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Summary: Sheila is terrific!
Review: I've read about 12 books on songwriting since 1979. This bookand everything by Pat Pattison is light years ahead of everything elsein my opinion. Inspired by these two and years of writing and studying, I'm now writing one myself. :-) Great book! Most people think of it as one of, if not THE best. Dave
Rating: 
Summary: Hmmm
Review: If you listen to the radio you'll discover that there are no rules, no rhyme (so to speak) or reason, to successful songwriting. It helps to be lucky, well-connected, etc. Fate is fickle. If you want to be a GOOD lyric writer; that's different. Practice writing prose as well as lyrics; listen to good lyrics--analyze them.Recommended: "The Moviegoer" by Walker Percy (not to teach you lyric writing, silly!)
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Summary: THE Best Inspiration for Lyricists
Review: If you want THE book on lyric writing, this is it! Sheila Davis's highly readable work has inspired beginning as well as experienced writers. I should know! Thanks to Sheila, my CD of 20 of my original songs, I'M IN LOVE WITH MY COMPUTER, was named "One of the Best Cabaret CDs of '98" by InTheatre Magazine. Sheila is not only a published songwriter, but also a supportive workshop teacher. Her book reflects her teaching style: highly accessible but thought-provoking at the same time. She gives examples for every point she makes.Reading the book is the next best thing to working in person with her, which I've had the privilege of doing. I also highly recommend her workbook "Successful Lyric Writing,"particularly helpful to the lyricist starting out, and "The Songwriter's Ideabook" which is wonderful for any songwriter looking for a creative boost!
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Summary: great insight into lyricwriting and the creative process!
Review: If you want the nuts and bolts of lyricwriting at your fingertips this is it. Not only does this book touch on the subject of lyricwriting but the creative process as well. My lyrics have become more focused and structured and writers block is a thing of the past. Also the references made to other authors, books and songwriters has turned me on to a whole new world of literature. My greatest fear as a lyricwriter is to have my work rejected because I overlooked a fundamental lyricwriting principle. "The Craft of Lyricwriting" has eliminated this fear.
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Summary: Obscure . . .
Review: Maybe I'm just too young, but I became frustrated with the references to obscure songs from the roaring 20's. Most of the lyrical references in this book are before 1950. Surely there are some modern songs containing good lyrics, right? The book reads like a reference book, and is quite preachy. Not a joy to read. I suggest "88 Songwriting Wrongs, and How to Right Them".
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Summary: Top of The List
Review: Sheila Davis has written a wonderful book. Whether you're a pro or novice at the business of songwriting Ms. Davis' has something for everyone here. It should be at the top of the required reading list for anyone aspiring to be a songwriter! Ms. Davis, kudos all 'round! Well done!
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Summary: Don't leave home without it!
Review: To know your craft is power. Having read Sheila's book, studied with Sheila for 6 years, moved to Nashville as a songwriter, and written with hit songwriters in Nashville for the last 7 years, I cannot imagine being a songwriter without this book. It has inspired me, taught me, and is always there to refer to time and again. I believe every serious songwriter would benefit from this book. Sheila is a songwriter who knows her craft and has laid it all out in this easy to read, easy to follow, inspiring book. Go on, get the power!
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