Attending WAJ is a little like going to writing school. There are various classes to choose to attend each day. They range from the A-B-C’s of Writing, to providing an opportunity to co-write with a professional (always a HUGE learning experience!). Even meal times at WAJ is a learning experience. You are sitting at the table with eight other writers and if you listen closely, you will always glean a tidbit of wisdom from listening to the journey they are on (or possibly pick up a great idea for a song!).
After WAJ is over, it feels like it’s time for the homework to begin. But it’s the best kind of homework. I’ve got pages of notes to read over, I’ve got songs to finish, and co-write opportunities to explore.
This week the assignment is to finish a co-write that was started with T. & E. T. had a great hook for a song and we pretty much finished the chorus and found what direction we wanted to take the verses. We’re going to try all “get together” via on-line this Thursday night and finish it up. I’ve been doing my “homework” and working on some possible ideas for the verses. I went ahead and emailed those out so that T & E could look at them ahead of time and make changes, or completely scrap them and go another direction. I’ve decided that is a good part of the process…..the scrapping of ideas…..because it usually just takes you in a better direction, somehow. It’s all about “does this work” or “does this work better?” It’s about not being satisfied until it’s right.
That’s my other assignment this week. The song I shared with B. at WAJ still lacks a bridge. B. sent me a demo of the music and I love what he’s done on the piano. I wrote a bridge yesterday, but I’m still not sure it is exactly what needs to be said. It’s like I know there is a killer line out there somewhere, I just have to keep hunting for it. Some lyrics just jump out at me, like they are begging to be written, other lyrics like to play hide-n-seek, like they know they are going to be written, but they enjoy the chase.
I really want to get that song finished cause I’d love to sing it at Ladies Retreat this weekend. B. said he could shoot me a demo of the song as soon as I finalize how I want the bridge sung. And of course, I can’t do that until I find those hidden lyrics. I always hear writers talk about finding them in the bathroom….maybe that’s where I’ll start when I get to work…..cause we have two of them!!!
