Writing a Novel Together Was Never the Plan. Then Came COVID — And a Dare (Exclusive Essay)

In an unexpected twist to their long-standing partnership, authors Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld have embarked on a collaborative journey in writing, resulting in their forthcoming novel, “The Mortons.” Initially hesitant to co-author a book, the couple, who are both established writers, found themselves drawing on their experiences and skills during the pandemic, an era that transformed many aspects of daily life.

The couple, who met at a literary awards ceremony, had previously avoided the idea of collaboration. They were acutely aware of the risks that come with merging personal and professional lives, having seen the cautionary tales often depicted in film, such as the tragic stories in versions of “A Star is Born.” Despite this, they spent two decades in each other’s creative sphere, serving as in-house editors and taking turns critiquing each other’s work while strengthening their relationship through constructive disagreement.

The pandemic brought a unique set of circumstances for the couple, as they found themselves with abundant time to spend together at home. Rather than diving into the trend of baking sourdough bread, Larbalestier pursued vintage cosplay, capturing images that inspired Westerfeld to join in the fun. Their shared activities sparked more creative collaborations, initially leading to co-writing a romcom screenplay and a children’s picture book before they dove into the more intricate world of “The Mortons.”

Initially conceived as a solo project, “The Mortons” centres around a malevolent crime family and their ruthless upbringing of children destined to follow in their merciless footsteps. Larbalestier had penned a compelling first chapter, replete with high stakes; however, she struggled to shape it into a cohesive narrative. It was not until Westerfeld picked it up that the project began to flourish. He transformed the context, relocating the story to an ivy-covered college with sinister traditions and introducing additional crime families, finding ways to enrich its depth while also preserving the logic of the original story.

As they alternated writing chapters, the couple became more intimately aware of each other’s writing styles and nuances. This symbiotic relationship allowed them to challenge each other creatively, pushing boundaries and introducing unexpected twists that both entertained and engaged them as co-authors. Throughout this process, they found joy in surprising one another with new developments in plot and characterisation, even after years of being together.

The collaborative writing experience taught them not just about their craft but also about themselves. They confronted their own “darlings”—the favourite phrases and passages that had to be removed for the overall health of the narrative. While editing one another’s contributions was an amusing exercise, it also highlighted their individual tendencies, such as Westerfeld’s penchant for similes and Larbalestier’s inclination to catalogue details unfitting for the overall momentum of the story.

Despite the challenges, the couple’s partnership flourished, leading them to conclude that “The Mortons” is the best work they have produced to date. Each writer infused personal touches into the narrative, such as Larbalestier’s love for vintage aesthetics and Westerfeld’s forays into mixology reflected in the characters’ preferences.

Ultimately, the true magic of “The Mortons” lies in the blending of their distinct voices and ideas. By combining their creative energies, they have crafted a story that explores the dark dimensions of family loyalty intertwined with murder, delivering a unique offering that stands as a testament to the strength of their partnership. The novel not only embodies their respective talents but also represents the product of their unique familial bond, enhanced by a shared commitment to storytelling.

“The Mortons” will be available for purchase from July 21, and those eager to delve into this intriguing crime saga can pre-order it now from various retailers.