Let’s face it. At some point or another, every one of us faces the dreaded writer’s block. After all, in an industry where you’re constantly viewing, playing, and writing new content it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. The good news is, as a creative mind, there are options to help find your way back out of it.
Here are six tips on ending your writer’s block.
1. Find new inspiration
This may seem easier said than done, but finding new inspiration can be the quickest way to get yourself out of your writer’s block and onto your next great creation.
While there are many ways to do this, from finding new songs to listen to, to working with a co-writer, refreshing your inspiration is as individual as it comes. So, try out a few things! You never know what you’re going to discover that will launch you out of your writer’s block and onto your next great creation.
For more inspiration ideas, check out our other article: 5 awesome ways to find musical inspiration.
2. Set a writing regimen
While this may be the exact opposite recommendation of tip one, another way to blast through your writer’s block, is by forcing yourself to write. Something that’s been helpful to me in the past has been setting a writing regimen. For example, set a time of day and dedicate that to your writing. That means no matter what, you’re going to sit there for the allotted time and force yourself to write.
If your goal is to break up writer’s block, make sure you’re not pressed on whether the writing is excellent or not. It’s far more important that you’re creating in the first place. After all, once the writer’s block is over, you can worry about quality again!
For now, set up a time, and a practice of your own, whether that’s setting a subject or simply writing to write, and get to it.
You’ll never do it if you don’t start.
3. Change up your scenery
Sometimes all you need to change your mindset is to change your scenery! If you often write at a desk or in a studio, try taking a trip to the great outdoors and brainstorming there. Or, if that isn’t conductive for you, maybe try switching up which corner of the house you work from. It’s a proven mental health and sleep tactic that sometimes all you need to reset your brain and inner clock is to get up and leave the situation you're in. The same can apply to your writing. So give this a shot, and let us know if you find any cool places to write in the process!
Create your own songwriter website in minutes to showcase your music. Design a website with Bandzoogle now.
4. Study another writer’s work
This may seem easier said than done. Sure, you can listen to an artist’s songs and decide you like them fairly easily. But actually deep diving into their lyrics, concept, and messaging can sometimes give you an entirely new perspective on their work. And that new perspective can help inspire your own.
Next time you’re feeling stuck, try a deep dive on a favorite, or through a new artist’s catalog – you could be surprised by the well of insight available at your fingertips that might inspire you to try something new of your own.
5. Try a new medium
If you’ve explored all of the above methods and nothing’s worked yet, try again; this time with a new art medium.
Sometimes your inspiration is failing to flow because you’re mentally getting in your own way – whether that be through the expectation of what your art and talent could be, or that you’re too tied to a specific piece. While practice makes perfect, art will never be perfect.
So perhaps the best way to get through this kind of block is to try an art medium you never have before to loosen it up and get the creative juices flowing again. Whether you try painting, or writing in a different context, your creative muse will thank you. And you just might discover a new hobby in the process!
6. Take a break
Last but not least, sometimes the very best thing to do for writer’s block is to allow yourself permission to take a break. With the music and songwriting industries as grueling as they are, it can be hard to give yourself the time and space to stop working without feeling guilty. You can burn out the same way your inspiration does, so it’s important to take a break to recharge. If you’re banging your head against the wall, be kind to yourself.
Whether that break is fifteen minutes or a couple of weeks, your art will come back to you.
Writer’s block is a roadblock that happens naturally for creatives. If you’re struggling with it in your day-to-day life, it might be time to switch things up and try something new for a while. No matter what you end up doing, remember that the creative process isn’t one you can force. It takes time. So be kind to yourself, try and try again, and know that whatever you create next will be glorious.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sammy Hakim is an up and coming young songwriter based in Los Angeles. In May 2018 she graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Major in songwriting and a focus in music business. These days she spends most of her time in songwriting sessions with artists all over the country.
Why not share this with your friends?
Build a stunning band website and store in minutes
- Promote your music on your own unique website.
- Sell music & merch directly to your fans. Keep 100%.
- Grow your fan base with built-in marketing tools.
Free 30 day trial, no credit card needed.
Comments
There are no comments yet.