I am a strong advocate of being natural about writing songs, but with any skill, practice is a part of the process. You write a song, it sucks. Or some of it sucks, but you've practiced writing a song. Eventually, your practice brings knowledge, and the process gets easier. Maybe before, you couldn't finish a song, but after some time, you can. 

Learning is part of this process too. Teachers; GOOD teachers are vital. Pat Pattison is a beautiful poet, and gifted songwriting/lyric writing master. He's honed his skills. He teaches all over the world. He's got great exercises to help enhance your lyricist.

In my opinion there is nothing worse than a great melody/song with shitty lyrics. In a song, you can't write a novel. You've got about 3-5 minutes to get your point across. Every word matters.

This songwriting retreat in British Columbia (just outside of Vancouver) is a real gift to give your songwriter. Ambience, great food, and great teachers. Pat will be there (he's my mentor from Berklee) and Bonnie Hayes (a great musician/songwriter), Don Osborne (Vancouver music business savviest man) and myself (I'll be teaching and boosting your vocal abilities).
http://www.reorafting.com/site/retreats/songwriters-retreat.html


You're songwriter, your songs, they are worth this. Check it out. Spread the word.