Best Melanie Certified Story Grid Editor Podcasts (2024)

1
#66 How to Write A PRO- or ANTI WAR song 18:15

1h ago18:15

18:15

✅ Tell Powerful Stories in Your Song Lyrics: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start---------------------------Ready to write a song that hits hard and sticks with your listeners? In this video, we're diving into what it takes to create a pro- or anti-war song that really connects. We'll cover everything from the raw emotions war stirs up—sacrifice, hop…

1
#65 How To Write A Chorus - Lyrics For An Empowering Song 16:23

15h ago16:23

16:23

Michael Jackson knew the secret. A song can have incredible power over the audience. You’ve seen it—when the crowd sings along, especially during the chorus, something magical happens.⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwritinghttps://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyr…

1
#64 Unpacking the Magic of "Nothing is Over" by Sunrise Avenue: A Powerful Love Story in Song 26:29

8d ago26:29

26:29

✅ Tell Powerful Stories in Your Song Lyrics: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start---------------------------Let's look at the lyrics of Sunrise Avenue’s "Nothing is Over" and discuss why it’s such a powerful song. We’ll see how the first and last lines tell a story about a struggling relationship that still holds on with strong emotions and relatable…

1
#63 Taylor Swift's Storytelling and Songwriting Explored 26:06

29d ago26:06

26:06

Is storytelling truly the thing that sets Taylor Swift apart from every other music artist?In this video, I analyze Taylor Swift’s storytelling craft by examining her 11 studio albums and over 160 songs. Using 75 different storytelling criteria, I’ll break down where she excels, where she surprisingly needs to improve, and what her special sauce is…

1
#62 Lyric Breakdown of a Crime Story - The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia 31:13

1M ago31:13

31:13

In this video, we dive deep into Vicki Lawrence's classic hit, breaking down its gripping story of betrayal, murder, and shocking twists.⚡Get the Lyric Blueprint: https://www.lyricmastery.com/lyricblueprint-011We'll cover everything from how the song begins and introduces its characters, to the hidden layers within the lyrics. Why are names importa…

1
#61 - 3 Ways to Include the Location in the Lyrics 19:50

1M ago19:50

19:50

Discover the 3 powerful ways to express the setting in your lyrics. Whether you want to hint at a place or make it central to your song’s story, I'll show you how to weave the setting into your song in a way that truly resonates. 💡 What you'll learn:- the only three ways to express the place in your song lyrics- lots of examples to see what option …

1
#60 How To Write A Song Based On A Story (Key Story Moments) 16:20

2M ago16:20

16:20

Discover the five key story moments that allow you to hit every mark when telling a story - whether it's in your novel, your screenplay, or your song.In this video, we explore the 5 key moments for a cautionary and a prescriptive tale. Spoiler: They are the same, but there's one significant difference. And I show you in the video what that is. 💡 Wh…

1
#59 - Quick Guide to Storytelling in Songwriting 10:52

2M ago10:52

10:52

Do you want to write a song that tells a story, and you'd love to have a list of all the components that go into a working story? In this video, you will get a step-by-step list on how you can tell a story in a song. It's a five-step process that will allow you to outline your song, but also analyze the narrative structure of the songs you love.💡 W…

1
#58 - The Only 3 Ways To Include The PLACE In Your Song Lyrics 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

If I tell you there are only three ways to include the place in your song lyrics, which one will you choose? In this video, you will discover how to answer the question of "Where does it happen?" in your song lyrics and how the answer can contribute to your song! It's all about creating the setting so the characters in the song do not float in an e…

1
#57 - Why Is "I'm Just Ken" So Good? 9:24

2M ago9:24

9:24

"I'm Just Ken" has won the Critics Choice Awards for Best Song. And Ryan Gosling couldn't believe it! In this video, you discover what made the song so good that it won.This is a masterclass in how to write song lyrics about a specific person while making it relatable, keeping the audience engaged, and delivering a meaningful takeaway.► Want to WRI…

