A
female
age
22-25,
*ongwr1ter
writes:Hi there,I am writing, to seek some help on my future career in writing.So, I absolutely, and truly, love to write. I write poems, and stories, and songs. I also love to sing, a lot.I have been singing, pretty much since I was a toddler, and later, started to write my own lyrics at the age of 9. Writing poems and stories was a part of my every-day life, as that's what we used to do for a lot of the time in primary school. But I can't remember when I realised that I enjoyed it. All I know, is that I enjoy it now, and I've won a story writing competition too!Also, people who have heard me sing/have seen my lyrics praise me, and compliment me, so I don't think I'm rubbish at it aha:)As you have probably guessed by now, I LOVE WRITING!:) I know this sounds ridiculous, but I want to be a famous singer/songwriter and an author. And it's not because I want money; I couldn't care less about that. But I just want to get myself out there, I want people to notice me. I want them to look at my songs, and say "Wow, her songs are so relatable". I want people to read my stories, and get lost in them, as I do when I read books. But how do I get there?I know there are websites where you can publish stories, and competitions too, and I'm considering going on the X-Factor next year, when I'm 16, but what then? I mean, sure people will read my stories online, but what then? And sure, I'll go on the X-Factor, but there's a chance I'll get nothing out of it...So what then?Also, does anyone know of websites where I can publish my own song lyrics?Thanks
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female
reader, Songwr1ter +, writes (29 December 2015):
Songwr1ter is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank you, Maverick494 for your answer
A
female
reader, maverick494  +, writes (29 December 2015):
To be honest I wouldn't go on X-factor if I were you. So many talented people go on there and they get nothing out of it because the brand taints their reputation. In X-factor or any of those shows you're a cog in a machine. They create your identity and when you sign their contract, they have major control over your creative decisions. Definitely not worth the short burst of exposure you may get from it.
What I'd do is just keep writing, keep reading, maybe even post some fanfiction online to see what kind of feedback you'll get (anonymous strangers on the internet are always honest).
While you do that enroll in writing competitions, smaller ones that don't have a huge PR campaign to run. Sign up for creative writing courses and consider getting a college/uni education geared to your goal. You'll get the most out of those schools by socializing with the people you meet there. If they see your potential they will help you reach the right channels for your work.
Good luck and like everyone else said, don't give up!
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A
female
reader, Songwr1ter +, writes (29 December 2015):
Songwr1ter is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThank you, Anonymous female reader, for your answer! Thanks for the ideas, and the tips!
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (28 December 2015): Theatre! script writing! Musical theatre! competitions!
Passion and hard work by designing a path possibly in college and university . Do short courses on creative writing. Study certain techniques, learn breathing techniques for singing and music, study Dalcroze for instrument playing. The list is endless and exciting. Study music in medicine, sound therapy for disabled children, learn all you can about what is out there. Narrow your path and get on it while you are so passionate.
Never give up, and never let anyone tell you that the Arts are not a wise career move, the world needs the arts more than ever, and the harmony of music and beautiful words, art meets science head on.
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A
female
reader, Songwr1ter +, writes (28 December 2015):
Songwr1ter is verified as being by the original poster of the question+ Been there Now over it, sorry i got ur username wrong! Thanks again :)
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A
female
reader, Songwr1ter +, writes (28 December 2015):
Songwr1ter is verified as being by the original poster of the question+ Been there now over it, Thank you very much:) I really appreciate your advice:) Thank you for the tips, and the kind words of encouragement :)
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A
female
reader, Songwr1ter +, writes (28 December 2015):
Songwr1ter is verified as being by the original poster of the questionHi, Abella,
Thank you very much for this answer!:)
Yes, all my lyrics are written from my own experiences. And I do perform in front of crowds, but I haven't performed one of my own songs yet! :) But I'll do that some day:) And I also play the piano, and the guitar. And I sing:)
Thank you for the links too! I'll take your advice on how to use them!
Thank you,
Songwr1ter
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A
female
reader, Abella +, writes (28 December 2015):
 hi
first off I would not suggest that you just post your lyrics on line. you don't want to freely give away your creations.
also more opportunities will become available to you in time but right now is the time to do some planning to identify which paths will suit you in the future.
what I will suggest is:
Write ever day
Never give up
Remember the opinion of others can be useful but does not define who you are and what you are capable of doing. The opinion of a person who does not know you and does not care about you is not as powerful as your own belief in you.
