I write mine when the thought comes to me. I don't force it because if you force yourself to write something it's crap. I let my thoughts flow, when nothing comes up i don't write. I've got about 6 or 7 songs written, and I"m very proud of them

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I got this guitar and I learned how to make it talk...

"But the question is how do you write songs?"
after reading your post a couple of times it seems like you have a idea of how to write a song that works for you, there are threads about songwriting I just couldn't seem to find them I will look again. to your question, I haven't written on paper since school but that worked then, recording them can work as well. good luck with your songwriting and let us hear your songs some time

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

A Number two pencil

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

How in my case (I only write melodies) is that I'll work out the basic structure by myself. Then, I have a couple of friends who're usually happy to lend a patient ear while I play through my idea. Their comments, facial expressions, etc. are my guide to parts that work and parts that need work.

My weak part, and something I've just begun doing something about after years, is that I've never recorded my ideas. Way in the past (60s, 70s) I'd write out the main melody line and chords in the traditional way. I was in a band then, so sometimes we'd use my tunes and do one instrumental per set.

But I've long lost the read/write music skill, so until now, I just play them for friends. Eventually, one idea gets merged into another and/or forgotten. So going forward, my method will be: work out idea, fine tune on friends, get recorded somehow.

Use of Garageband and Logic Express

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

I work in my own studio. Over the last year I have accumulated some good recording gear (Korg D-3200 digital workstation with drum machine, KRK Rocket 8 near field monitors, a bass, a collection of decent microphones including tube condensers and ribbon mics) which helps the process immensely. I treat every song as a demo, that is, a semi finished product that will be re-recorded with a skilled drummer and a real bass player.

There is a great benefit in being able to record as you write and arrange as you can see a clear structure unfolding before your eyes and ears. I try not to judge my compositions too harshly until they are finished, listened to in different locations and scrutinized fully. Usually a week of listening will give some insight as to how a remix will improve the product.

So, for an investment of less than $5000.00 and some time I am well on my way to finishing a 11 song project and then recruit a couple of serious musicians and gig with this material. I never could have done this without some good gear. I (from experience) do not like to work in a studio with other musicians and engineers and under the pressure of time=money situations. Working by myself is the way to go (for me this works).

Keep your ears open for "BIG DAY FOR JONESY"

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Tim