Here is your guide to the art and craft of writing words to and for music - and the only practical, self-contained lyric writing course available in book form. A sequel to noted songwriter-teacher Sheila Davis' The Craft of Lyric Writing, this workbook will give you a solid foundation of theory and new insights into the subtleties of craftsmanship, whether you're a new or professional songwriter and whether your targeted market is country, gospel, top-40, or theatre.

Inside you'll find a series of "student tested" exercises, practice critiques, and quizzes that reinforce songwriting theory each step of the way and prepare you for the book's main feature - ten specially designed lyric writing assignments. You'll learn:

• How to create a memorable song title
• How to choose the best music form for each idea
• How to apply writing principles and avoid common pitfalls
• HOw to devise successful metaphors
• How to develop a plot to a satisfactory conclusion
• How to write with both sides of your brain
• How to rethink, reshape and revise
• How to find your voice?

Once you've learned the techniques of successful lyric writing, Sheila Davis gets you ready to expand your songwriting abilities on your own and realize your growth potential within the music industry by providing:

• Tips on forming a local songwriting group so you can meet with fellow songwriters to help you go from preprofessional to professional
• Guidelines to conduct a professional critique session so you can gain insights into how effectively your words are conveying your meaning to your audience
• Steps on organizing your own Successful Lyric Writing workshops to further hone your writing skills
• Answers to quizzes and practice critiques so you're able to compare your evaluations with the author's
• "Storage space" in the appendix for you to record future song ideas
• A songwriter's bibliography
• A listing of more than 100 songwriting organizations to help you connect with your chosen marketplace

In short, Successful Lyric Writing provides everything you need to take your talent to the limit and become a first-rate professional.