What are some good ways to get rid of writers block?

Question

i am a song writer and i have had some serious writers block, and i am having trouble writing willingly, so any suggestions would help!!

Answer 1

It takes time to find out what works best for you. Some things to try:

- Write anything, even if it's junk, just to keep the flow. Later you can go back and find any gems you can use
- Read lyrics or music (depending on what you're writing) to find some inspiration
- Listen to music
- Take a short walk and concentrate on the world around you instead of the song you're working on (typically the project will come into your mind and you'll have some new ideas)
- Outline what you want to write about without worrying how it fits into a song format
- Write a friend (even if you don't send the letter) and talk about the song idea in paragraph format to give yourself some things to put in the song
- Put the blocked song away temporarily and work on a different one to give yourself a sense of accomplishment

Here are some sites to check out:

http://www.musesmuse.com/wrblock.html - songwriters giving their tips, also a good songwriting resource…lots of links and articles, including this one about writer’s block: http://www.musesmuse.com/shaman-qa3.html

http://www.lyricist.com/songwisdom.html - songwriters thoughts and tips

http://www.craftofsongwriting.com/Column3.htm - tips and links

http://www.craftofsongwriting.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000099.html - forum with feedback from other songwriters

http://www.feedback.nildram.co.uk/richardebbs/essays/songwriting.htm - interesting article about writing and writer’s block

http://www.writersdigest.com/writingprompts.asp - “tip a day” daily ideas/topics to write about to keep the brain working

http://www.irenejackson.com/breakthrough.html - songwriter’s perspective on the process


Some helpful links about writing and writer’s block:

http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/brainstorm_block.htm - fun article with some useful links and tips

http://www.writersblock.com/ - has various article links but appears to be mostly under development. Contains: http://www.writersblock.com/gssongwriter.htm which is mostly general stuff about songwriting versus writer’s block

http://www.sff.net/People/LisaRC/into2.htm - has information about what causes blocks and exercises to overcome them

http://freelancewrite.about.com/cs/gettingitdone/a/wblock.htm - some simple things to do

Answer 2

I write stories and have the same problem. The first thing you want to do is buy a mini tape recorder and keep this on you at all times. When an idea hits you, you can save it on tape to explore when you have more time. I do not know how many times an idea came to me while I was working or driving and then I'd put it on tape so I did not forget it when I got home.

Rope writing also works for me. Not sure if this would be good for song writing or not. But, rope writing is just sitting down and writing continously for a set amount of time. You do not have to wirte about anything specfic, just write whatever comes to mind without thinking about it. Go back and read the writing and see if there is an cohesive thoughts in there. Some times ideas are hiding in the subconscious.

Good luck. I know how frustrating it can be.

Answer 3

Your idea isn't bad. Also, I find that changing the scenery (going someplace new to write, like a quiet coffee shop or library) can sometimes help clear up my writer's block. You can also try structured writing exercises or just brainstorming on a single aspect like a particular character idea or location to get the creative juices flowing. Try different stuff and use whatever works best for you, everyone is different.

Answer 4

I have done this in the past, and it helped.

Sit down, and just start writing the most absolute nonsense you can think of. Keep going. Your brain will eventually "kick in", and realize that what you are writing is not what you want to say. Then, back up and start the actual writing.

I read that once in Writer's Digest, and it worked for me.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Try writing snap shot paragraphs. Write a short descriptive paragraph about a picture, or scene out your window, or one you run across on your way to work, or the gym, or where ever your life leads you. Like how the sun hits the gray branches of the sleeping tree surrounded by the patchy snow of spring.....

Answer 6

Easy enough. it's time to kick back and fill up your think-tank with great music. Some of my favorite writers include Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Lennon & McCartney, Nora Jones, R.E.M., Jim Morrison, John Mayer, Dave Mathews, to name a few.

Answer 7

read anything emo or listen to some music that'll invoke certain emotions that get you writing. i know i write real well when im sad haha, we all have our own weird lil ways. the way i see it maybe u could give writing (forcefully or willingly) for a couple of days, just bum out n veg out, and then get back to it drawing from strong emotions from ur past. it works most times. good luckk

Answer 8

Go on a really long walk or jog outside, preferably in the woods.
Write a separate short piece on what you saw.
Then try to continue on...
but sometimes this short piece becomes part of the song, or becomes THE song.

Answer 9

well sometimes a blank white sheet of paper causes writer block. its like a fear of white paper. Change the color of paper. Change the color of your screen, write on a yellow legal pad.

Answer 10

I say to go out and have some fun that will give you an interesting topic to write about!!1

Good luck!