Taylor Swift was labeled by Barbara Walters as one of “The
Ten Most Fascinating People of 2014.” There is no doubt that she has an amazing
following of teens and pre-teen fans who adore her and her music. She is also
ubiquitous—one sees and hears her everywhere.
I recently watched my ten-year-old granddaughter performing one of
Swift’s songs, in perfect imitation down to the hair toss, for her
seven-year-old sister and six-year-old cousin.
Swift’s life story and incredible success at only
twenty-five years of age is well-known. She recently had the cover story for
TIME Magazine. The journalist praised her highly. Swift knew from an early age
what she wanted to do with her life. She convinced her parents to move to Nashville
where she signed with a country label. She had and had the courage of her
convictions and the determination to work hard at her career. I think Taylor
Swift is an excellent role model for young girls.
As a writer, I also see Swift’s energy and effort as an example
for those of us who write and pursue careers in publishing. As in music, there
is stiff competition. If you want your writing well-published it is necessary
to have focus, drive and expect to work hard, just as Taylor Swift has done. A
“can do” attitude is required.
In my writing I create such heroines, women of strong
character. For instance, in my YA novel THE DEVIL AND DANNA WEBSTER published
by Astraea Press, Danna is a girl who is searching for her own identity and
must build the self-confidence needed to choose the right path for her life.
The novel is romance, allegory, and coming-of-age, a good choice for the
holidays and for mothers to share with their daughters.
If there’s anything we can learn from Taylor Swift’s
phenomenal success it is that we need to express what is unique to ourselves in
our own way. By writing an exceptional work that stands out from the herd, I
believe writers can also gain recognition and acclaim.
Your views welcome here.
Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. You're right about Taylor Swift: She gets it. Create a quality product, then personalize your marketing campaign with social media.
And having the boundless energy of a twenty-something can't hurt....
Mike,
DeleteYou've summed it up perfectly. I also wish I had Taylor Swift's energy for promotion.
Taylor has an amazing amount of confidence for someone so young. Hopefully her brand of confidence will treat her better than Miley Cyrus' brand. We could all learn a lesson from her new song "Shake it Off" when it comes to reviews.
ReplyDeleteHi, Lily,
DeleteI agree with you. I think Swift's approach to celebrity is much more professional than Cyrus's and sets a better example for teens.
Taylor Swift has enormous drive, and she was fortunate to have a supportive family. Talent, drive, and backup. And some luck thrown in for good measure.
ReplyDeleteNapoleon said: “Luck occurs when preparation meets opportunity.” A good description for Taylor Swift.
DeleteEven reading about Taylor Swift makes me tired! I think I'm too old for the world of promotion. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteAlice,
DeleteLuckily, you don't have to push hard. You've already established an excellent reputation as a writer and an editor.
Interesting post. I think it's important to add that Taylor Swift would have been an amazing role model even if she hadn't soared to the top of the charts because she was doing something she loved, followed her passion, and knew who she was without compromising her talent.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda,
DeleteYour point is well-taken. Taylor Swift hasn't compromised. She's been true to herself and her talent.
Great post, Jacqueline, and a good idea for parents to find good role models for their children, and good books for them to read, like yours.
ReplyDeleteJan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely comment, particularly since you're someone who has read my work.
Interesting post, Jacquie. It does take enormous energy and passion to acquire a dream. We all have passion to write, but it takes a great deal more energy to market!
ReplyDeleteBetty,
DeleteI agree with you. The writing is a joy. The marketing is much more demanding and often discouraging.
Great tie-in. Even if you don't like Taylor, it's nice to see a young lady not exposing herself all over (in the clothing sense) and not cheapening herself to sell music. Good for her. She's working with some smart people too!
ReplyDeleteThere's no doubt that Taylor has it together. I agree that she's got good advisers, but I think this is mostly her own doing which is impressive in one so young.
DeleteI absolutely detest Taylor Swift and her inane lyrics. I think what she's just done to country fans is crap. Build your base on the backs of country fans, then jump to pop when its convenient. Ugh. I have nothing good to say about this bimbo.
ReplyDeleteI'd add that it is the same as a writer building a base in romance, then dumping those fans to write Sci-fi or whatever. And Taylor is surrounded by a HUGE team. No way did she do this on her own like so many of us are trying to do.
DeleteD'Ann,
DeleteThanks for adding to the discussion. I don't personally think it's wrong to try different types of music or different types of genres in writing. It makes you grow as an artist.
I wish I had half the marketing savvy of this "bimbo."
DeleteThat bimbo has an enormous marketing team...think I said that.
DeleteI recently watched Taylor Swift as a guest mentor on The Voice. She didn't hesitate to share what she knew about stage presentation. I applaud her confidence and her across the board appeal. We should all be so lucky. I've even found myself trying to stand like her at my speaking engagements to ramp up my own energy and personal power.
ReplyDeleteGood topic, Jacquie!
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. It is helpful when successful people like Taylor Swift share information.
Clearly I'm not keeping up with the youth of the day. Time to do my homework.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel badly. I hardly know the latest popular groups.
ReplyDelete