When hearing songwriters talk about how other people should write, it tends to come out a little mangled. For example, I have heard so many writers encourage people to write what’s real and raw. After hearing that too many times and overly used phrases and cliche lyrics, “what’s real and raw” didn’t make sense anymore.

As a writer and as a lover of God, I just write how I feel.  

Some can’t do that. Some must have an instance. Some must have a substance to describe through a pen completely divorced from feelings. Some are more thought driven and others are just sentimental. The styles of the way one writes is entirely up to the one holding the pen. “What’s real and raw” that seemed so foreign becomes completely tangible but not necessarily attainable yet. Crafting and editing takes place.

There are new methods and ways to try to write, but I most encourage you… write what’s going on inside of you. Write your heart and your thoughts. 

When I write songs, they usually end up about how much I couldn’t bear or survive to be without Him because He’s so amazing. It’s how I feel. The foremost passion of my life is the love I have for Jesus. That is what is continually going on inside of me and that is what I write about. 

Writing isn’t a mysterious art that cannot be attained or wielded; it is a tool to express truth and life, wisdom and beauty.

Learn to use the tool. Don’t give up after your first try at writing. Make it your friend. Writing wants to be governed by your hand. There isn’t really a handbook for this one, there’s just pen and paper, coffee, and a trash can.