  Noticing Newbies
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N0TICING NEWBIES NEWSLETTER
Noticing Newbies Newsletter is geared to help members get acquainted with Writing.com. There are many things to do and learn. Our goal is to help you make your time here fun and manageable.
Each week we select and showcase new items (poetry, lyrics, short stories, essays, campfires, polls, etc.). Exposure for an item (your writing) helps to bring you rates and reviews by fellow members and the general public...of course depending on how much exposure you want your item to have. Some writers like to keep their work private. When your work does receive exposure, it helps bring member interaction, which will give you the opportunity to build new friendships. Remember, it is a two-way street...try to make an effort to reciprocate reviews.
"There's someone that you haven't already met, go introduce yourself to him or her. Walls and labels can't keep you from the people who are so similar to you in spirit. There's a friendly face behind every door if you pick the right moment to knock. Once you start your wave of creative outreach, it turns into a contagious force. People are waking up and smiling at each other, sharing their dreams without hesitation. This community is worth something."
-- Author Unknown
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Hello Newbies!
Welcome back to LYRICS! Writing for the lyric series has been great fun, allowing me to continue learning the craft and passing along what I know to you. But, most important, this process also allows me to check out what has been written by members here on Writing.com. There is some great stuff! Another awesome feature, particular in this edition, I have been fortunate to talk to one of my favorite song writers with an unforgettable voice. I am so excited he has taken the time to answer a few questions...John Ondrasik!
John has recently been touring on the east coast with the band Five for Fighting promoting the new album "Two Lights" and will be playing a few concert dates in California. The hit songs "Superman" (It's Not Easy) and "100 Years" brought him worldwide recognition, especially during the time of "911" when he joined superstars Elton John, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney and others in a fund raiser and paid tribute to New York City firefighters, policemen and paramedics.
I hope to some day see John perform in person; I did watch his television performance at the 49th Grammy Awards celebration, he was incredible! I can only imagine how special he is to see live. So, all you John Ondrasik fans, send your emails in support of his music and lets get him back on the east coast! If he has not performed in your area, let him know! Also, please take notice to "What Kind of World You Want", http://whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/, which he is sponsoring to raise money for charity. The charity consists of the participation of a video community encouraging people to send in a personal video of their favorite charity. Top place winners will be chosen...check out the link!
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Hi John!
I am very happy you decided to take the time from your busy schedule to give your viewpoint on writing lyrics for the members here on Writing.com. You are an incredible singer/songwriter and it is exciting to have you as an guest for the Noticing Newbie Newsletter.
L: It is a well know fact, writers never stop learning the craft, especially if you want to be unique and proficient. At this point in your career, having made it in the music business, what bit of advice can you offer aspiring writers to encourage their journey?
JOHN: Always be on the look out for inspiration. You never know where a song may come from...
L: You have a great imagination, which is an essential tool for writers. I read that the name you gave the band “Five for Fighting” was thought of when a hockey player receives a penalty break for fighting. Is there a theme behind the name that relates to your music? Writers who have a difficult time taping into that imagination, what are a few suggestions you can offer?
JOHN: Well, the music biz can certainly feel like a hockey fight.....as for imagination, solitude, a change in environment, a good book or film, can get the juices going...
L: You obviously have found what makes you tick, what drives you to write...do you have a specific routine/process that helps you get motivated and do you write every day or do you allow yourself to take breaks when you need to recharge?
JOHN: After i finish a record it takes about a year before I have the desire to write another song. It's such a long and grueling process as I spend two years writing over one hundred songs for an album. So much of songwriting is work ethic...I may go for months getting nothing and then write 3 songs in a week that survive the cut...but if you're not writing, you're guaranteed nothing.
L: When you write lyrics, what do you start off with, title, hook or verse? How do you know when you have something to go with? Do you ever give up on a song and ditch it?
JOHN: Of course, most songs end up in the abyss...Concept to me is everything...If you have a good concept, the rest is writing it down (which can take months or minutes)...Usually I have a gut sense of the songs to keep working on...
L: There are many writers who are not competent musicians, but good writers...is it possible to still pull off a song by learning a few basic chords on a guitar and ultimately sell lyrics/songs to publishers or other avenues? Do you suggest they learn an instrument or find a musician to collaborate?
JOHN: It's rock n roll...many great songwriters can barely play...sometimes it helps collaborating with a musician if you're just a lyricist, but it's all about words and melody...
L: I applaud your desire to contribute to charities and for your continued success. Have fun on your tour.
JOHN: Every songwriter has my admiration and respects...It is a hard road though a most honorable of professions...Enjoy the craft...
Take care,
John Ondrasik
http://www.fiveforfighting.com/
Until next time...
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Laurencia, just a side note, since you mentioned in your comment to John-Paul (2)
that you love Journey but miss Steve Perry...I saw them a few years ago (with Styx and REO Speedwagon!), and they sounded fantastic. The current lead singer sounds amazingly similar to Steve Perry, so the songs come across as you'd dream they should!
Seisa-sleepingcatbooks.com 
That's great you had the opportunity to see Journey, I'm sure you enjoyed it! Yes, Jeff Soto is a talented singer and is lucky to be performing with a great musicians. I guess my heart will always be with Steve Perry.
Thanks for the Newsletter. Can poems become lyrics? Larone
Larone Mckinley 
Absolutely! The major difference between lyrics and poems is music. You have to write the lyrics to sheet music. You also have to consider meter, hook line(s), chorus, etc.
Thank you for writing into the newsletter. 
See ya June 27th!
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Noticing Newbies: May 30, 2007 Issue [#1740]
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