There’s been a lot of coverage
over Mandy Patinkin’s departure
from the TV show
Criminal Minds.
He stars in a new thriller
that seems very similar
yet subtly isn’t
and some people don’t understand
why the difference matters to him.
I do.
Last year, I wrote a story
that was very similar to
many other stories I’ve written
except
the story didn’t have a happy ending.
The story was very profitable
and the difference was very subtle
but it felt wrong.
I only wrote one of these stories
and I walked away from this product line.
Mandy Patinkin walked away from Criminal Minds
after two seasons.
And walking away is okay.
There are plenty of other stories to write,
television roles to star in,
products to launch,
that are BOTH profitable
AND give us a sense of pride.
Make the difference
YOU want to make
in the world.
If it doesn’t feel right,
walk away.