10 Things ... Writers Can Learn from Trump

Daniella on what writers might learn from the 45th President of the United States.

I know you might be wondering what a thoughtful writer could possibly learn from Trump, other than that Wotsit-orange still isn't a look, or how to remain a multi-billionaire after claiming six business bankruptcies (though the latter is only helpful to a select few).

But Trump's strange appeal is evident, and this is indeed something we can learn from.

After the style of one of the best teen films and pop Shakespeare adaptations of the 20th century 10 Things I Hate About You, here are my (slightly tongue-in-cheek) 10 Things Writers Can Learn from Trump.

1. I've learnt how to use Twitter, from you.

Social Media, particularly Twitter, is a great tool to reach tens of thousands of people. Building a social profile can be a great way for you, as a writer, to reach your future audience. You can literally say whatever you want.

And 5 years later...

2. I learnt how to be bold, from you.

"I wasn't satisfied just to earn a good living. I was looking to make a statement." - Donald J. Trump

You're probably not going into the business of 'being a writer' for the big bucks – but this is still in some ways a useful takeaway. Make a statement with your work. Don't be shy.

3. I've learnt how important it is to build an image, from you.

Create a strong brand. When people see it, they immediately know who it is. Stick by who you are and what you say. (Let's face it, Trump and the 'Russian Hoax' are practically synonymous by this point.)

4. I've learnt how originality is EVERYTHING, from you.

Calling for all the best new ideas. Alice, Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, who's next?

"The line of 'Make America great again,' the phrase, that was mine, I came up with it about a year ago, and I kept using it, and everybody's using it, they are all loving it. I don't know, I guess I should copyright it, maybe I have copyrighted it." - Trump in March 2015, MyFox

Maybe he forgot that this same phrase was one of Ronald Reagan's, (the 40th President of the United States) well-known campaign slogans.

Acknowledging influences? Crediting forebears? That's for losers.

5. You've taught me how important it is to, coin new terms.

Be creative, we're writers. It's what we do.

Fact. Fiction. Who Knows? No need to lie, when you can just provide alternative facts?

Alright, so Trump didn’t technically say this one... but it came from his administration.

Anyone figured out what covfefe means yet?

6. I've learnt that if I'm going to be thinking, I better go big, from you.

As writers, we have the opportunity and space to come up with the wildest things.

Like Trump says: “I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big.”

Go big, or go home...

“I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me, and I’ll build them very inexpensively, I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have Mexico pay for that wall.” - Trump, June 2015

7. I've learnt how journalism is now a bunch of fake news, from you.

So, my future career in journalism is futile. Interesting which news outlets are considered fake, though.

8. I've learnt how everyone cherishes an endearing nickname, from you.

And Kim Jong-un's response...

Responding directly for the first time to President Trump’s threat at the United Nations to destroy nuclear-armed North Korea, its leader called Mr. Trump a “mentally deranged U.S. dotard [...] A frightened dog barks louder.” - Chloe Sang-Hun, 2017 (The New York Times/South Asia)

9. I've learnt that I shouldn't take myself too seriously, from you.

As writers, our creations mean everything to us. And that can sometimes mean, that when we see a person's fan-fiction based on our characters, we might start feel some sort of way about it. However, we must remember that once we publish our work to the public domain - it's no longer strictly ours. We should all just learn to let go, and let flow.

“Look at this mask. Look at this mask. Oh wow. Wow, that’s beautiful. Look at that. Looks just like me. [...] “Nice head of hair.” - Trump, November 2016