Why I Built Songwriting Monthly

By Matthew Wilson

For years, writing songs was where I put most of my

creative energy. I wanted to get better at it, of course, but I

also wanted to find people who understood why I kept

doing it. That began to happen when I joined FAWM.

FAWM introduced me to songwriters who were willing to

share unfinished ideas, listen to one another, and offer

encouragement without expecting perfection. I remember

how much that meant to me. I wasn't just hearing other

people's songs. I was getting to know the people making

them, and some of those connections became friendships.

Over time, I began wondering what it would be like to have

that sense of community throughout the year. Events

come and go, and people get busy. I understood that. Still,

I liked the idea of a place that would be there whenever

someone felt like sharing a song or hearing what others

were working on.

That idea eventually became Songwriting Monthly.

I didn't want to build a place where people felt they had to

produce something every week to belong. Some

songwriters are prolific. Others write slowly or take long

breaks. I've been in both places myself. I wanted room for

all of that, including people who would rather listen than

post.

As the community developed, I spent a lot of time thinking

about how to make it welcoming without making it

demanding. I learned that sometimes my job was to start a

conversation, but other times it was better to leave space

for members to talk with one another. That hasn't always

come naturally to me. I care about the place, and

sometimes caring means resisting the urge to do more.

One of the things I've appreciated most is seeing

members share new work, return after being away, and

offer each other thoughtful observations. Not every post

leads to a long conversation, and not everyone

participates in the same way. A small community has its

own pace, and I've come to appreciate that.

Building Songwriting Monthly has also reminded me of the

value of listening. It's easy to become focused on our own

creative progress, but there's something worthwhile about

taking an interest in what others are making. Sometimes a

thoughtful observation or a little encouragement can mean

as much as sharing a song of our own.

I built Songwriting Monthly because I wanted a year-round

place where songwriters could keep in touch, exchange

ideas, share what they're making, and feel welcome

whenever they return. I hope it continues to be that kind of

place, shaped not by how much anyone produces, but by

the connections we make through music.

Creativity, Identity & Belonging

This essay is part of a collection exploring creativity, identity, mental health, uncertainty, music, and community.