Great discussion. Writing for most takes place in isolation, but ongoing dialogue with other songwriters is crucial to many skillful songwriters' progress.

I've run a songwriters circle in New York for 9+ years, and it's helped many improve as writers (myself included). It's a peer feedback group: everyone presents a song, and hears feedback from other writers. We keep it positive and practical. A critique can always be voiced as a suggestion, and praise for a song's strengths is valuable for a writer wondering what to keep and what to revise. For anyone who writes, I'd recommend joining (or starting) a group that meets regularly. It gives you a deadline, and good ideas on how to improve your songs.

My buddy Sharon Goldman writes a blog that discusses songwriting process, and there's tips on running a songwriters circle too (I did a short interview with her): www.songwritingscene.com/

Enjoy, and keep writing!
Pat Wictor