The real songwriter writes what moves him.
The real songwriter hones his craft.
The real Songwriter knows conventions, but isn’t bound by them.
The real songwriter respects the listener.
The real songwriter builds on the work of others.
The real songwriter uses chords and melodies you’ve never heard.
The real songwriter develops.

Related posts:

1. The Fake Songwriter
2. You’ll never be a good songwriter if you don’t play