Writing and Dolly Parton
Today I get to see Dolly Parton. I'm grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato. (Yes, this Northern girl did google Southern expressions for happiness.)
You see, I am a concert fanatic. Seeing music live puts me in my happy space. And I've been blessed with seeing many of the greats.
Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Aretha Franklin, Lady Gaga, Santana, Richie Havens, Laura Nyro, Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Grateful Dead, Cream, Annie Lennox... the list goes on.
Dolly Parton has been on my must-see list for a long time. So as I impatiently count the hours, I'm distracting myself by reflecting on how Dolly Parton has made me a writer.
Simplicity in Action. Dolly Parton is a master at what she does. Besides being a mesmerizing performer, her gift as a songwriter is amazing. Just listen to these poignant lyrics:
"Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him just because you can."
There is a brilliance in the simplicity of her songs. She tells a story through poignancy and humor, rhyme and repetition. She touches our hearts and makes us sing. As writers, it's really easy to forget the power of simplicity.
Staying True. I can't think of a woman in the music business who has broken more barriers than Dolly Parton. How has this bejeweled, big-breasted blonde built an empire that crosses over movies, music and amusement parks and goes far beyond her country audience?
I think the answer is by staying true to herself. The Dolly I know from 20 years ago is the Dolly I know today. The focus on her roots. The humor about glitter, hair, abundant womanly attributes (I just couldn't say rack) and aging. The seriousness about music that includes composing, singing, and playing guitar, dulcimer, autoharp, piano, saxophone and more.
She never seems to change but always seems fresh and unique. Because she is always Dolly Parton.
We are currently in love with the word -- authenticity. As ghostwriters, we advise our authors not to sound too commercial. We warn them about the pitfalls of false tone.
Wow, there really is a lot to learn about writing from Dolly Parton. But tonight I will put it all away and just enjoy. Because it's after "9 to 5" and, Dolly, "I Will Always Love You."
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