Telling Time: Songwriter Lori McKenna spoke about the additive nature of songwriting in a response to co-panelist Rob Simbeck about her song "Humble And Kind." "People will apply themselves to a song and make it so much greater than it is," she said. "Tim McGraw made that song greater than it is." Moderator Tom Baldrica engaged both writers in a lively conversation during "The Art Of Storytelling," offering tips and stories that tied together their experiences to the challenges on-air talent face daily. 

"The best writing comes from ruthlessness," said Simbeck. "Sweat the details. Sweat the edits." Added McKenna, "Check every line and make sure it is necessary for the story. Follow the feeling. If you don't know why the line is right, but it makes you feel something, keep it." Being prepared, concise and memorable are key. McKenna added, "I want people to remember the feeling, not the song." Download tips on the CRS app.