1
#56 - Best Song Topics To Write About (That People Love To Listen To) 28:28

2M ago28:28

28:28

If I tell you, there are only six global topics of what your song can be about, would you like to see them? So no more wondering about what to write about, but getting a clear direction right from the start.💡 What you'll learn:- the six global categories that promise universal appeal- see lots of song examples to get inspired- how to discover what …

1
#55 - How To Write The Beginning Of A Song So You Can Hook Your Audience (+Examples) 17:16

2M ago17:16

17:16

No idea how you can start your song's first line? Discover how you can write a captivating start that will instantly hook your audience! 💡 What you'll learn:- the best way to create an emotional connection - how to write your song's first line as an intriguing hook - see lots of examples and techniques of this one powerful opening line device If yo…

1
#54 - Your Song Has To Go Somewhere - Meaning Explained 26:56

3M ago26:56

26:56

Have you ever been told the popular songwriting advice of "Your Song Has To Go Somewhere?", but you didn't know how to pull it off? Discover what it means and how you can apply it in this episode.💡 What you'll learn:- Know where to start and where to end- Creating coherence in your lyrics- the two most important questions to ask yourself before you…

1
#53 - How To Write A Song That Tells A Story 54:40

3M ago54:40

54:40

Unlock the secrets to storytelling in songwriting by knowing the exact moments that go into every story. In this episode on "How To Tell A Story In Song Lyrics," I show you how you can write song lyrics that tell a story that works so that you can hook, engage, and impact your audience. I will explain the concept of Narrative Songwriting in a step-…

1
#52 - Lewis Capaldi - The Needless Struggle of a Successful Music Artist 19:12

1+ y ago19:12

19:12

So, I recently watched Netflix's documentary about Lewis Capaldi, "Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now," and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions—inspiring and tear-jerking in equal measure. >>> Download a Songwriter's Roadmap to Narrative Songwriting <<< >>> lyricmastery.com/21steps In this episode, we talk about Lewis Capaldi’s stru…

1
#51 - How to Write a Viral Song 40:47

1+ y ago40:47

40:47

How many of you have a message for the world, but you need help finding your voice or your audience? Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. I want you to imagine millions of people listening to your song. I want you to imagine thousands of people knocking your door down wanting to know when you come to their city to play them the song live because th…

1
#50 - “The Comeback” by Drew Davies - A great example of a redemption story in a song 56:11

1+ y ago56:11

56:11

Lets move away from all those love songs we’ve talked about in the past because I recently had the pleasure to listen to the song “The Comeback” by the London-based musician Drew Davies. As stated on metaltalk.net, this song by Davies “is a call to arms for society's malcontents and a tip of the hat to an era of alternative greats such as David Bow…

1
#49 - Overcoming what's holding you back & reaching your goals. 11:35

2y ago11:35

11:35

When you feel stuck in your songwriting or in life in general, I’d like to share the approach that helped me. So, if you feel stuck sometimes… maybe this helps. Visit lyricmastery.com for everything on storytelling in songwriting.By Melanie - Certified Story Grid Editor

1
#48 - The Ultimate Dilemma for the Song’s Main Character – Waypoint #3: The Crisis 19:03

2y ago19:03

19:03

In today’s episode, we’re gonna explore what it looks when we write about facing a crisis. We’ve all been in a dilemma in our life, right? It’s when no matter what we choose, there’s always something to lose, but also something to gain. But it’s normal if we fear the loss more than having the potential to gain something. Being in a dilemma, there’s…

1
#47 - How to combine every part of the lyrics so that it contributes to one central meaning? 11:20

2y ago11:20

11:20

Today, I wanna answer a question that I got recently asked in my Facebook Group. It’s from Hudson. And he asked: How can I combine every part of the song so that it contributes to one central meaning of the lyrics? That’s an awesome question, and let’s talk about it right now. Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting…

1
#46 - Writing A Turning Point Moment in Lyrics – Waypoint #2: The Turning Point Progressive Complication 15:46

2y ago15:46

15:46

If you’re like me, you have something valuable to share. Something that matters. And that we know that can help someone who will listen to our song. And to get our message across in a way that bypasses a listener's critical mind, we have to wrap what we have to say into an experience. And we create that experience through the journey we send our so…

