I like to start with an idea or one line then decide on the rhythm and style to fit it, ragtime, country, blues, whatever. It is usually fairly easy to get one verse down and if I can add a decent chorus then I know I can eventually write enough verses to call it a song. Sometimes it happens right away, sometimes it takes years.

I don't expect to move people with my songs but I have made people laugh (intentionally) and that's pretty gratifying.