Rockstar Reflections and Bestseller Fortunes: A Conversation with Iconic Figures
In a blend of rock nostalgia and literary success, two acclaimed individuals from disparate worlds recently shed light on their experiences. On one end, a rock icon from the band Jet shares his triumphs and trials, while a celebrated author discusses her lucrative literary journey and the principles shaping her financial ethos.
Rock Riffs and Personal Revelations – Jet’s Lead Guitarist
The renowned guitarist from Jet, the band behind the 2003 hit album "Get Born," reminisces about the simplicity and power of iconic music. When asked which guitar riff he deems the greatest, he surprisingly cites the James Bond theme. "Everyone on the planet knows that. Not everyone knows Led Zeppelin, but everybody knows Bond," he reflects.
His journey into the music industry began youthfully, writing most of the songs for the "Get Born" album from the age of 17 to 19 in a bungalow behind his parents' house. "The only seat in there was the toilet, so I sat on it and wrote the majority of what ended up on that album," he recounts.
The guitarist acknowledges the stark contrast between the early days of fame and the period when criticism hit hard, like Pitchfork’s infamous 0.0 review of their album "Shine On," symbolised by a video of a monkey peeing in its own mouth. "I’ve always been a pretty shy, introverted person, so weathering the storm was tough," he admits. With maturity, he learned to weather both adulation and critique, striving for normalcy in a turbulent industry.
When it comes to advice, he credits his father’s principle of leading by example. Reflecting on peculiar questions, he’d prefer to die in space over the ocean, citing the unattractiveness of deep-sea creatures, and shares a fond if disastrous attempt at maturity by taking a young girlfriend to a musical.
He is a fan of Dean Martin, wishing "When You’re Smiling" to be played at his funeral. "I see music in a similar way – there is the right song for the right occasion," he says, adding sentimental value as he used to sing it to his daughter.
For a biopic, he amusingly nominates his younger brother Chris Cester, claiming, "He probably knows me better than anyone else, and he’s a more handsome version of me."
Jenny Colgan – Financial Success in Literary Ventures
Across another spectrum, bestselling author Jenny Colgan narrates her own success story. Initially facing redundancy from her healthcare job at 26, Colgan’s life transformed when she sold her first novel, "Amanda’s Wedding," for a remarkable £1 million. Now 52, living in a Fife castle with her marine engineer husband Andrew and their three children, her 38-book legacy generates a seven-figure income annually.
Colgan’s financial principles stem from her upbringing. Both her parents, full-time teachers, instilled a strong work ethic and money management lessons. "We didn't go on fancy holidays or eat out, but we always felt well-off," she recalls.
Despite early struggles as a student and various part-time jobs, Colgan’s timing in the literary market was impeccable. "Helen Fielding and Marian Keyes had just had big hits, so publishers were looking for funny books by young women set in London," she explains, acknowledging her exceptional luck.
Among her financial anecdotes, she recalls receiving £5,000 for a speech on love stories and her most significant purchase being a Yamaha baby grand piano. Conversely, her biggest financial mistake involved informally giving a flat in London to an ex, only for him to keep the profit from its sale.
Colgan emphasises paying off mortgages promptly as her best financial decision. "It has always given me huge peace of mind and a lot of pride," she notes. While cautious with investment risks, she and her husband opt for government bonds for security.
The author opens up about her future aspirations, hoping to buy a place overseas once their children have moved out, ideally in France where they cherished past family vacations.
Colgan’s financial philosophy revolves around ensuring her children understand the value of money and hard work. "I'm not too fussed about leaving them money. I'd hope that they could make their own way," she asserts.
From the juxtaposition of a rock star’s candid insights to the financial wisdom of a successful author, both narratives offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and minds of renowned figures who have left indelible marks in their respective fields.
Source: Noah Wire Services