Working with a friend on a creative project is a feeling like no other. I recently had the chance to collaborate with a group of writers on a short story anthology. Each of us contributed our own unique story, and the end result was something truly special — a beautiful collection of voices that blended together while allowing each story to shine on its own.
There’s something powerful about working side by side, even when you’re pursuing individual goals. Collaboration doesn’t just produce good work — it recharges your creative battery, sharpens your ideas, and reminds you that you aren’t alone in the process. Sometimes it’s not about the end result at all, but about the conversations and encouragement that happen along the way.
The best part is, collaboration isn’t limited to writing or creative endeavors. It can happen in so many corners of everyday life, if we’re open to it.
Maybe you and a friend could team up on a shared garden this spring. One of you might have the space, the other the tools — both of you share the sweat and the harvest. There’s something about working shoulder to shoulder in the dirt that makes even weeding feel like quality time.
Or how about gathering a few neighbors and organizing a community cookbook? Everyone contributes their signature recipes, and you wind up with a treasured piece of local flavor (and maybe a few new dinner ideas too). You can share laughs over typos, swap kitchen tricks, and leave the project with more than just a printed book — you leave with memories.
Another wonderful way to collaborate is to buddy up on personal goals. Whether it’s exercising, reading a book each month, or trying your hand at a new skill like quilting or painting, having a partner keeps you accountable and makes the journey a lot more fun. You’ll find that encouragement goes both ways — some days you’ll be the cheerleader, and other days you’ll be the one lifted up.
Even volunteering can be a collaboration. Whether it’s helping at the local library, church events, food drives, or mentoring students, showing up as a team makes the work easier and deepens the experience. Shared purpose, shared effort — and usually shared laughter.
Working on my short story anthology reminded me how much joy and strength there is in collaboration. When you open yourself to working with others, you multiply your ideas and divide your burdens. You walk away with a finished product, but more importantly, you walk away with a strengthened friendship.
So if you’ve been stuck in a rut or feeling uninspired, maybe the answer isn’t more solo effort — maybe the answer is reaching out. You never know what wonderful thing you’ll create together.
Jann Goar Franklin graduated Russellville High School in 1985 and lives in Grand Cane, Louisiana. She also writes books, which are for sale at The Village Loft in downtown Grand Cane. You can learn more about her at www.jannfranklin.com, or reach her at jann@jannfranklin.com.