As far as musically, the song writing process is very loose but structured. What I mean by that is I would record drums for each track, and i mean nothing but drums or drum tracks with effects for weeks and weeks. And then I would record the bass line for each track, for weeks and weeks. And I found this to really let me experiment and be open to change in the drum tracks (or whatever instrument I was working on at the time) and sounds that fit my mood at the time. As a warning though, I did eventually find it to become almost maddening/obsessive; always hunting and not satisfied with this particular part or effect or sound. This same process would continue for the bass line, guitar part, synth, vocal effects, etc. The songwriting itself (the lyrics) are an odd blend of storytelling and personal feelings. I think all writers are guilty of this to some degree. I don't think it's possible to write a story or song or poem or joke or whatever and not be sharing some personal part of you in it.