How long does it take to get good at Songwriting

by Howard
(Vancouver, Washington)

I wrote songs for many years without really thinking about improving my skills. My song were ok and some showed promise. When I did start taking courses it seemed I actually went backwards for a few years.

My writing was more technically correct but my wife said my song writing wasn't as emotional any more. I think it was that I hadn't incorporated all the new skills I was learning.

However, after a while I seemed to get it together and then started to write songs that were stronger than ever. I guess this is just the learning curve as it takes a while to put what is learned into practice.

I've heard that in Nashville it often takes a new songwriter five years to be writing strong enough to get cuts of their songs. I know there are exceptions but it seems to make sense. Of course it also depends on how much time is spent on songwriting.

Has anyone else experienced something like this?