Guide · Challenges
Songwriting challenges
A songwriting challenge sets a target and a deadline so you write more and judge less. Examples are a song a day, a set number of songs in a month, a theme per week, or a constraint such as three chords. One well known one is FAWM, which asks for 14 songs in 28 days.
Updated 20 Oct 2026
Why challenges work
A deadline stops you polishing. Many writers find that sketching a lot of songs quickly gives them more usable material than waiting for the perfect idea.
Ideas for challenges
| Challenge | How it works |
|---|---|
| Song a day | Write something every day, even a verse and a chorus |
| Monthly target | A set number of songs in a month, such as FAWM's 14 in 28 days |
| Theme week | Pick a theme each week and write toward it |
| Constraint | Three chords, five words in the chorus, one take |
| Prompt list | Work through a list of prompts one by one |
For FAWM, see the FAWM guide, sourced from the FAWM site.
How to set one up
- Pick a number you can reach. Make it small enough to finish.
- Decide what counts. A sketch, a voice memo, a verse and chorus.
- Keep every song. You will want to pick the best later.
- Do not edit while you write. Judge after the challenge.
Prompts to feed it
See songwriting prompts and the free random song idea generator.
After the challenge
In songdrafts you can bring all the recordings in, name each song, stack every take on one card, and move the best ones along the board. See how to finish a song.
Common questions
What is a songwriting challenge?
A target and a deadline to make you write more, such as a song a day.
How long should a challenge be?
Choose a length you can finish, such as a week or a month.
Do the songs have to be good?
No. The aim is to write, then pick the best later.
Is FAWM a songwriting challenge?
Yes. It asks for 14 songs in 28 days, according to its site.
How do I keep up momentum?
Keep songs small and finish them rough.
Want this done for you? songdrafts is a board for your voice memos: every take stacked on one card, songs that move across stages, merging half songs, and one share link with comments pinned to the second. Works offline, and nothing you upload trains AI. What is songdrafts?