Practice

Book excerpt: When you first sat down at a piano, how good did you expect to play? Did you imagine that just by putting your hands on the keys you'd know exactly what to do? Why is it then when sitting down to write, you beat yourself up expecting that same sort of magic? Believing it should come naturally, when you start to struggle, self-doubt comes rolling in like a thick fog.But just like playing an instrument, writing is a skill - and one that gets better with practice. This monthly workbook will be your guide through the fog. A daily writing routine much less intimidating than the blank pages of an empty journal, it includes three sections: ?A morning "boot up" routine to clear your head and organize your thoughts ?Thirty-one days of practice through daily writing exercises ?A song-writing toolbox to turn practice into a finished project every month Here you can leave behind the self-defeating procrastination of perfectionism. Embrace the idea that practice will be imperfect - this book is a refuge for embarrassing and wild ideas. Take risks, humor yourself, and try your best. By showing up each day your best will only get better.