One other thing, if it's possible, as songwriters, you should also develop yourself as record producers.
It's amazing how a competitive nature can turn a negative into something positive.
You have to be very brave in that first writing session.
You're going to have more rejection than acceptance.
I know at the beginning of our careers, my wife and I were gut wrenchingly competitive.
If I waited for inspiration every time I sat down to write a song I probably would be a plumber today.