Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Causing an Experience
The Artist’s Objective
Making People Care
Chapter 2 Exposing the Artist Perspective
Building Blocks Of Connection
Exercise 2.1. Getting Sense Bound
Exercise 2.2. Generating Powerhouse Verbs
Exercise 2.3. Daily Destination Writing
Writing From The Subject
Writing From “when”
Chapter Summary
Chapter 3 Two Types of Detail
Hidden Clues Of Destination Writing
Exercise 3.1. Distinguishing Detail
Exercise 3.2. Applying Identities
Exercise 3.3. Creating Columns
Chapter Summary
Chapter 4 Rhyme
Roller-Skating For Matches
Exercise 4.1. Finding Rhyme Pairs
To Rhyme Or Not To Rhyme
Exercise 4.2. The Five Rhyme Types
Structure And Scheme
Chapter Summary
Chapter 5 Reflections of Music Form and Structure
The Language Of Phrasing
Four-Line Sections
Six-Line Sections
Exercise 5.1: Creating Four- And Six-Line Sections
Phrasing And Content
Chapter Summary
Chapter 6 Writing the Verse
Secrets Of Structure
Exercise 6.1. Toggling In Action
Exercise 6.2. Applied Toggling
Filling In MISSinG LinES
Connecting A Toggled Section
Exercise 6.3. Using Conjunctions And Prepositions
The Three Elements
Exercise 6.4. Identifying The Three Elements
Exercise 6.5. Applying The Elements
Chapter Summary
Chapter 7 the Chorus
Inventing “why”
Two Types Of Choruses
Great Titles Are Born, Not Found
Powerful Positions
Toggling A Chorus Section
Exercise 7.1. Toggle A Chorus
Four-Step Choruses
Exercise 7.2. , Chorus Practice
Chapter Summary
Chapter 8 Contrast
The Boredom Blocker
The Importance Of Contrast
Contrast And Toggling
Exercise 8.1. Contrast In Action
Chapter Summary
Chapter 9 the Content Compass
Ideas That Simplify
Pyramiding
Exercise 9.1. Pyramiding In Action
Plot Progression
Exercise 9.2. Applying Plot Progressions
Functions Of The Second Verse
Functions Of The Bridge
Exercise 9.3. Identifying Functions
Chapter Summary
Chapter 10 Final Touches
The First Draft Physical
Verbs Get All The Action
Exercise 10.1. Verb Alternatives
Point Of View
Exercise 10.2. Just One Point Of View
Tense
Exercise 10.3. Playing With Tense
Chapter Summary
Chapter 11 Ten Steps to Writing a Song
Ten Steps
Afterword
About the Author
Write songs that sell! Hit-songwriter/educator Andrea Stolpe shares time-tested tools of commercial songwriting. Her ten-step process will help you to craft lyrics that communicate heart to heart with your audience.
Follow along with Andrea as she analyzes hit lyrics from artists such as Faith Hill and John Mayer, and reveals why they are successful and how you can make your own songs successful too.
You'll also get insightful advice on how to streamline and accelerate your writing process, use lyric structures and techniques at the heart of countless hit songs, write even when you're not inspired and much more!
Key Digital Print Features
We've built a new way to enjoy electronic print that you're sure to love.
- Fast Loading Desktop and Mobile Experience (even with cellular connections!)
- Auto-resume across devices
- Quick search, note taking and bookmarking for easy reference
- Responsive book design, so things look great on mobile too
- * Internet connection required *