First a bit about me.....
I am a writer and performer of original instrumental rock songs, as well as playing in a few bands. I try not to be the atypical shred head with songs taking in a wide range of influences. I try to not just shred for the sake of it or to just show off, but I am a guitar player so it does happen occassionally, and I try to focus on the song and what I am trying to say with it.
The main thing for me in a song is the melodic content. The melody is the heart of the song, so I try to write songs that have strong melodies, and are not just a lot of different integrated guitar riffs.