Phil Morgan, Song-crafter & Author

Award-winning musical artist and author Phil Morgan shares his song-crafting expertise at the 2015 Wordsowers Writers Conference.

Musician Phil Morgan has toured from Alaska to the Carribbean and across much of the USA. His unique blend of knowledge, talent, and humor provides a valuable resource to those seeking to hone their song creation skills.

Phil walked with his wife, Pam, through her miraculous recovery from parapalegia, and the ensuing TV appearances, speaking engagements, and concerts. 

I caught up with him 8 CDs, 2 videos, and 3 books later.

Jeanie: When did you begin writing songs?

Phil: I started writing songs long before I knew I was writing songs.  I’ve always loved music, and as early as age five I would play on my backyard swingset and sing about whatever happened in my life that day.  I started taking piano lessons at age nine and continued for five years.  During that time I listened to all styles of music, studying how the songs were crafted and what made some songs speak to me emotionally.  I still listen to music voraciously, seeking well-crafted songs.

Jeanie: Some people, like me, compose lyrics, but aren't gifted in the area of music composition. Is your workshop a good fit for us?

Phil: Absolutely!  I’ll be sharing how lyric writing is similar and different from other styles of writing.  We’ll also look at basic musical composition and how lyrics are married to a melody.  It’s impossible to write appropriate lyrics without some understanding of the entire process.  As a writer, I am constantly approached by people who have a poem or lyrics they want to put to music.  Even if the idea and poem are excellent, it is unlikely to be a great lyric without some modification to fit the music.  Understanding the big picture helps your lyric be the best it can be.

Jeanie: Who will benefit from your workshop?

Phil: Anyone wanting to learn more about the craft of songwriting, whether they want to write songs or not.  We listen to music everyday, and understanding the science behind how great songs are written brings a new depth and appreciation to the listening experience.  A great song tells a memorable story and creates emotional impact, all in around three minutes!  The skills and mindset required to do so can give a fresh perspective on any style of writing.  I’m excited to share my passion for communicating God’s love through our unique talents.

Jeanie: How would you like us to pray for you?

Phil: Always that God would keep my focus on Him so I can communicate my Christian walk effectively, whether in a song or my daily life.

Phil, thanks for taking time to chat with us. 

Join us at the April 2015 Wordsowers Writers Conference for Phil's workshop, The Art of Songcrafting. 

Plus catch his author-speaker-singer wife Pam's "The Complete Communicator" workshop.  

Click here to listen to a sample of Phil and Pam's music.

For more information on their music ministry, go to PhilandPamMorgan.com.

Interview with Singer, Author, Speaker Pam Morgan

Singer, author, speaker, and public speaking coach Pam Morgan shares her expertise at the 2015 Wordsowers Writers Conference .

A horrific car crash left Pam Morgan paralyzed. Doctors declared she'd spend her life as a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic. Instead, Pam put her trust in God and pushed through to receive a miraculous healing.

She's shared her story on "The Oprah Winfrey Show", "The 700 Club", "Montel Williams" and many others.

Now she'll share her public speaking tips with us.

In her workshop, "The Complete Communicator," Pam explains the importance of public speaking to build a platform and effectively
communicate our message. Her session explores potential venues, and teaches effective speaking tools to drive audiences to your book table.

Pam took time from her touring schedule to chat with me. 

Jeanie: You were in the public eye even before your miraculous healing from quadriplegia. What prompted you to begin speaking publicly?

Pam: I was a Communication major in college.  Upon entering college I really had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.  My faith was strong, but my direction was unclear.  All I really knew was that I wanted the Lord to use the gifts he had given me, whatever those were! 

I began as a music major, but I didn’t want to teach, and when I struggled to pass Ear Training, I gathered this was not the path for me.  

I never dreamed Communication was God’s plan as I headed into Freshman Communication 101, especially since I literally thought I  might get sick before giving my first speech to our small class of about fifteen students.  But the zeal and talent of the department professors made their students want to communicate their own passions.  Before I knew it, I was hooked. 

By the time I was a senior, I knew I wanted to be a public speaker (preferably a motivational speaker), but I had no idea what God had planned for me!  When Phil and I began our music ministry in response to the Lord’s prompting and provision (four years prior to our accident), we began speaking and singing about our journey with Jesus in concert. 

It truly is awe-inspiring to look back and see God’s hand in preparing us ahead of time to be ready to spread the news of His miraculous healing in my life!  The training and platform was in place.  Now I can’t wait to encourage and comfort large audiences with the comfort I have received. 

Jeanie: The thought of sharing with an audience terrifies some people. Will your workshop address those fears?

Pam: Yes! I will address those fears!  They are natural and can be paralyzing, but they are NOT insurmountable!

 We can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens us!  (Philippians 4:13) 

We need to realize public speaking is imperative to promote our books, so I will discuss ways to deal with fear and offer some hopefully helpful hints to calm us down.

Jeanie: What do you most hope to convey at the conference?

Pam: I most hope to instill confidence. God does not call us to do something He will not enable us to do. All we have to do is be willing to step out in faith.  Public speaking can be scary for even the most trained professionals, but nothing compares to pouring out the passions of your heart before an audience and seeing on their faces the blessing and benefit you bring as you speak. I hope to do my part in helping this year’s conference attendees move toward that end.

Jeanie: One final question: How can we pray for you?

Pam: Please ask the Lord for wisdom to know how to address the needs of those in my class and to provide direction that will make a difference.  Personally, please pray for the Lord to provide and grow my women’s speaking ministry and our concert ministry as He sees fit.  

Pam, thanks for joining us today. 

For more information on Pam and her husband Phil's music ministry, go to PhilandPamMorgan.com.

To book Pam as a speaker, check out WalkingMiracle.com. 

Plus Find Pam on Facebook. 

...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.    Isaiah 40:31