This particular photo might not be visually stunning, but it was an invaluable aid in writing the Rock Star MBA book. To begin the project, I used a storyboard—a fantastic technique for visualizing the completed work. Storyboarding is a great way to launch any new creative venture.

I approached this specific task differently, however, viewing it as a journey rather than focusing solely on the end result—a mindset inspired by the many artists featured in the book.

Why Storyboarding Helps

Storyboarding is an incredibly valuable pre-production technique that provides several key advantages for a project like a book:

Visualizing the Structure: It allows you to see the entire project flow in a visual, chronological sequence, making it easier to identify logical gaps or pacing issues before you start the main writing.

Facilitating Collaboration: It serves as a single, clear blueprint that can be shared with a team, ensuring everyone understands the overall vision and desired result.

Saving Time and Resources: By working out complex chapters or sequences on a storyboard first, you can catch major structural problems early, preventing costly and time-consuming changes later in the production process.

Enhancing Creative Clarity: The act of mapping out your project forces you to define your characters (or concepts), setting, and key turning points, bringing greater clarity to your creative vision.

Decades ago, I held a secret in my hands. This picture, gifted to me by a former girlfriend, captures a young kid in a brown jacket and a modest cap—a kid who was about to ignite a global phenomenon. Little did we know that the face in this snapshot would become the architect of a legendary sound, selling well over 100 million albums. He wasn't just a singer; he evolved into an astounding songwriter and one of the most dynamic frontmen rock has ever known. We practically wore out the grooves on his first two albums. I often look at this photo, kept private for all these years, and wonder: what would he have said if I'd whispered to him then that he was standing on the cusp of founding one of the biggest bands on the planet? Can you guess the artist?

Hint: Think 'Runaway' and '7800 Degrees Fahrenheit'