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September 24, 2025 61 mins

Donna Lynn Caskey blends banjo-driven folk with a no-frills songwriting process to capture what’s real. In this episode, she and Francesca dig into how writing fast and often helped shape her album Tiny Victories—and how “Win the Day” rose from a rough voice memo to a defining track.

About Donna: Donna Lynn Caskey, the youngest of ten children from the US Virginia coast, fell in love with the banjo while attending college in the Blue Ridge. She studied at the John C. Campbell Folk School before moving to Southern California in 2001, where she began writing songs and performing. Known for her deft clawhammer-style banjo, pure folk vocals, and evocative songwriting, Donna Lynn blends humor, storytelling, and heart in every song. Her three albums—Tiny Victories (2025), The Love Still Shows (2017), and Nameless Heart (2014)—have received wide acclaim. She lives in Ventura, California, where she combines music, arts, and community service. Contact Donna here

Song Credit: “Win The Day" - Written by Donna Lynn Caskey. Performed by Donna Lynn Caskey. 

Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.

Ready to deep dive into songwriting? Join our 10-week online intensive course to write 10 new songs with lessons, personalised mentorship and practical tools to refine your craft. Learn more at iheartsongwritingclub.com/songwritingcourses.

Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. 

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Be inspired by Francesca on socials: YouTube / Facebook / Instagram

Theme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence 

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