2019 at 1:56 pm
Nadine Gamble
Sounds fun, if only it didn’t lead to divorce! You two seem to have a great give and take.
January 28, 2019 at 9:33 pm
photojaq
My hubby and I collaborate on making crafts for Bible Summer Camps. I come up with the concept, he makes a prototype. I come up with changes or improvements, he makes another prototype. I OK it and production of the base models starts. I finish with fine tuning. But…. he’s not a writer!
January 29, 2019 at 10:49 am
hdening
Insightful post! You demonstrate how delightful the right partnership can be. Thank you!
January 29, 2019 at 1:10 pm
Susie Sawyer
Collaboration can be wonderful, no doubt! What a lovely partnership you have! This can be a lonely business, and this is a great reminder that WE ARE NOT ALONE! 🙂
January 29, 2019 at 1:55 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
I love my SCBWI critique group, I might start my search for idea collaborators there. Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2019 at 1:56 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
I love my SCBWI critique group, so I might start there on my search for inspiration collaborators. Thanks for sharing!
January 29, 2019 at 4:25 pm
claireannette1
I’m involved with a work-for-hire project and am able to collaborate with others and am finding it to be a very creative way to work.
January 29, 2019 at 7:13 pm
Rebecca Herzog
This post is great! My husband is an illustrator (doing his 1st book for HMH) and I write picture books. One day I hope we’re able to collaborate on a project.
January 29, 2019 at 11:19 pm
Charlene Avery
Lovely. Thank you.
January 30, 2019 at 1:29 am
Susan Tuggy
Intriguing idea. I will keep my eyes open to possible collaborators.
January 30, 2019 at 10:20 am
Anita
Sounds like so much fun!
January 30, 2019 at 10:31 am
Vicky Howard
Collaborating doubles the creative possibilities and when one person is stuck, the other can give fresh perspective! Thanks for your post!
January 30, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Lillian Heckinger
You and your husband are a great team. As a picture book writer, I especially like your “Punk Skunks.”
Lillian Heckinger
January 30, 2019 at 3:06 pm
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
That’s awesome that you collaborate together. Maybe you’ll get your tea party someday.
January 30, 2019 at 3:11 pm
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
My hubby writes horror and I write PB. I’d love to see how our collaboration would look haha, thanks for the fun idea!
January 30, 2019 at 4:19 pm
higherthanrubies
I have collaborated with my children on children’s stories, but no one else at this point. I will have to try that at some point.
January 30, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Christine Irvin
I’m ready to collaborate with someone. How about you?
January 30, 2019 at 4:28 pm
higherthanrubies
Thank you!
January 30, 2019 at 5:27 pm
sallie wolf
Collaboration is a great way to double down on your ideas.
January 30, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
Trisha & Stephen are from MN so I know them firsthand. They’re a GREAT TEAM which is evidenced in their collaborations and their successes. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to collaborate, but it sure sounds enticing.
January 30, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Eileen Saunders
Thanks for the article. I generally collaborate with my husband and 2 boys. I home schooled the boys and we had wonderful writing sessions which I’m now trying to turn the results into stories. The best stories, whether I write them down or not come from family collaboration. Love it.
January 30, 2019 at 10:19 pm
Judy A Shemtob
Collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to share your craft with someone else who appreciates your ideas. The energy resulting is awesome!
January 31, 2019 at 12:49 am
Cindy E. Owens
Great article. You are absolutely spot on about choosing someone one trusts to collaborate with. Those Punk Skunks are SO adorable!
January 31, 2019 at 1:02 am
Jocelyn Rish
My brother and I write screenplays together, and it’s always such a fun and frustrating experience.
January 31, 2019 at 4:27 am
Kathryn E Kass
If I get the chance to collaborate with someone I will have your advice in my back pocket. Thanks!
January 31, 2019 at 7:39 am
Kara Marsee
Great post- I once heard the Dillons speak about their process. It’s so fun to learn about married couples collaborating on their work. Cheers!
January 31, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Judy Cooper
Thank you for sharing your story on collaboration and for the guidelines.
January 31, 2019 at 2:22 pm
tiffanydickinson
Thank you for this. Clearly, successful collaboration takes some planning and skill.
January 31, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Julie Rand
I love brainstorming with my critique buddies. They’re all so smart! Thanks for the tips.
January 31, 2019 at 7:11 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
I love collaboration!! These are some wonderful ground rules to make sure things go well between you and your partner. Thank you for sharing your journey.
January 31, 2019 at 7:42 pm
deniseaengle
Punk Skunks! How fun! Thank you for suggestions for successful collaboration!
January 31, 2019 at 7:43 pm
Laurie Swindler
I collaborated with my nephew to write a children’s musical. You’re so right about respect being a key component to a successful collaboration and a sense of humor definitely helps, too. We neither one could have created it on our own, but by combining our talents — it worked! Thanks.
January 31, 2019 at 10:18 pm
Bethanny Parker
It’s awesome that the two of your work together. It sounds like a fun way to work.
January 31, 2019 at 10:41 pm
Naomi Gruer
Thanks for the insight into how you collaborate.
February 1, 2019 at 3:27 pm
denitajohnson
Collaborating will be nice, it will give the process a change.
February 2, 2019 at 9:32 am
Lindsay Fiore
Thanks for sharing on how wonderful the collaboration process can be! I run some of my ideas past my husband but it would be wonderful to collaborate more with other writers!
February 2, 2019 at 6:59 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
I am always so interested to hear about how people collaborate. This was fascinating! Thanks!
February 3, 2019 at 1:36 pm
Dianne
What a fun way to do this. Thanks for sharing.
February 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Johna Nicole Rossetti
Congratulations on such successful and fun collaborative projects. I am a big fan of collaborating in my “day job” but never thought about trying with my writing. Thanks for the suggestion.
February 4, 2019 at 9:12 am
McCourt Thomas
I think punk skunks having a tea party might still work!
February 4, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Meli Glickman
Oh the power of collaborators! Many thanks for sharing!
February 4, 2019 at 4:24 pm
loelmu
Never thought to collaborate on something. What a great idea!
February 4, 2019 at 5:43 pm
Jess Bourgeois
Collaboration sounds like it can be a great way to bring new life to a concept!
February 5, 2019 at 5:39 pm
Sheri Dillard
Thanks for sharing your process! And congratulations on those punk skunks! 🙂
March 22, 2019 at 11:53 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
oh my gosh – Thank You Tara, and Nina and Trisha Speed Shaskan / Steven Shaskan — and Thank you Teresa Robeson for letting me know about the second book!
January 21, 2020 at 10:10 pm
wangliarron
Wonderful teamwork