10 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block
No matter where you are in your creative endeavors, you’ve run into that beast we call Writer’s Block. Whether go through it, over it, or under it, you will inevitably meet this repetitive creative virus at some future point. Its best to have some strategies prepared for overcoming Writer’s Block, so…today I present you with 10!
Freewriting Exercises:
This is my initial suggestion to all blocked writers. It should really be a daily practice, so if its not yet, make it one!
Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without worrying about structure or coherence. This can help loosen up your creativity.
Join a Songwriting Community:
Connect with fellow songwriters in online forums or local communities. Sharing experiences and feedback can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
Sometimes a block can come from a feeling of solitude. If that’s the case, reach outward and let connection re-inspire you.
Collaborate with Other Songwriters:
You knew this one was coming from me! Collaboration is everything!
Join forces with fellow songwriters. Collaborative efforts often bring fresh perspectives and break the monotony of working alone.
Write in a Different Medium:
Experiment with poetry, fiction writing, or even a spat of journalistic music criticism.
Sometimes departures from our medium of focus, can help us refocus in that given medium.
Take Breaks and Rest:
Allow yourself breaks to recharge. Overworking can lead to burnout, hindering your creative flow. Rest is essential for sustained inspiration.
Revisit Old Material:
Look back at unfinished songs or ideas. Sometimes, a new perspective or skillset acquired since the initial attempt can breathe life into older material.
The added benefit here is that your old material might already be half done!
Use Visual Stimuli:
Look at photographs, paintings, or other visual stimuli to trigger emotions and inspire songwriting. Create a narrative based on what you see. Getting into someone else’s visual world can help you get unstuck from your own perspective.
Create a Songwriting Ritual:
Establish a consistent routine or ritual before you start writing. This can signal to your brain that it's time to enter a creative space.
For example, I tend to eat a healthy meal and do a bit of meditative yoga in advance of creative output.
Experiment with Songwriting Games:
Play songwriting games, like Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt’s “Oblique Strategies” Cards. Random word generators, constraint-based writing, or playing with songwriting apps can also serve to inject a bit of playfulness back into your process.
Take a Songwriting Workshop:
Join a songwriting workshop or class. Interacting with other songwriters and learning new techniques can provide fresh perspectives. Perhaps, even, one of my retreats! Being in a deliberate environment of creation surrounded by songwriting peers can only serve to energize you!
