Who’s Leading Who?
Tomorrow is showtime. For months now we’ve been planning the TEN SECRETS OF HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITERS webinar, a distillation of everything Tananarive and I have learned about writing, screenwriting, and navigating Hollywood. And today will be the day we really nail down the curriculum. Tananarive and I think a little differently about the process of writing. Frankly, I think I’m more analytical and strategic, and she is better integrated at a deep emotional level. So we won’t agree on everything, and in some ways this offers the unique opportunity of presenting a three-hour workshop that is almost like a conversation between the two halves of an artist’s brain.
We believe that slight mis-match is a GOOD thing. Why? Because every artist argues within their own head and heart. When we discuss COLLABORATION in the third hour, in essence the rules of working with another person aren’t that different from the rules you need to navigate your own psyche.
And…of course this ties in with the NINETY DAY LOVE FEAST we’ve been on. The GOAL is to raise the level of our marriage, our love. The method is to put the partner above yourself. For 90 Days. At the end of that time, you will have either transformed the relationship…or you know that relationship is beyond saving.
Yesterday, a gentleman asked me about creating an alliance with another individual, and that there were conflicts. I suggested that they trade off taking primary responsibility, holding the “kill switch.”
The trick is that the “leader” actually has more responsibility to listen to the “follower”. To be careful to bend over backwards to be fair. Power has responsibility. But also, remember that NEXT time, THEY will have the control. It behooves you to be fair, honest, and kind, yes?
So in life, there are times that Tananarive takes leadership, and I try to be a good follower. Other situations where she is the follower, and I try to be a good leader. Frankly, “totally equal” doesn’t work as well if there is any time pressure at all. If you have all the time in the world to sit around and discuss how you feel…great. Go for it.
But time pressure is REAL in life, and unless your communication is exquisite already, I’d suggest switching off as a way to DEVELOP that exquisite communication.
Just a thought. Anyway, TOMORROW is the workshop, and this is your last chance to get onboard, and our only workshop for 2023. We’d absolutely love to have you!
Namaste
Steve