(pen scratching) (bell dinging) - [Esther] When we're writing a song in our songwriting notebooks, it's okay to cross stuff out, delete, rearrange, and make changes.

- [Jake] In fact, when we write anything, a paper, a book report, a letter, a poem, making drafts and refining our writing should always be a part of the process.

- [Esther] Chances are, your first draft is not gonna be the same as your final presentation.

- [Jake] Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you revise your songs.

- [Esther] What is the point I'm trying to make?

- [Jake] Are my rhyming patterns working cohesively?

- [Esther] Do I have an end that feels like an end?

- [Jake] Are there parts of my song that I'm not happy with?

- [Esther] Are there any gaps, like feelings or language you wanted to include that haven't made it into your song yet?

- [Jake] Another thing to remember as you work on the versions of your song is that you do not have to go through this process alone.

- [Esther] Have a friend or someone check out your song and give their feedback.

Bounce ideas off one another.

- [Jake] When you are writing a song, you can think of it as a work in progress.

- [Esther] Writing is often a cycle.

You create a draft, receive feedback, and revise that song.

- [Jake] Just remember, drafts and refining our work are part of the process.

(bell dinging) (cheerful music) (cheerful music continues)