4 Ways to Spark Inspiration And Break Through Writer’s Block

When you write for a living, every now and then you will fall into that infuriating slump known as writer’s block. Writer’s block isn’t only for authors or bloggers; musicians can also find themselves lacking words and inspiration.

Inspiration doesn’t always easily fall into your lap, and sometimes you have to seek it or recognize it in different ways. Next time you find yourself lacking the words you’re looking for, try one of these solutions to spark that next song.

Collaborate

When you spend too much time by yourself in your own head, sometimes your best ideas become clouded by the thousands of other thoughts racing through your mind. Sound familiar? Instead of sitting at your same desk surrounded by the same notepads with the same cup of coffee you reheated six times, call some friends and ask if they are free to meet you at a coffee shop, bar or even the dog park. Tell them what you’ve been working on and enlist their input, or maybe they have an idea for a song you can write together.

You never know what a friend can add to the equation. Even Paul McCartney and John Lennon had half-written songs that ended up fitting together perfectly.

Creative Writing Exercises

Instead of focusing so hard on what you are trying to produce, take a break and write about some other topics for a while using some creative writing prompts. You will be surprised at how writing about something you’d never think of can stimulate other ideas and open the floodgates.

You can find free online resources for creative writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing. Pick one that you think would be interesting or, better yet, choose one at random, stick with it and watch where it goes.

Embrace Other Art Forms

One way to find unexpected writing inspiration is to step away from your writing for a while. Turning your attention to another art form you enjoy can spark an idea you would never expect.

In an article from Mic.com, singer/songwriter Janelle Monáe talks about finding inspiration for songwriting in other forms, such as painting. Artist Frank Ocean said he recharges his creative flow by watching his favorite shows or an artsy film.

Turn to an art form that really speaks to you and use it to translate your feelings into a song.

Eliminate Distractions

If you are ready, focused and determined to sit down and write a song, one of the worst things you can do is be near your computer or smartphone.

Other distractions come from unfinished chores, unpaid bills or that telephone call you’ve been meaning to make to your mother. The list of distractions will always keep part of your mind away from your writing and block your creativity.

Before committing to a long-haul writing session, get everything else you need to do in order and clear all other distractions from your mind. You’ll feel better having everything done, and you’ll eliminate that nagging feeling you should be doing something else.

4 Ways to Spark Inspiration And Break Through Writer’s Block