Tip from Rob Roper

Songwriters, like most artists, tend to be introverts.  We tend to be
comfortable by ourselves, and uncomfortable in crowds.  We find excuses
not to go out, and stay home.  But it's important to recognize that it's
harmful to your songwriting.  You need to interact with other people. 
It expands the subject matter available for your songwriting lyrics.  
Natalie Goldberg, in her book *Writing Down the Bones*, said "It's much
better to be a tribal writer, writing for all people and reflecting many
voices through us, than to be a cloistered being trying to find one
peanut of truth in our own individual mind."

Furthermore, it's important to meet other songwriters.  Get out of the
house and go to the live music clubs, coffee houses, etc. and listen to
local songwriters.  It can be motivating and inspiring.  And you should
support them.  This is mandatory if you want to play out.  Afterall, why
should they support you if you don't support them?  But even if you
don't intend to be a performing songwriter, getting out and listening
to, and meeting other songwriters, will help you with your songwriting. 
Introduce yourself to them after the set, tell them you enjoyed their
songs.  Mention that you're a beginner songwriter.  You'll be surprised;
most of them will want to talk about songwriting with you.  And they'll
encourage you.  You might even pick up some tips from them; I have.

If possible, join or form a songwriter group.  As Natalie Goldberg said,
"It's also good to know some local people who are writing and whom you
can get together with for mutual support.  It is very hard to continue
just on your own.  I tell my students in a group to get to know each
other, to share their work with other people.  Don't let it just pile up
in notebooks.  Let it out. Kill the idea of the lone, sufferin artist. 
We suffer anyway as human beings.  Don't make it any harder on yourself."

Rob Roper
May 5, 2007

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