Stephanie G. Mathis The weight from unrealistic expectations keeps the blank pages blank. Writer’s block is essentially a case of heavy shoulders and blank sheets.
What can you do to combat it?
Start! We all know that it’s easier said than done, so let’s look at some tactics to get your ink flowing (once and forever).
Unpacking the Fear
Fear is the root cause of writer’s block. Knowing this is already half the battle. When we step back, we often find that our fears about being “sufficiently creative” are irrational.
We are afraid that it will not be perfect, but the truth is that nothing is perfect. We fear that people will not like what we have written, but the truth is that art is subjective.
It doesn’t matter. It’s important that you like it.
You can get out of a funk by stepping back from these irrational worries.
Trick your brain into submission.
It’s easy to get back in the habit by making subtle adjustments to your environment or process. To break out of procrastination, you’ll have to change your mind’s normal pattern.
New space and processes
Create a space that’s different from the usual writing area. You can choose a different room or go outside. Make sure your new room is both comfortable and exciting. The most important thing is to ensure that you are not distracted. It would be best if you were not distracted by TV or phones.
Create a process that is different from your usual one. Change from laptop to paper and pen, try a different lighting arrangement, begin with the chorus rather than the verse, or write using another artist’s song as inspiration. Change up what your mind is used to.
Brain oxygen is essential for brain health.
Exercise can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing. You will feel relaxed and more focused if you get more oxygen into your brain.
Anything can be researched.
Learn something new to incorporate into your lyrics. Read up on meter, rhyme patterns, and iambic pentameter. Or read about history, current affairs, or even classics.
After learning something new, we often feel inspired to test it out.
Limit your time
Set aside a certain amount of time for yourself, even if it’s only 30 minutes or a couple of hours per week. Start with shorter periods to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
You’ve got your sneakers on and your pen and paper, but now it’s time to get creative. Try some of the exercises developed by artists to combat writer’s block.
What to do when you need to jumpstart your creativity
When it comes to creativity, there is no such thing as a victory or a defeat, but only a process. This process includes activities that will boost and trigger your creativity.
Freewriting
The most talented writers and singers use the tried and true freewriting method for lyrical composition. Many great lyricists use this method even when they don’t have writer’s block.
Set a 10-minute timer and write about anything that comes to your mind. Please choose a topic, whether it is a story from a film, a character from a novel, a memory, a picture, a painting, or a random word. Let the words flow.
It would be best to let your imagination soar without checking spelling or grammar rules or even looking at the dictionary. You’ll likely end up with a lot of useless material, but it will give you some great lines, phrases, and ideas to work from when you develop them. Freewriting really gets your brain going.
People-watching
You can also trigger your memory by watching people. Set up your writing station in a quiet place. Imagine the fictional story of another person. Imagine what they are thinking and feeling and where they have come from.
Just write, just like with freewriting. Write as much as you can, even if it means 20 pages of rambling. The magic is in the details.
Collaborating
Ask any artist you respect for their advice. You can achieve this through brainstorming, interview, co-writing, or a casual chat. Artists are often inspired by each other, and having two minds is always better than just one.
Cherry-picking
Once you have completed the exercises above, interesting concepts will surface.
You can start writing lyrics as soon as you get the words down on paper. Go back and pick out the best parts, then explore them more, and look for the threads that will tie them together.
Chiseling away
It’s time to become more technical. Now, it’s time for the chisel to sculpt your idea into something sensible.
A clear goal is important to keep in mind when sculpting. It will help you to focus your efforts. Decide, for example:
Who is your audience?
Do you want to evoke an emotion?
What is the central topic?
Edit your lyrics until you’re satisfied.
The obstacle is the key.
Many artists face writer’s block, but remember, the obstacle is also the path. You must overcome it to reach the other side.
Once you dare to take a risk and follow the path, even if it is rocky at first, that blank page will transform into an amazing work of art. Now is the time to let go of the pressure and choose your strategy.
