Last Wednesday I (Dara) had the privilege of seeing Lady Gaga in concert. My good friend Oscar and I enjoyed Gaga’s “Born this Way Ball” and it was a night to remember. Between you and me, I’m not a Gaga die-hard, otherwise known as a “Little Monster.” In fact, I went as a cynical observer.
It was all that you might imagine: loud, fun, crazy, and otherworldly. I danced, screamed, and cried–and I’m only talking about the first five minutes. From the costumes, to the dancing, to Gaga antics galore, I could hardly catch my breath the entire show. Her audience loved every second. By the end of the night, I had a different opinion of Lady Gaga. I also learned a few lessons for my fellow writers.
1. Understand Your Audience Intimately
Lady Gaga’s audience is devout and hopelessly enraptured. They dress Gaga, speak Gaga, and hang on her every word. That doesn’t just happen because she’s famous or because her music is so wonderful.
It happens because Lady Gaga connects with her audience on a deep and intimate level.
She’s convinced her audience that she understands (and shares) their pain, hopes, fears, and beliefs. What does your audience most need? What pain do they experience that your book(s) solves? What language do they speak?
When you know this, you create opportunities for your audience to rely on you, support you, and drive others to do the same.
2. Package How You Want Your Audience to Feel
Most authors think their book’s subject matter or storyline is the gem. That isn’t true.
How you make your audience feel is the real diamond.
Lady Gaga isn’t just selling or packaging her music. She’s also in the “acceptance” business.
She’s identified that the unanimous link that her audience shares is their need for acceptance. She’s packaged herself as the “Be True to You” goddess and her audience is grateful for that.
It isn’t just about the music. It’s how they feel listening to it.
As an author, don’t neglect how your words, stories, dialogue, characters, experiences, and lessons will make your audience feel.
3. Show Your Flaws, Share Your Pitfalls
The most memorable moments of Lady Gaga’s concert happened when she shared the lowest moments in her journey to stardom. She consistently weaved personal stories, regrets, and past doubts through the concert. Those moments made the audience go wild and I’m sure briefly made the audience feel again as if Lady Gaga were one of them.
Whether it’s through your characters or your own personal life experiences, revealing flaws and pitfalls make the triumph that much sweeter. It also makes your book more accessible and authentic.
4. Dare to Be You
Is Lady Gaga just a modern-day Madonna? Or is she truly the first, last, and only? Lady Gaga has an answer to that question:
She doesn’t care what you think.
While she isn’t the first avant garde, outspoken diva to claim the stage, she is indeed enjoying her moment in the spotlight. The crazier and more outlandish Gaga is, the more her fans love her. They take it as Gaga being herself and they’re inspired by it.
If you’re not a Lady Gaga fan, she could care less what you think (or at least that’s what she says). Like her’s, your audience will connect with you if you connect with them. To connect with them and to win them over, you’ll need to show them who are you are–truly. Whether through your characters, story, or experiences, dare to be you and don’t care about the ramifications.
***Photo Credit: ChinellatoPhoto / Shutterstock.com
Can Lady Gaga show us how to be a successful author? ABSOLUTELY! What a creative way to drive home 4 key points that are not unfamiliar to writers. By using a pop star that most everyone has heard of, we get another perspective/example of 1) why our readers’ feelings are important in making connection with them, 2) & 3) being genuine &/or disclosure helps with making connections, and 4) focusing on who our readers are – which also has to do with creating connections with our readers. I agree. Forming relationships/connections will do far more in terms of success than just “selling” our books disconnected from our audience. Our readers want to know who we are. At the same time, I beloeve that we as the writer/author also must create some boundaries for self-protection.
Great post, Dara!
Monique