 Noticing Newbies: September 16, 2009 Issue [#3273] |
  Noticing Newbies
This week: Edited by: laurencia
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N0TICING NEWBIES NEWSLETTER
Noticing Newbies Newsletter is geared to help members get acquainted with Writing.com. There are many things to do and learn. Our goal is to help you make your time here more fun and manageable.
Each week we select and showcase new items (poetry, lyrics, short stories, essays, campfires, polls, etc.). Exposure for an item (your writing) helps to bring you more rates and reviews by fellow members and the general public...of course depending on how much exposure you want your item to have. Some writers like to keep their work private. When your work does receive exposure, it helps bring more member interaction, which will give you the opportunity to build new friendships. Remember, it is a two-way street...try to make an effort to reciprocate reviews.
"There's someone that you haven't already met, go introduce yourself to him or her. Walls and labels can't keep you from the people who are so similar to you in spirit. There's a friendly face behind every door if you pick the right moment to knock. Once you start your wave of creative outreach, it turns into a contagious force. People are waking up and smiling at each other, sharing their dreams without hesitation. This community is worth something."
-- Author Unknown
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Hey New Members!
Do you have a melody that won't leave your mind? Maybe you have a poem or an idea you want to write with the melody...lyrics is what it is called. When I think of people who write lyrics, the names that come to mind are Jackson Browne, Bernie Taupin, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and many more! If you haven't read lyrics written by these talented writers, I would suggest you do, you can learn so much!
Writing lyrics involves many things. I feel one of the most important aspects of writing before even learning the correct technique, is writing from the heart. Whether writing lyrics or a book, learning to listen to what your inside is telling you is crucial. For instance, when you cry during a movie, what is that emotion telling you, write about it. When you are driving your car, an awesome idea pops into your head, write it down...although Maine just passed a distraction law while driving, so maybe a tape recorder would be better, lol. Many writers keep a journal to keep their muse in gear...whatever works for you, do it! Your unique thoughts turn into ideas which manifest into a song.
Here is an encore of an interview I had with John Ondrasik...enjoy!
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Hi John!
I am very happy you decided to take the time from your busy schedule to answer a few questions in regard to lyrics for the members here on Writing.com. You are an incredible singer/songwriter and it is exciting to to have you as an guest for the Noticing Newbie Newsletter.
L: It is a well know fact, writers never stop learning the craft, especially if you want to be unique and proficient. At this point in your career, having made it in the music business, what bit of advice can you offer aspiring writers to encourage their journey?
JOHN: Always be on the look out for inspiration. You never know where a song may come from...
L: You have a great imagination, which is an essential tool for writers. I read that the name you gave the band “Five for Fighting” was thought of when a hockey player receives a penalty break for fighting. Is there a theme behind the name that relates to your music? Writers who have a difficult time taping into that imagination, what are a few suggestions you can offer?
JOHN: Well, the music biz can certainly feel like a hockey fight.....as for imagination, solitude, a change in environment, a good book or film, can get the juices going...
L: You obviously have found what makes you tick, what drives you to write...do you have a specific routine/process that helps you get motivated and do you write every day or do you allow yourself to take breaks when you need to recharge?
JOHN: After i finish a record it takes about a year before I have the desire to write another song. It's such a long and grueling process as I spend two years writing over one hundred songs for an album. So much of songwriting is work ethic...I may go for months getting nothing and then write 3 songs in a week that survive the cut...but if you're not writing, you're guaranteed nothing.
L: When you write lyrics, what do you start off with, title, hook or verse? How do you know when you have something to go with? Do you ever give up on a song and ditch it?
JOHN: Of course, most songs end up in the abyss...Concept to me is everything...If you have a good concept, the rest is writing it down (which can take months or minutes)...Usually I have a gut sense of the songs to keep working on...
L: There are many writers who are not competent musicians, but good writers...is it possible to still pull off a song by learning a few basic chords on a guitar and ultimately sell lyrics/songs to publishers or other avenues? Do you suggest they learn an instrument or find a musician to collaborate?
JOHN: It's rock n roll...many great songwriters can barely play...sometimes it helps collaborating with a musician if you're just a lyricist, but it's all about words and melody...
L: I applaud your desire to contribute to charities and for your continued success. Have fun on your tour.
JOHN: Every songwriter has my admiration and respects...It is a hard road though a most honorable of professions...Enjoy the craft...
Take care,
John Ondrasik
http://www.fiveforfighting.com/
Until next time...
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Great article. Reviewing is what really sold me on Writing.Com. It's a lot of fun, a great way to bring attention to yourself in the good way, and a terrific way to meet new people. Keep on writing.
Colin
Colin Back on the Ghost Roads
Thank you Colin for the priceless feedback, much appreciated it. 
See you October 14th, 2009!
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