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Torn.

I've been working with another writer/artist for a few months and his work is great. We have a very good (often too good) friendship. The only problem is he has no sexual ethics or self-control and has, in the past, not only been aggressively flirtatious with me but has abandoned work to chase after women. Yeah, my feelings are hurt that he would try to me like a womanizer, but I'm more upset that our projects don't get done.

We live several thousand miles apart. A week ago he was trying to get me to move in with him.

We got in a fight the other day about his lack of honesty with me and the fact that his penis keeps ruining our work. He killed a project I was deeply in love with in January because he got a new girlfriend. Psycho girl was gone by the end of February, but now, after trying to hook up with me again, he's after other women again. So I canceled all our projects and told him I didn't trust him to finish them anymore.

To be clear, I'm offended he treats me like a fool, but I'm not jealous... of the women he exploits. I am very sad and deeply miss his work. I miss our projects so much.

I don't even know if he would work with me again after our blow up. He's been civil, but not particularly friendly. I'm sure a few ego strokes will turn that around.

Should I? Should you tolerate anything for great art and literature? Is there a way to keep his attention on the work without actually sleeping together? Is there any way to salvage this?

I love having a writing partner and I'm terrified I won't find one again.

It's almost like a romantic breakup.

Any advice?

anonymous 7 Mar 26
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5 comments

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1

He sounds about as reliable as a cardboard boat. In my opinion, you need someone who matches your level of commitment.

Nebroxah Level 6 Mar 27, 2018
2

I’d say this is almost worse than a romantic break up! This is someone you trusted to help execute your artistic vision; which is really sad because it sounds like somewhere in that black hole of a heart, he might have some excellent artistic insight.
To answer your questions directly:

  1. Should one tolerate anything for great art and literature?

To me, art is a sacrificial process, more specifically there is always “something” given by the artist. Sometimes these conflicts in life can be a source of inspiration, but if it is difficult to put that inspiration to the page, what good does it really do?

  1. Is there a way to keep his attention on the work?

I’d rely on the evidence he has given you in the relationship so far. As an artist has he treated you with the respect you deserve? As a woman? To me, it sounds like the answer for both is no.

Final question I’ll answer from you:
“Any advice?”

I’m going to be a little snarky, and say don’t listen to yourself. There is no reason to believe this is the only writing partner you will ever have; also, there is no reason to believe this is the best writing partner you could possibly achieve!

Noahrain Level 2 Mar 26, 2018
1

When we are talking about writing as a commercial endeavor, not something done for the love of the doing, we are talking about business. A properly run business does not tolerate such nonsense. No one is indispensable. Good illustrators are all over the place and you act as if there is only one? Even I am a good illustrator, though I'm not looking for work. I have six friends who are great illustrators and writers.

You have outlined a personal problem here, but it does not speak to the real problem. What sort of material are we talking about? What kind of illustration? What are the deadlines you face and with whom? What is the monetary structure here? How frequent are the projects? What size are the projects?

Without that sort of information, the only real and constructive advice you can be given is, NEVER BASE BUSINESS DECISIONS ON EMOTIONS. If you do --- you lose.

Not looking for dollar amounts here. Just percentages relative to the actual income.

@Lysistrata -- Now I have an entirely different picture than what was presented in the post -- and it makes much more sense. You do have a problem, and one that is going to require a judgment call and a lot of trust or no trust at all.

If, as you say, he has been basically good on his word up until this recent spate of events, I would be tempted to take him at his word and proceed as required. I know, that's a lot of trust, but since you are doing these things on spec and you didn't indicate any real deadline problems, it could turn out being more than worth your while in future endeavors.

On the other hand, if you can't work up enough trust to consider what I said, then I'd drop it like the proverbial hot potato and look for someone else to help. If I were you, I think I'd try the trust and hope for the best (while not counting on it).

0

I would take on what others have said and apply actions speak louder. his actions seem clear as much as a disappointment it may be coming from a "trusted" friend. Or someone you trusted as a friend. Maybe explain if he puts his sex drive away during and around your work together you can carry on but otherwise I just see the same pattern repeating. Unless of course there is some external factor triggering his recent behaviour to suggest it was not part of a general or larger life pattern. There are a lot of illustrators too looking for work I would think 🙂

Nickbeee Level 8 Mar 26, 2018

@Lysistrata -- Perhaps the behavior prompted the divorce.

I think you should give him clear pointers or some kind of lockable pants. Also one of those cones that poorly dogs have to stop them worrying themselves ?.. tough one though in seriousness. I was reading a letter by a suffragette the other day. She said most men need taming! Hope it works out. Marriage spilts are tough. Personally though i think he sounds a wee bit creepy .. good luck ? I'll try find the letter. It's ever so harsh but there may be some wisdom in it I'm not sure. Personally i have female friends and we cuddle and sleep together & nothing ever happens. We are just like large children & keep it innocent. We are all different though aren't we.. it sounds like you have worked it out to me ! Good luck again.

1

You sound like the type of person who has the talent to write on your own, and likely thrive at it. My personal opinion, not knowing more of the situation, is to strike out on your own and make your own stories happen!

I understand how it hurts to have this sort of thing happen, but perhaps finding another writing partner who isn't motivated to have you as a partner because of their need for sexual gratification is another option? But I think you can do it solo and likely produce superior work. Believe in your own strengths!

Sairavana Level 6 Mar 26, 2018

@Lysistrata Perhaps there are other artists who would love the work and would mesh with your writing style just as well, if not better? I'd say this site might be a good place to start to look for help on that.

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