Joshua M

“You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts.”
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

“While someone might attempt a feeble carbon copy of those ideas you’ve spent years developing, they can never match the undeniably distinctive aspect of your work. Especially if it resonates across multiple platforms and in multiple formats.”
― Anaik Alcasas, Sending Signals: Amplify the Reach, Resonance and Results of Your Ideas

“The symptoms of a writer who hasn’t found their way clear of the needs of Self yet are easy to spot. I should say the symptoms are easy for everyone else to spot, that is, and not so easy for the writer themself to see. You’ll see a writer who does not trust the characters to speak and move on their own, but has to puppeteer them; a writer who does not trust the reader to understand what’s written. One who must insert parentheticals in various forms to explain the work to the reader; flashbacks to explain; big black blocks of text on the page to explain; question-and-answer dialog between characters who aren’t in a courtroom; walk-and-talk characters with their mouths full of dialog of what the story is about; too many stage directions that make the script read like a novel…”
― Dan Joseph Decker, ANATOMY OF A SCREENPLAY THIRD EDITION

“1. Value my ability to see the world from a unique perspective.
(Find ways to appreciate and make the most of my strengths, even when I annoy you).

2. Remember, we need compelling problems to solve, not just chores to do.
(Don't be the "big boss." I'll respect your authority more when you tell me the point).

3. Ask for my input; keep me in the informational loop.
(Give me some ownership in the process and the outcome).

4. Protect our relationship - you won't get much from me without one.
(Respect and value who I am, and I'll cooperate with you most of the time).

5. Smile at me more often.
(Keep your sense of humor and try to smile, even when you don't like me).

6. Don't let me push you around, but don't push me around either.
(Don't be afraid to stand up to me; just don't run over me).

7. Speak to me respectfully, but firmly.
(Use your voice wisely; it's a powerful resource).

8. Choose your battles - don't sweat the small stuff.
(Decide what's really worth it).

9. Give me some control over my own life and circumstances.
(Allow me to share control with our surrendering your authority).

10. Remind me how much you love me.
(Find subtle ways to keep reminding me your love will always be there).”
― Cynthia Ulrich Tobias, You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded): Strategies for Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child