What are some steps that you would recommend for younger developing writers that could help them hone their craft?
I would suggest that a writer go to the public library or local bookstore and ask for books on how to write, publish and market a song. There are so many available. There are also organizations such as the National Academy of Songwriters (NAS) the Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), the Country Music Association and NARAS. All of these associations greatly benefit new writers because they hold workshops and pitch-a-thons and seminars and conferences. They have all kinds of valuable information available to new writers. Whenever possible, it’s good for writers to try to collaborate with other writers. Even just studying the formulas of hit songs is a good idea.
