One of the tips I recently offered radio program directors was:
“Read Weird Books.”
I explained why and gave some examples.
A few days later, I came across a perfect illustration of how truly creative people have their imaginations sparked by unlikely sources:
Joni Mitchell was an unknown songwriter, on an airplane, reading a book. The book was HENDERSON THE RAIN KING by Saul Bellow.
Saul Bellow wasn’t a musician, nor did he work in the record industry.
He was one of America’s greatest novelists.
The novel had nothing to with music, songwriting, or show business.
At one point in the story, the protagonist (Henderson) flies to Africa in an attempt to discover some meaning to his life. A passage in the book depicts Henderson looking out the window at the clouds below.
When Mitchell read that passage, she stopped for a moment and looked out her airplane window. And then she started jotting down some impressions and images as they occurred to her.
No one who knew both her profession and her background would have wondered why Joni Mitchell was reading, say, a biography of Charlie Parker or a book of poetry.
But for a young folk singer/songwriter, HENDERSON THE RAIN KING was a “weird” book for her to be reading.
And if she hadn’t read that “weird” book, it is 100% certain that she never would have written her breakthrough song: “Clouds.”
Your brain has the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated elements. The more creative you are, the greater your ability.
But your brain does have that ability.
Trust it.
Get up right now, find a “weird” book, and set aside 30 inutes each day — starting today — to read it.
Oh, one more thing:
When reading that “weird” book stimulates new ideas for you, write them down immediately. Never, ever read anything without having access to a writing utensil and something to write on.
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Great article! Any suggestions on “weird books”? 🙂
The radio industry is often very insular, that you really should go off in left field and pick up something that will be interesting to you. I would say that might be a good standard start with. What interests you outside the industry? or maybe a related industry? Pop culture of the 20th century always has fascinated me, the history and technology specifically, so that opens a door that is very wide.
Awesome advice Dan. As I was reading along I thought you were going to reveal that the song was “This Flight Tonight”. However, “This Flight Tonight” was off the 1971 Blue LP and made famous in 1973 by Nazareth. But I’m still thankful that Joni was reading ‘weird stuff’ and gave the “Clouds” LP and one of my favs… “Chelsea Morning”.
Great “bit” and a great example of what’s missing in today’s ‘time, temp and liners’ radio presentations.