1
#45 - How I Discovered the Power of Lyrics 18:32

2y ago18:32

18:32

Today, I wanna take the chance and introduce myself to you. Especially, I wanna tell you the story about the time in my life when I was completely lost, on my own, literally at the end of the world, and how one song gave me the strength to carry on… and what all of that taught me about what makes lyrics powerful. So it’s all about my journey, so to…

1
#44 - Throwing the Song's Character's Life Out Of Balance – Waypoint #1: The Inciting Incident 14:21

2y ago14:21

14:21

You know, I always consider what happens in a powerful lyric like a journey. It’s basically about watching a character move from one point in their life to another. They are in a certain external or internal situation, and they wanna get from where they are to a better place. So there’s always this little journey that the song’s main character goes…

1
#43 - What You Have to Say Matters… and How To Make it Matter to Others 17:25

2y ago17:25

17:25

In today’s episode, I want to talk with you about you, your purpose, and why we write lyrics. For me, when it comes to writing – no matter if it’s novels or lyrics – I use my words as the means to communicate with my audience and deliver a meaningful message that has the power to make an impact on them. And I guess, since you are here, you have the…

1
#42 - “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square – How to Create a Smooth and Subtle Narrative Flow 48:24

2y ago48:24

48:24

In today’s episode, we’ll go through the lyrics of “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square. And I tell you, as I first listened to the song. I thought: Quite nice. But I didn’t give the lyrics much thought. But now, after I have studied the lyrics and their storytelling power, I must say, I’m super surprised by how well-crafted those lyri…

1
#41 - Attention Grabbing Opening Lines – Part 3: The Intriguing Question 13:54

2y ago13:54

13:54

#043 - Welcome to part 3 of our mini-series of Attention-Grabbing Opening Lines. In episode 41 of the Stories in Songs Podcast, I’m gonna throw a lot of questions at you. Why? Listen to the show and find out. ;-) Episode Overview [00:00:53] The Intriguing Question [00:03:37] Different Types of Questions to ask [00:07:13] Song Examples that start wi…

1
#40 - Steps Two and Three to Creating A One-Sentence Lyric Outline To Guide Your Writing Process 34:26

2y ago34:26

34:26

#040 - Creating A One-Sentence Lyric Outline To Guide Your Writing Process. In today’s episode, we continue with steps Two and Three to Creating A One-Sentence Lyric Outline To Guide Your Writing Process. If you haven’t listened to episode 38 yet where we talked about the character’s literal action, please go back to that episode and listen to it. …

1
#39 - Attention Grabbing Opening Lines – Part 2: The Shocking Statement 13:04

2y ago13:04

13:04

#39 - Today, we continue with another technique of how you can create an attention-grabbing opening line for your lyrics beginning. And specifically, we talk about the Shocking Statement and different ways how you can pull it off to stun your audience and make them wanna hear more! Episode Overview: [00:01:08] The Shocking Statement [00:03:35] Diff…

1
#38 - The First Step to Creating A One-Sentence Lyric Outline To Guide Your Writing Process 26:33

2y ago26:33

26:33

#038 - Let's address the question of why we should look at the craft of storytelling when we write our lyrics – apart from the impact the power of storytelling has on our audience. Let's focus on our writing process. Because when we write our lyrics, it’s good to know where we are going. Otherwise, we’re just writing words that are all over the pla…

1
#37 - Attention Grabbing Opening Lines - Part 1: The Powerful Problem 26:10

2+ y ago26:10

26:10

#037 - How can we write an attention-grabbing opening line so that we can hook our listener with our first line? In today’s age, thousands of distractions compete for our audience’s attention. And if our song doesn’t hook our listeners straight away, they might not listen to it at all. But we want to get heard, right? Songs are a powerful way to ma…

1
#36 - Knowing Which Lyric Lines & Ideas To Keep Or Throw Out – How To Answer The Question Of Relevancy 31:18

