Taylor Swift: A Beacon of Inspiration

During the 2022 commencement at New York University, Jason King, chair of the Institute of Recorded Music, honored Taylor Swift with an honorary PhD in Fine Arts. He described her as “a dynamic singer, songwriter, producer, director, actress, and a powerful advocate for artists’ rights.” His words highlighted her immense impact on millions globally and her status as one of the best-selling artists of all time. King elaborated on her numerous records and charitable endeavors, emphasizing why a prestigious institution would honor her as a figurehead for their academic program.

Taylor has accumulated numerous accolades throughout her career. More significantly, she accomplishes what all writers aim for: creating narratives that resonate deeply with people. Whether or not one appreciates her music, it’s undeniable that she adeptly transforms personal experiences into compelling stories that linger in the minds of her audience.

After watching her Netflix documentary, Miss Americana, I uncovered some fascinating insights about her life:

• Swift has been performing for over half her life.
• By age 11, she was sending demos to record labels, and by 14, she was signed to RCA Records.
• Despite facing challenges along her journey, she has relentlessly pursued her goal of becoming a world-renowned artist.

Initially, Swift was a people-pleaser who avoided sharing her personal beliefs to maintain a favorable public image. However, she eventually recognized the importance of using her voice to address social injustices and decided to become more than just a likable figure; she aimed to have a meaningful impact.

Her character development is noteworthy. She transitioned from a sweet, ambitious young woman striving for approval to someone who faced public humiliation, ultimately emerging stronger and more successful. Many may dismiss her as merely a pop star with tales of failed romances, but she is, in fact, a complex and compelling individual.

Her recent album, Midnights, shattered records, becoming Spotify's most-streamed album with 185 million plays in a single day. Swift also made history as the first artist to occupy the entire top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, her 2023 Eras Tour set records for concert ticket sales.

So, what lessons can writers take from her journey?

While success varies for each individual, Swift's unique approach offers valuable insights. Many of us work tirelessly on our writing, hoping for breakthroughs, even if our aspirations differ. Regardless of our goals, writers and content creators can glean significant lessons from Swift's experiences.

In her documentary, she articulated two powerful ideas that transformed my perspective on writing:

1. “I can’t change what’s going to happen to me, but I can control what I write.”

We may not dictate who reads or reviews our work, or when we secure a literary agent or publishing deal. Much of the publishing process is beyond our control. However, we can decide what we write and commit to showing up consistently. The more we write, the greater our chances of resonating with readers and achieving visibility.

I resonate with this notion because it emphasizes how our attitude towards writing can significantly influence our careers—more than our technical skills or connections. By focusing on what we can control and consistently producing content, we pave the way for success. The only limits to our writing output come from within.

2. “I’m going to prove myself. I’m going to make sure people know I deserve to be here.”

Imposter syndrome is prevalent in the writing community, and many of us grapple with our self-worth. However, adopting a mindset focused on proving our value through diligent work is key. When we commit to showcasing our best efforts day in and day out, that’s when we create opportunities for ourselves.

Even if you’re not a Taylor Swift fan, her journey offers valuable lessons. You can determine how much effort you put into your writing career, choose to speak out for your beliefs, and cultivate a narrative of resilience despite obstacles. Ultimately, you control your writing and can demonstrate that you deserve success in a competitive field.

Take inspiration from Taylor Swift, and pursue your writing aspirations with unwavering determination.

Chapter 1: The Power of Narrative

In this chapter, we delve deeper into how Taylor Swift constructs her narratives and the lessons we can learn from her storytelling techniques.

The first video titled "How ‪@TaylorSwift‬ Saved My Mother's Life" explores the profound impact of Swift's music and how it resonates with personal stories.

Chapter 2: Taking Control of Your Writing Journey

This chapter focuses on the importance of ownership in your writing career and how adopting a proactive mindset can lead to success.

The second video, "How To Write Like Taylor Swift | Midnights Inspired Writing Advice," offers actionable tips inspired by Swift's writing style and career.