The first method of songwriting is having a set melody first and then writing lyrics to match the instrumental track of the song. Deciding on a melody first can help you narrow down what vibes you want to convey in your song, but I also find it difficult to make my lyrics fit into the timing of the song. Especially if you do not know how to make the melody of a song, you won’t be able to make any progress on your song until paying someone for a melody or waiting for one of your friends to make one for you.

The second method is writing the lyrics first and then finding a melody. This allows you to say everything you want to say in your song and then focus on what sounds you want to convey along with it. With all your lyrics set, there is plenty of material for understanding the vibe of your song. One problem that may arise is that you may have to edit your lyrics a bit to fit the rhythm and timing of your melody. Honestly, this isn’t much of a con, though, since there is always editing to be done as a writer, it just comes with the hobby XD.

The third method is a bit of a pantser method, meaning you are writing by the seat of your pants. This is usually how I write songs and all my other works in general ahaha. Once I have an idea for a song, such as a few chords I like or a certain line I would love to use as lyrics, I base the rest of the song after that. I usually write a line of lyrics while simultaneously singing them in a random tune. Once I find a melody I like, I usually keep going and then write a line of lyrics to fit the melody. It's sort of like a puzzle, slowly filling in pieces here and there and then finishing with a completed picture!

Now, as to the advantages of songwriting, I think there are quite a few. If you prefer writing shorter works or poems, songwriting could also be for you. Almost everywhere you go you can hear music. In this day and age, music is super popular, and there are plenty of opportunities for your work to be discovered through social media, YouTube videos, Spotify, the radio, etc. There is also a great performance aspect to music! It would be kind of awkward for you to just read your book aloud on stage, but with music, there is a great instrumental track to back up your amazing lyrics. There are so many different jobs you could explore if you love to write music and/or sing so I encourage you to explore what this method of writing could bring you!

Word of the Week: Perigee

Definition: The point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite that is nearest to the earth

Pronunciation: pair-i-gee

Etymology: from French périgée, via modern Latin from Greek perigeion ‘close round the earth’, from peri- ‘around’ + gē ‘earth’.

Example: The full moon began Tuesday morning around 7:52 a.m., and was at its perigee at 7:24 p.m. EDT, according to NASA.

Side note, I am having so much fun writing the closing scenes of A Heart Adrift, and cannot wait to share it with y’all. I have some exciting ideas for my next writing project as well…I hope your own writing brings you joy!