If you have the determination and stamina to go forward despite knock-backs and pick yourself up again after rejection then you will go far.
Overnight success is a furphy. Many people have put in years and years of work before they actually made it and received well deserved recognition.
Write from the heart
Be original and write about what you know
Do not plaigarise
Don’t just get lost in a piece of music when you listen to a song. Find out the lyrics and read the words and examine how those lyrics work and what resonates with you
It is never just the lyrics. Pharrell Williams understands that the sound and the tempo is just as important.
Also try to extend your skills to master more than one musical implement. some instruments can bring in a whole new world, just from the sound of an unfamiliar instrument.
Don’t stop there either. Get out amongst people and join a Zumba class and see with your own eyes and hear with your ears what music and what lyrics feel good when you hear them and move to that music and those sounds and those lyrics.
Immerse yourself in the experience to better understand the audience you want to connect with.
When you are old enough to perform in commercial venues try to get a following of people who like listening to you in your local community before you venture further.
Be on the look out for opportunities to perform wherever you can, even if it is busking in a city street for short periods or performing at a fair or a wedding or a dinner.
Listen to the old classics right through to the most recent hits that have really resonated with people
Familiarize yourself with what are lyrics:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyrics
Build relationships with people and learn who you can trust and who you cannot trust before you ever consider a collaboration
There are some paid sites but do not sign up until you know you can afford the amount per month. http://songu.com/
There is a UK group that can give you support - once again do not sign up with them until you know you can afford the annual fee. https://www.prsformusic.com/Pages/default.aspx
Similarly Michael Laskow at www.taxi.com has an amazing site to help song writers and lyricists but once again you need some income before you sign up to these things.
Rejection once does not define you. Rejection twice strengthens you. Rejection thrice is a learning experience. Rejection beyond this helps you to grow and learn what needs redefining and what needs more work. Many of the most successful lyricists had much rejection before they “made it”
Put a demo tape together. Put several compositions on it. If a song does not suit your voice then get someone else to perform it.
Make sure the most engaging song is the first one as if it is not the best they are unlikely to listen to the rest.
Improve your vocabulary and while not suggesting that you use words that no one has ever heard of before do at least keep a Roget’s Thesaurus with you when writing so that you can use words other then the same old word every time for particular emotions.
Find out if a local college has any course that could help you learn more about your craft and failing that do consider a business course so that you can understand how to run your business effectively. Some sort of study never hurts.
Just staying behind closed doors closes you off from life experiences and those life experiences can be inspirations for lyrics you can write. That is why involving yourself in the community benefits you in multiple ways. You stay connected to the people who can support you and you experience life and you grow as a person and find inspiration in places you never imagined.
Keep your ears and eyes open for potential opportunities to perform or connect with people involved in the business of musical performances.
Read up on those who have gone before you:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/10306999/Bernie-Taupin-Lyricist-I-think-of-myself-as-a-storyteller.html
http://www.nme.com/list/the-greatest-lyricists-in-the-world-today/170878
and this longer article may inspire you
http://www.thesongsphere.com/6-steps-to-becoming-a-professional-songwriter/
good luck in your chosen profession.
I certainly agree with trying out competitions however I think experience with some public performances in your local community first will give you more confidence and valuable experience before you tackle the brutal experience of public competitions on television.
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A
male
reader, Been there Now over it +, writes (28 December 2015):
You are so fortunate to have direction and passion at your age. And are already working hard for what you want. Really, you are halfway there!.As for becoming an author, you are already doing the most important thing you can do, and that is to read the types of things that you want to write. Read lots of book reviews...the customer reviews on Amazon are a great source for discovering what everyday readers think of something you've just read or plan to read. Figure out why your favorite best sellers are Best-sellers. Talk with authors...most of them would be delighted to share their thoughts with a passionate young person. They were once your age. What avenues did they pursue to get ahead? Many bookstores have readings...go to those, not just to speak with the authors but the people in the audience, as well.Keep a notebook of ideas that come to you. Get ideas from watching television, watching others and just leading you life.Fix up a place in your home where you can work comfortably. A successful writer friend of mine uses a lead pencil for everything he does. I much prefer a word processor as I can put things down much quicker. Mastering a speech-recognition program might work better for you. I'm not a music person so I won't go there. Good luck! I'm already proud of you!
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