Morning Stretch

I believe that our writing “muscles” are just like any other muscle group. If we want to be as flexible as possible, we have to stretch those muscles from time to time.

So, this morning, I wanted to give your brain and maybe your writing muscles a little “Morning Stretch”.

It makes me cringe every time I hear a writer who is trying to write commercially say “this is just what I do” as if they can only write ONE style or type of music. I’ve found that most of the successful people I know are VERY versatile. If they are a lyricist, they can write lyrics for almost any genre. If they write melodies, they don’t just write one type of melody. They can write great melodies to fit almost any occasion or genre.

I have written with numerous rock bands, a French-Canadian artist, some very traditional country artists, and some very pop country artists. I’ve had #1 songs in Country, Rock, Bluegrass and K-Pop.  I’m trying to stretch and challenge myself all the time to not settle into one “thing” that I do.  As we speak, I have written music for two different plays that are in production.

For me, “one thing” tends to turn into a rut. And that’s what I DON’T want to be in!  So, I’m always looking for ways to expand my skillset and keep myself challenged.

This week, challenge yourself to write one song that “doesn’t sound like you”.

See if you can write something that shocks your family and friends because it is so “outside the box” for you. And spend 15 minutes brainstorming ways that you can challenge yourself to keep trying new things.

Happy writing!

Marty Dodson