On Getting Started
lessons a writer can learn from politics
When Barack Obama found his voice and decided to run for president, he did not struggle for material. While “On the Stump” (a phrase which originated from the early political practice of giving public speeches on a sawed off tree stump) Obama traveled from town to town preaching a consistent message filled with hope, change, and reform. Surely, he tailored his message to the audience, referencing local landmarks and culture, but by and large he had a blueprint for his speeches, and he stuck to it.
On controversial issues, Obama did not need to improvise. With opinions pre-canned, he simply dug into the pantry and pulled out the agreed upon response. Iraq war? No thank you. Healthcare for all? Yes please.
Having a plan and established opinions did not harm his campaign, but it did simplify his message for voters. And it enabled him to focus efforts on distilling his story into a seamless delivery. Likewise, having a blueprint did not compromise his integrity or take away take away from his passion or beliefs.
As I’ve embark on this journey of becoming a writer - Obama’s early campaign story has inspired me. I have material and a message that needs to be shared. According to my best friend Jack, writing is easy, and it’s the ideas that are hard to come by. If Jack is right, then I’m sitting pretty. However, Jack also advised less talk and more do. He wanted words of substance — not words about substance.
On the front of substance, I was delinquent. But delinquent I am no longer. I’m on the campaign trail now, committing words to paper on daily basis. Grinding.
Greenlight.
