Stephen King and Bob Dylan would like to have a word with you...
An imagined conversation, based on real comments by both these creatives over the years…
Stephen King (SK): Bob! Great to see you.
Bob Dylan (BD): Hey, man. Likewise. What's on your mind?
SK: Well, since I write books, and you write songs, I figured I’d ask your help with a writing question.
BD (grinning): I suspect the answer is blowing in the wind.
SK: Yeah, but some days aren't windy.
BD: Valid point. The doldrums are real.
SK: Still, I bet together we can come up with a good answer in less than the 10 minutes it took you to write that song!
Here goes: What writing tips can you and I give to BUSINESS LEADERS?
BD: Ah, the skill of the poet and the pursuit of the profit. A strange union indeed...okay, here's my take. Keep it real, man. Authenticity is how a writer connects with an audience.
Like in The Shining. When Jack Torrance loses touch with his true self, his writing turns to madness. You have to stay grounded and true to yourself. Pretense is deadly.
SK: Love it. You mentioned "Blowin' in the Wind." The haunting questions in that song make me want to add introspection.
I think business leaders need to be asking themselves deep questions constantly. Things like What's my purpose? What does my company stand for? I’d say wrestle with introspective questions like that and let that shape all your communication.
BD: Simplicity is critical too. Like your straightforward prose in "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption." So simple and powerful. Every writer should shoot for that. Cut the jargon. Speak clearly and concisely.
SK: Agreed. Less is definitely more. How about rhythm. Good writing has a cadence, a lyrical quality that keeps readers engaged and wanting more.
I think of your classic song "Like a Rolling Stone." It’s a perfect example, the way it flows along. By the way, you know Rolling Stone magazine rated that song as THE greatest rock song of all time. Gotta make you feel good.
BD: Eh, next week they’ll have a new list...we can't forget emotion. You need to make people feel something.
SK: Yes! Like in your song "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall." Take the line: “I saw a newborn baby with wild wolves all around it”?
Hey, if a person can hear that lyric and not feel something, they should probably call 9-1-1. Sounds like a scene from one of my books! Paint emotional pictures like that, and your words will stick.
BD: Ah, Stephen, one more tip we can't overlook: revision. Didn’t you once say, “Cut it to the bone. Get rid of every ounce of excess fat”?
SK: I did say that. Great writing is rewriting.
BD: Well, Stephen, I've got a gig to get to. It's been a pleasure jamming with you on this topic.
Even though you put your words on the page, and I sing mine on the stage, our love for good writing unites us.
SK: Agreed, Bob. Thanks for your help. I hope our reminders can guide business leaders toward writing that leads to meaningful connections with their customers.