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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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How to Write One Song summary
Jeff Tweedy
Loving the Things We Create and How They Love Us Back
16 mins
Brief summary
How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy inspires readers to embrace songwriting as a creative endeavor. The book provides insights, exercises, and encouragement, guiding us to discover the joy and fulfillment in making music.
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How to Write One Song
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Let go of perfection
If you think successful songwriting is a near-mystical process that relies on inspiration only, think again. Jeff Tweedy’s approach is refreshingly down-to-earth, accessible, and wildly successful. At its core is a simple yet powerful idea: everyone has the ability to write songs. This isn’t just empty encouragement, either, it’s a philosophy based on the belief that creativity is a natural human trait, not a rare gift.
In fact, perfectionism is the biggest obstacle for most aspiring songwriters. So if you want to write songs, or improve your songwriting skills, first you have to let go of your idea of perfection. Instead, focus on the act of creation itself. This shift in mindset, from the results to the process, can be liberating.
For instance, don’t sit down and try writing the perfect love song, just set a timer for 15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind – without judgment. You might be surprised at what emerges when you remove the pressure of perfection or your preconceived notions around themes or topics.
When you let go of perfection, you’ll also be able to embrace a more playful attitude in your process. For instance, you can treat words and sounds like building blocks to be arranged and rearranged. This playful attitude helps bypass your inner critic to tap into your natural creativity.
And you don’t have to start with a blank page, either. For a creativity boost try picking up a book, opening to a random page, and choosing the first noun you see. Now, spend five minutes writing about that object as if it were alive. This exercise can jumpstart your imagination and lead to unexpected lyrical ideas – especially good for the next time you’re at a loss for ideas.
Sometimes you may feel uninspired. So, establishing a routine for songwriting is important for success. You can’t just wait for inspiration to strike, creativity is about showing up regularly and doing the work. Set aside a specific time each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes, to engage with your songwriting. This could be as simple as humming a melody into your phone or jotting down a few lines in a notebook.
Outside of this daily practice, be sure to carry a way to record your ideas when they arise. Melodies and lyrics can pop into your head at any time, and you don’t want to lose them. Keep a small notebook in your pocket or use a voice memo app on your phone. Make it a habit to capture these fleeting moments of inspiration quickly.
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What is How to Write One Song about?
How to Write One Song (2020) is a practical guide to songwriting that demystifies the creative process. It includes techniques for overcoming writer’s block, finding inspiration in everyday life, and developing a consistent songwriting practice. It emphasizes that anyone can write a song with the right mindset and tools.
Who should read How to Write One Song?
- Aspiring songwriters looking for practical advice to get started
- Creatives interested in developing productive habits or routines
- Anyone looking to tap into their creativity in a structured way
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