Tips To Cure Your Writer’s Block

You’re a songwriter. Maybe you’ve written a couple of songs or many songs, and you find yourself in a position where your tap has run dry and you find it difficult to complete a song. We’ve heard of the term writer’s block many times before and have used the term to describe a period of time when we find it difficult, if not impossible, to think of solid ideas. But have we ever labelled it a mindset? Something we are in control of and can manipulate how we see fit? We know we’ve written before, so what stops the creative juices from flowing?

Creative thinking is what allows us to be writers in the first place. Our creativity is the cornerstone of all we create. It is the level of creativity that is present in our work that can separate good writers from great writers. For example, time and time again we have heard the love song about being in love – Bruno Mars ‘Just the Way You Are’, John Legend ‘All of Me’, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’, the list goes on. Yet each of these songs can stand on their own due to their unique perspective and angle in which they express falling in love. It is due to the writer’s creative thinking that these song concepts are birthed. When understanding writer’s block, it is important to remember what is being blocked in the first place, which is not our ability to write per se, but rather our ability to creatively think which is at the heart of our writing.

Life can be busy, life can be complicated, and sometimes too much of our energy and mental capacity is taken by other factors in our life that suck up any energy for creativity. Maybe we have a full-time job, or demanding family responsibilities – there could be many factors that can cause mental and physical exhaustion and can greatly affect our ability to creatively think. Imagine trying to juggle while reciting a shopping list. It’s too much for our mind to sort through and we are bound to lose our train of thought, or drop what being juggled, or both.

If we compartmentalize a portion of time where our mind can be clear and give ourselves permission to be creative, we will be able to channel the correct headspace for which ideas will flow more easily. Perhaps start with mindful meditation if you find it difficult to clear your mind, or turn off your phone for a period of time – whatever makes sense to you. The important thing is that you give yourself permission to take this time to be creative.

This is probably the most common reason as to why we experience writer’s block. We know the fear of failure in other aspects of our lives can be a very crippling thought cycle that can lead to exactly what we’re trying to avoid – failing. Sometimes too much pressure is being put on yourself (by yourself) to make the perfect song, the perfect song concept etc. which is, in turn, limiting you from freely experimenting and trying different ideas – all important ingredients for creative thinking. The popular idiom, we are what we fear, holds much truth when understanding writer’s block.

If you fear writer’s block, your mind might make it a reality. If you fear you will not write a great song, your mind might create hurdles so that it will protect you from possibly creating a horrible song. If you can’t complete a song, it can’t be bad or good, because it’s not finished yet. However, if you approach songwriting with a positive attitude of I can do this…I will explore every idea that flows through me…I will make a great song… you are creating a positive mindset that is optimal for creative thinking.

We can all relate to getting in a ‘zone’ when the creative juices are flowing. We are locked in on an idea and the possibilities seem endless. However, sometimes when we step away from a song before a certain amount of the song is written, it is hard to get back in the initial mindset that lead to the flowing of ideas in the first place. For example, before writing this article I wrote down the majority of points I wanted to express before stepping away because a) I recognized I was in a zone, and b) I knew if I would’ve stepped away with only a few points written down, I might find it difficult to get back to my original headspace that inspired this. The same holds true with writing a song.

Sometimes it’s beneficial to lay down a bunch of melodic ideas, or as many phrases as possible so that if we have to step away for whatever reason, we can try to emulate the initial headspace as much as possible. This is especially important if you feel outside stressors are a contributor to your writer’s block. If you have the luxury of time, try your best to lay down the majority of your ideas from the initial spark of creativity and afterwards you can always edit and trim if necessary. No matter how you go about it, if you allow yourself to stay in the zone as you’re writing, the flow of ideas will remain consistent and most congruent.

Maybe it’s been a long time since you’ve picked up a pen and paper and fear the tap has run dry, or the songs you have written are just not up to your standards, regardless what triggers the discouragement, you are feeling like you’ll never write a good song again. This goes hand in hand with the fear of failing and is a reminder of how these negative thought patterns become the roadblocks we face. When you do find the creative flow again (which you will) make a little note to self as a reminder you will always have great songs in you. Better yet, write a journal entry or letter to your discouraged self filled with positive affirmations so if you find you are in a negative headspace in the future, you can reference your own words as support. If this past block could be solved, it can be solved again – you are in control.

Sometimes the block can be caused by feeling uninspired. There isn’t anything that sparks your creative thinking and you’re left feeling unmotivated to try. Everyone is different in how they experience inspiration but a simple yet effective tip can be to think of a pre-mature title early in the process and use the title as a tool to spark ideas. For example, if your pre-mature title is The Sun is Shining, you’re going to be reminded and encouraged to keep in the mindset of the sun is shining, and all your lyrics will in some way be connected back to it. Once your song is finished you can change the title however you see fit, the important thing being your song is completed, and as a bonus, everything will make sense and your ideas will be cohesive since you kept referencing back to the pre-mature title.

Remember, writer’s block is a mindset that you are in control of. Do not overthink the process and allow yourself to freely flow creatively, removing any sense of fear and doubt. Give yourself permission to fail and permission to set time aside to be creative. The more we overthink our intentions, the more we create an anxious mental environment and this is what truly blocks us from coming up with the great ideas we seek.