The idea of collaborating was first presented to me by Mystery Goddess back in January. She and Jenny had been chatting casually about how great the three of us would work together, and before I even knew about it, I was in a collaboration.

I was, to put it mildly, a little trepidatious. Not because of Jenny or MG, but because of me. There’s a reason why I do so well here working by myself, for myself. I’m a control freak. I like things done my way, and I like not having anyone to argue with besides myself. I was afraid that not only would I screw up the collaboration, but that Jenny and MG might not like me anymore by the time we were done. But still, I’d have been phenomenally stupid to say no just because I was afraid I’d screw it up. I believe heartily in saying yes to everything (except drugs, I’m with Nancy Reagan on the drugs) and then, if I hose it, at least I learn something.

Well, I’m happy to report now that it worked out better than I could have ever dreamed. Both Jenny and MG are still speaking to me as far as I know, and Krissie has been completely lovely to me, so I’m trusting that I haven’t pissed anyone off too much. Yet. The collaboration, after all, is young…

What I’ve found most surprising about the collaborative process is just how much damn fun it’s been. Being able to bounce ideas off of people of this caliber is a once in a lifetime experience, and I can’t begin to tell you how much I admire and like these girls as people anyway. You know how there are people you work well with, but you wouldn’t necessarily want to hang out with them? Well, I’ve been very lucky in both regards on this one. I get professional growth and fabulous friendships all rolled up in one. Even though this is my first collab experience, I know how rare that is, and how lucky I am. It’s an amazing experience, and my gratitude for this experience is overwhelming sometimes.

For those of you who, like me, might be hesitant to collaborate, I understand. I do, however, highly recommend finding writers you connect with and brainstorming your ideas with them. In addition to Jenny, Krissie and MG (we’ll be able to divulge her identity soon, I think) I have a close friend, Samantha Graves, who I work with on a podcast, and who is my constant critique partner and friend. We write completely different kinds of books - she’s sci-fi/futuristic as CJ Barry, and then romantic suspense as Samantha, and I write romantic comedy - but somehow, she gets everything I do, and I’m her biggest fan. Whenever I’m in the middle of a book or having an issue with a scene, she’s my go-to girl. We work together on our podcast as well, and I have to say, she’s one of the best things that have ever happened to my writing.

Writing is traditionally thought of as an isolating activity, and it really can be. This year, however, my world has changed dramatically in this regard, and it’s been an amazing experience. If you get the chance to collaborate, even on something small, I say go for it. Life’s too short not to just say yes.