If someone gives you a script, you read it and the first thing you say is, “I wouldn’t do this...” step back a second. You’re stifling someone’s flow by sifting their story through your eyes. What would help here? Questions that get the writer to get curious and delve deeper 1/

Don’t project yourself onto them. Ask questions. “Why is she so angry?” “I didn’t understand why he made this choice, can you explain?” Then have THEM figure out how to fix it. They are NOT YOUR PROBLEM TO SOLVE. They won’t grow if you fix it for them. 2/

“I see she is a badass. How could this scene show more of that without dialogue? With metaphor? Is there a set up I missed? What is the story of that prop you added? How can U distinguish the characters voices?” Questions to help them along a path not bludgeon their dreams 3/

Draw the answers out of them. Don’t give them yours. It’s not your story and it’s not your vision. And that’s okay bc we need diverse stories and voices. If someone has trusted you to read a script, it’s an honor. They’re vulnerable and seeking wisdom. Not judgment. 4/

The world is negative enough. Be a champion for them that says “come up higher” and point the way. Don’t leave them floundering. Would you like to flounder? Of course not. All I’m saying is: if your 1st words are “I wouldn’t do that” plz take a step back and ask yourself 5/

Why am I telling another artist what their art should be? Support one another. We’re all we’ve got. Love to all. /end