2+ y ago31:18

31:18

#036 - How To Answer The Question Of Relevancy when it comes to Writing Lyrics. Have you ever listened to a song only to end up confused because something in the lyrics seemed off? Did you struggle because something was missing or didn’t understand why something was included because it didn’t seem relevant? In today’s episode, I want to talk with y…

1
#35 - Can A Song Save A Life? 17:50

2+ y ago17:50

17:50

#035 - “Can A Song Save A Life.” Lyrics ain’t an afterthought to making a song. They are equally as important as the melody and the song’s production. I mean, writing Songs as well as Listening to Songs can be the greatest aid in a desperate situation. It can keep us from falling down a cliff and empower us again. Like Galadriel said to Frodo: “May…

1
#34 - How To Crush It As A Support Act - The Do’s and Dont’s! 30:05

2+ y ago30:05

30:05

#034 - How to Crush it as a Support Act to Get People Interested in Your Stuff. After all, it’s all a question: Will they sing your lyrics back to you, or will they not? For me as a listener, yes, I’ll definitely shout back: Viva La Victoria! Now what that means and how you can get people excited as a support act – even if they didn’t come because …

1
#33 - Dynamic Characters in Narrative Songwriting 29:56

2+ y ago29:56

29:56

#033 - What does “character development” or “developing characters” mean? And do we, as songwriters, really have to think about how we create our song’s character? And if so, how can we show the audience a character in the lyrics that they can invest themselves in? That is so believable that they themselves have the power to carry the message of th…

1
#32 - “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This” by Toby Keith – Making Your Song’s Character Fall in Love 41:29

2+ y ago41:29

41:29

#032 - Making Your Song’s Character Fall in Love and Influence your Audience's Engagement. In today’s episode, we’ll go through the lyrics of the song “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This” by Toby Keith. The lyrics are so amazing to see how much the power of storytelling influences your audience’s engagement. The song is written so great, and the lyric…

1
#31 - Creating Conflict by Using a Character's Wants and Needs (+ WORKSHEET) 31:47

2+ y ago31:47

31:47

#031 - The Wants and Needs of a Song’s Character and How They Can Engage Your Listeners through Creating Conflict. Did you know that listeners are drawn to specific topics of lyrics because they strive to get similar things in their lives as the character in the song? When you think about your lyrics this way, it’s much easier to see the kind of ta…

1
#30 - 3 Ways to Develop your Song's Character Using Internal Content Genres 26:22

2+ y ago26:22

26:22

#30 - Write a song that shows a meaningful transformation of your song’s main character. Here's how you can do that. Do you want to tell your audience about someone who had to change a part of who they are to get what they actually needed? Does it interest you not only to write lyrics about external challenges but also to discover how those externa…

1
#29 - Every Character WANTS something. But how to figure out WHAT that is? 20:44

2+ y ago20:44

20:44

#029 - Let's create a character for your song who does what's necessary to get what they want. And besides, we also figure out WHAT a character might want. In a story, the main character actively pursues a goal, right? I don’t think you’ve ever gone to the movies to watch someone sitting on the couch all day and doing nothing. We watch a story to f…

1
#28 - “Shut Up and Kiss Me” by Mary Chapin Carpenter – Avoiding Contradictions in Lyrics 49:52

2+ y ago49:52

49:52

#028 - Today we’ll do our third lyric study about the love story moment of the first kiss. More specifically, we’ll talk a little more about the tension, and the anticipation BEFORE the first kiss happens. After all, that’s an incredible feeling to be moments away from that first kiss while the butterflies are rushing in roller coasters through you…

1
#27 - Develop your Lyric's Verses by Using Progressive Complications (+ WORKSHEET) 22:03

2+ y ago22:03

22:03

#027 - Do you want to make it progressively worse for your song's character? Then find out how you can use progressive complications to develop your lyric verses. Do you struggle with writing the second verse? Do you have problems developing your song’s idea and creating an outline? You might have already looked at some ways how to come up with ide…

