Writers Block

[cheesebergr]

Something all writers do end up having from time to time. One thing that I find that helps me is I change where I am when actually wanting to write something. The change of scenery will give different ideas, emotions and even on a drive or walk you'll notice things that could end up tying your original idea together. Try not to force words and ideas but just write with a flow and have fun with writing. Frustration does come when chords or words are not working and that is why an 'outsiders' help is always positive. Don't be afraid to ask for help and remember that we are or have been in the same boat once before! Have Fun!

[iron9567]

I think everyone has something that they do to inspire them to break the block. I usually go out on my bike and ride for awhile. Or I put in a dvd and watch a movie that exploits your emotions like green mile.
thanks
the iron man

[Dave]

I feel writers block is usually when we are to hard on our self. We shoot the ideas we get before they ever get a chance to materialize. The 1st idea is rarely ever golden. It's the raw inspiration. So someone will think "ohh that's crap" and ditch it and do that a bunch of times and then you have "writer's block" or lack of writing. When the idea hits, don't stop it all. Don't worry about rhyming, verse, chorus anything just write, write, write. Later on start organizing it, trash this, keep that, edit this, rewrite it and hone it a little more, leave it alone a few days and get out the hack saw and refine some more. Next time use 80 grit sand paper, then 120 etc. lol! Before you know it hopefully your polishing up a gem. But I am usually happy if one out of 3 of those "finished gems" is something I like and record. Maybe 1 out of 10 make it through the hack saw phase though. lol!

Biggest "general" suggestions this poor old bonehead could give would be:

- stay focused on the hook throughout
- don't fall in love with the song or 1st inspiration - keep rewriting
- don't let rhymes lead the way. write 1st without any and then focus on the 1st and last line and lead from and to them.
- melody rules - words are great but people love melodies in music
- chorus needs to be singable and memorable
- consider surprises, chords that someone wouldn't expect or surprise melody notes
- meter - look for words that stick out that you have to drag or sing to fast that are "speedbumps" slowing down the flow of your song. Keep it smooth and keep the lyric consistent using meter.
- repeat the hook and melody enough so they remember it
- best way to find songs is to not listen to music. Think about what you'd like to hear right now. What kind of rhythm, what riff etc. and start messing around till you find something cool
- see the world as a songwriter. Listen to conversations, tv, serons, radio, the news etc. and read newspapers, magazines and more like a songwriter always looking for that "catch phrase" that inspires you. That "hook" that when someone sees it is interested in listening to the song.

My 2 cents.