What writers (and others) can learn from Apple and Steve Jobs

As the delighted owner of an iMac, an iPhone, an iPod, and two MacBookPros, I have been a Mac enthusiast and evangelist for many years. It is not an overstatement to say that I love my Macs. (Whether this is healthy or not is another subject.) I believe that Apple products actually empower creativity in a way that nothing else ever has.

So I’m not sure what to make of the news of Steve Jobs’ resignation as CEO of Apple. I have heard it said that Steve Jobs is (or, was) the only irreplaceable CEO in America. That’s easy to believe, but I hope it’s not the case. (Tim Cook, I’m rooting for you!)

Apple and writing

The Steve Jobs news reminded me of a post I read a few months ago by Stanford Smith, whose blog is called Pushing Social. Stanford posts a lot of good stuff, including The Apple Guide to Copywriting Magic, which I encourage you to read. You don’t have to be a writer or a marketer to appreciate the lessons Smith has gleaned from all things Apple. The 5 points he makes apply to Christians who want to share their faith, speakers who want to win a crowd, teachers who want to make a lesson stick, and anyone who wants to tell a good story.

Stories from Steve Jobs

In 2005, Steve Jobs gave the commencement address at Stanford University. In his 15-minute speech he shared three personal stories as a way to illustrate three life lessons he wanted the grads to know:

1. Follow your heart—even when it leads you off the well-worn path.
2. Love what you do—it’s the only way to do great work.
3. Every day could be your last—live it to the fullest.

Apple stories from you

I’m not sure how many LifeLines readers are Mac users, but no matter which platform you’re native to, I’d love to hear your comments about story-writing, story-sharing, and story-inspiring tools you use—software or hardware, mobile or desktop.

If you are an Apple enthusiast, can you verbalize why? If you are stuck looking through Windows, what keeps you there?

And is it true that Mac people are more likely to evangelize than PC people are? I have never had anyone try to convince me to use Windows because their own personal experience had been so exciting, or effective, or fun. But Mac users always seem excited about new apps, new uses, new discoveries. Am I right?

And feel free to use images to share your stories. For example, you could post a link to an iMovie you created. Or post a link to your favorite “I’m a Mac. I’m a PC.” commercial. (Don’t you just love those?)

By the way, I am not an Apple affiliate. I get no commission for any Apple sales that may be generated as a result of this post. I just love my Macs, and I think Apple empowers my writing. But I will keep an open mind, and if you share something PC-related that can do the same thing, I will honestly give it a try. I promise.