1
#26 - Development Engine ADVANCED: 5 Commandments of Storytelling 25:18

2+ y ago25:18

25:18

#026 - Use Pat Pattison's Development Engine and the 5 Commandments of Storytelling and develop your lyric idea. Today we talk about how you can actually develop your lyric idea into an outline. That means no more struggles with what to put in the first verse or the dreaded second verse! You might already be familiar with Pat Pattison’s approach. H…

1
#25 - A Songwriter’s Six Best Friends ADVANCED: The Story Grid Diorama Model (+WORKSHEET) 17:58

2+ y ago17:58

17:58

#025 - Outline your lyric's idea by using six crucial questions and combine them with the Story Grid Diorama Model. Today we talk about a songwriter’s six best friends. You might have already heard about the term: Songwriter’s Six Best Friends in the book “Writing Better Lyrics” by Pat Pattison or in one of his courses. But today, we want to make h…

1
#24 - “Rumor” by Lee Brice – Using Multiple Love Story Conventions 53:22

2+ y ago53:22

53:22

#024 - Do you want to write a great love song about the first kiss? Get inspired by using love story conventions to get your listeners into the mood. Today we’ll do our second lyric study about the love story moment of the first kiss. And we’ll use the song “Rumor” by Lee Brice as today’s example to find out how you can pull it off to write about t…

1
#23 - Finding Topics to Write about by Looking at Universal Human Values 23:52

2+ y ago23:52

23:52

#023 - Not in the mood to write another song about love? Get inspired by other great topics to write about. Let me ask you this: Have you ever wondered if there’s anything other than writing a love song? It seems every second song seems to be about love. So there’s a huge demand for love stories. But still, can’t we write about something else for o…

1
#22 - How to Show a Change between your Song's Beginning and Ending 19:54

2+ y ago19:54

19:54

#022 - The Most Important Element of a Story that Works – How to Show a Change between Beginning and Ending. Honestly, you’re about to learn about one of the most important aspects that decide if you have a story or if it’s just a sequence of events where nothing happens at all. You might already know what I mean: Stories are about change. In each …

1
#21 - Crucial Components of Narrative Songwriting 20:48

2+ y ago20:48

20:48

#021 - No more struggles when you flesh out your lyric's idea. Today we start with our first bite-sized episode to talk about one specific aspect of using the power of storytelling in writing lyrics. Let me ask you this: When it comes to finding ideas to write about, do you know how to turn that idea into lyrics? Do you know what components you act…

1
#20 - “Kiss Me Slowly” by Parachute – Why Change is Better than Repetition 1:16:10

3y ago1:16:10

1:16:10

#020 - Find out why change is better than repetition in writing the lyric's plot. Today we’ll talk about Parachute’s song “Kiss Me Slowly.” This is the first song we analyze in the category of the love story moment of the First Kiss. And you’re in for a surprise. The more we take that song apart, the more we discover why the lyrics actually confuse…

1
#19 - What songwriters need to know about writing lyrics about the first kiss 40:34

3+ y ago40:34

40:34

Love is the most amazing feeling of all that we can experience – and if your song shares a heart-melting kissing moment, you have an unforgettable tale at your hands… But if romance isn’t your type of thing to write about, you’re probably worried about how you’d pull it off. You want your song to be emotional and meaningful, but not sappy and clich…

1
#18 - 15 Secrets Every Songwriter Must Know About Writing The Lyrics For A Lovers’ First Meet Scene 56:06

3+ y ago56:06

56:06

#018 - The Ultimate Guide To Writing Love Lyrics About The Lovers' First Encounter. Do you want to write an original love song about the lovers' first encounter? About that special moment when the possible future couple first lays eyes on each other? But there are so many love songs out there and you don’t know what details to focus on and apply to…

1
#17 - "Special K" (Placebo) - The Simplest Way to Start and Finish Song Lyrics that Mean Something! 1:17:11

3+ y ago1:17:11

1:17:11

#017 - One songwriting trick to help you use the most essential element of great storytelling to your songwriting advantage. If you've been having a hard time finishing the lyrics of a song you're stuck in and being objective about your own material, then this podcast episode - "The Simplest Way to Start and Finish Song Lyrics that Mean Something! …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Melanie Certified Story Grid Editor Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide