I don't believe there's necessarily a "right" or "wrong" way to write a song or composition; rather what feels natural to the ones who create them. Each artist has their own way to tell a story and that should be valued. Some creatives take a lot of pride in their lyrics, while others admire the atmosphere within their instrumentals. However, the truth is: Every element of an artist and their work can be appreciated in some way.
Individual artists have the privilege to develop their own creative toolbox that works best for them, so feel free to take or ignore any of this as you wish. With all of this in mind, here are a few tips and tricks that have helped me develop my personal writing style.
Listen to Music
Obvious, right? Just as important as the work you create is your origin of inspiration. In a way, how you talk and listen to people often determines how others perceive your character. In a similar way, how you listen to music can often influence how you write.
Do you picture an atmosphere in your mind as you listen? Do you focus on each element (i.e. Drums, Vocals, etc.) and how each one plays a role in the piece? Sometimes, it can be helpful to visualize the piece and what stands out to you - either in a drawing of what you imagine it looks like or perhaps a chart that shows each element and what changes occur in the song.
Getting to Know Your Voice & Develop Your Style
In both listening to music and playing it, there are elements that may call to you more than others. Whether it's an internal judgement or remarks from those who will hear you perform, there are influences that often draw us to consider primary focus areas. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to outline preferences and why you gravitate toward them. For example, here's my own outline of my style:
Clarity: I understand how a listener might struggle to relate to an artist when they don't sing with good diction. The awareness for this aspect came to me as advice, inspired by both my high school choir and my theatre teacher. Not only can this better help listeners understand lyrical content, but it can often shape the tone of the song. I've been inspired by many crooners, but one of the most influential in this area is Frank Sinatra.
Short N' Sweet: I often write short songs - only to reduce complaints on repetition. This insecurity stems from a memory: In middle school, we were waiting for graduation night. I was repeating The Hanging Tree on the piano; eventually our teacher had enough and announced "WHO'S PLAYING THAT SONG?!" in front of the class. Later in my life though, I became fascinated with how this could be used to keep your audience wanting more.
Emotions/Soul: Music gives people an opportunity to be emotionally vulnerable in a time where it's otherwise frowned upon. In each record/performance, I want to make it easier for my audience to believe in the lyrics and emotions I'm trying to express. I find it difficult to convey these through my face, so I've got to make them believable through my voice.
Remember, all of these can be general parameters. You are always allowed to experiment in individual pieces or a change in style all together. As artists and human beings, no particular thing or person has to define who you are. We all have a right to grow and develop over time.
Take Your Time & Experiment
There's a world of possibilities to be discovered in the realm of songwriting. Even in the cliche topics, like falling in love and heartbreak, there's still room for new inspiration: the third wheel, a love you share with/express to one of your family members, the loss of a friendship, etc. But just as important is the foundation. It's not only acknowledging if there's a Verse, Chorus, etc.
What makes each section unique? Repetition can be a great way to help people remember your song, but don't underestimate what a small amount of variety can do. Say for example, you have the same drum pattern throughout the entire song. It's okay if you believe this best represents your expression for the piece: go for it! But if you see there's more potential for a change in each section, that's okay as well! From my personal experience, I have found that slight variations of what's played can significantly improve the quality of your composition.
Most important of all, take your time and try new things. If you don't like the new idea, you are not bound to it. But this gives your composition and writing capabilities a chance to grow. Be curious; some of my "mistakes" have made the final cut in a few songs.
Here's a secret to try: throw an augmented/diminished chord or two at the end of your chord progression. As individual chords, they may sound harsh and dissonant. However, when you place it with the other harmonious chords, it catches the ear and interest that your audience wouldn't be expecting.
Give Yourself an Outlet to Share Your Progress
What's important to songwriting is the process you make that's meant to be fun. People will tell you it's hard work that's exhausting, which to some extent can be true. But, contrary to it being a toxic comparison game, it can be such a rewarding, cathartic experience as well. So much of your perspective will depend on who you surround yourself with.
Whether it's an open mic night, a songwriting club, sending your friend a video of the piece you've been working on, etc., it can be a great benefit to go perform where others hear your talent/skill. Sometimes, it is the encouragement or the constructive criticism that helps us want to continue making music, as we are often our own worst critic.
Take What People Say with a Grain of Salt
It is important to be able to take criticism for your work, as there will always be another goal to work towards. That being said, if someone says you need to change elements in your music, understand it as a mere suggestion. I had a [now former] friend who was really into rhythm, so anytime I displayed my naturally imperfect pulse expression, he wanted me to be more like them.