Sometimes you think you're going to write with someone… you've got the date and time on your calendar and you're all set… and then at the last minute plans fall through. Here are some songwriting realities that I try to keep in mind. 

1. Develop a good system for keeping your calendar. Write things down. You think you'll remember, but as you become busier and busier, things will slip your mind. 

2. Confirm your appointments a few days ahead of time. Make sure of the day, time, duration and place. 

3. Come prepared. Try to show up rested and with song ideas. If you're finishing up a song you started during another session, re-listen and re-read the lyric before you come. 

4. Don't cancel unless you simply must. I know it's scary to go into that little room with someone else. And it's awfully easy to come up with excuses. You didn't sleep well the night before. You're upset and stressed. You're not feeling well. Unless you have a really good reason, show up and write. 

The rules you keep for yourself with regard to appintments are one thing. But what if you are the person who has been cancelled on? When that happens, you have several choices. 

You can get mad. You can "read between the lines" and imagine that the person never wanted to write with you in the first place. You can say you just won't write with that person anymore. You can let it ruin your day and go home and pout and do nothing. 

OR…

You can see this as God's way of clearing your calendar for something else He has purposed. Maybe you need to write alone. Maybe He wants you to finish something up that you've been postponing. Maybe he has an "accidental" co-write planned for you. Some of my favorite songs have been written "by accident" when I wasn't supposed to be in the room with someone, but someone else was a no-show or had to cancel. 

You can offer grace to the co-writer who cancels or just doesn't show. As much as you think you'll never do it, it will happen sooner or later, and you will be the one asking forgiveness. Your co-writer may have reasons you know nothing about and they don't feel comfortable sharing. OR, it could be, they just screwed up and forgot to write the date down. OR, maybe your co-writer really is that inconsiderate. 

Offer grace anyway. Seriously. Don't just say it. Change what you say to yourself about the cancellation and change what you say to God about it. Then trust Him to help you redeem the time!

Finally, if you have a co-writer who makes a practice of being a last-minute canceller, it's probably wise to take that into consideration when you schedule your appointments. What is it worth to you to set aside this time when the reality is there's a good chance you'll be left hanging? Be a good steward of your time and opportunities. At the very least, have an alternate plan ready for last-minute cancellations. 

If you haven't figured out by now, my co-writer didn't realize we were supposed to write today. I am practicing what I preach and using today to do other things… like write this blog! And who knows… maybe I'll try writing something by myself.