A Monkey Manual for Songwriters

by Karin Paparelli
(Nashville, TN USA)

A Monkey Manual for Songwriters is the collaborative effort from award winning Nashville songwriters Bill DiLuig (www.mokeyinaround.org) and Karin Paparelli(www.karinpaparelli.com).

The duo introduced their new book while touring Australia teaching songwriting with the Just Add Water Seminars (www.jaws2009.com).


“A Monkey Manual For Songwriters is the most intelligent yet simple and straight forward book I've ever read on the art of songwriting. It's very descriptive, colorful, thought provoking, funny and informative. This is a must for all songwriters, beginners and pros. One that should be read more than once.”

Frank Myers - Grammy Award Winning Songwriter - Nashville, TN

“Karin and Bill have done a truly amazing job here in presenting a book that is so readable, so concise and entertaining, it’s hard to conceive of it containing as much genuinely helpful information as it most definitely does. To me, one of the things that sets a great songwriter apart from a good one is the ability to tell what needs to be told (and no more) within a very precious limited space and structure it in a way that the listener is left neither needing more information (or, heaven forbid, wanting LESS...). This book does that and more. Besides this, I found myself picking up some pointers, exercises and ideas to spur my own creativity. These monkeys may have accidentally taught an old dog some new tricks!” Pam Belford - Hit Songwriter Nashville, TN (# 1 George Strait “If I Know Me”)


"The information and exercises contained in these pages are invaluable for any aspiring songwriter. As a writer who learned a lot of lessons the hard way, I only wish I would have had these resources when I was starting out. You will do yourself well to practice what you learn here. Bill and Karin have put together some wonderful shortcuts--use them. You'll be glad you did." Belinda Smith - Dove Award Winning Songwriter, Nashville, TN

“Constantly my antennae is tuned in for great songwriting tips I can use in my song coaching practice here in Australia. “A Monkey Manual For Songwriters’ is the perfect little songwriting primer - you can read it in under an hour, so grab a copy to take on your next flight or commute – there are songwriting gems scattered on every page with tips and exercises to help you think and write like a pro.” Zelda Sheldon - Songwriter, Songwriting Coach and Coordinator Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Sydney, Australia

“Karin's has a gift for translating what's on her heart into song and being able to perform with a passion. I'm thrilled that Karin has decided to share her gift through A Monkey Manual for Songwriters.” Simon Badman, Songwriter and Coordinator of Stepping Stone Live Music Festival, UK