Generation DIY: How To Defeat Writers Block

posted in: Features

Ever fall into a slump where everything you write just doesn’t seem up to par? Everyone does at some point, I know I have (very recently in fact). I haven’t seen much online about tips to help break the writers block barrier, but I was able to do it with a few simple steps that I never thought would work. Fortunatly they did! So this week on Generation DIY I’d like to take a gander at ways to help alleviate that dark cloud and bring in the sunshine to help us write our next best song!

First off, for all of us lyricists out there, do you carry around a notepad or have something to write ideas in while you’re out and about? If not, definitely get into the habit of doing so. Walking down the street of your hometown or city can always help spark the imagination, even if it’s a simple idea that you can build off of later. A lot of times melodies come to my mind when I’m walking around Boston but am not around my apartment to record them. So instead I use “Voice Notes” which is a tool on my phone (most phones have this feature and if yours doesn’t, call yourself and leave a message). I can’t stress how many times I’ve done this and then was able to write all the accompanying music to the vocal melody at a later time for what worked out to be very solid songs. Even if you’re not a singer you can still use these tips.  Remember, the most cherised songs are the ones that everyone can relate to so intertwining poetry and everyday situations and interactions could eventuallyhelp you boost your fan response. Hopefully these simple techniques help you remember certain lyrics or ideas that come to you throughout the day.

Another method I’ve used is something I picked up from an English professor back in the day calledstream of consciousness writing. This entails sitting down for a short period of time to write down ideas that come to mind. Even if these ideas don’t make any sense to you, later on you can go back and construct ideas from the jumbled mess that your mind spat out.  Reading books also helps you tap into in the creative side of your brain, allowing your imagination to build off of concepts that are already available to you. Just be sure to separate your ideas from others so that you won’t be accused of plagiarizing their work.

One final step that I’d suggest is going to poetry readings or even sitting down with friends to talk about different literary works. Finding new authors and genres to read can always get the creative juices flowing, especially if it’s something you’ve never thought about reading before. Opening your mind to new things can definitely help alleviate that writers block. It worked for me, and I’m positive if you take the right steps that it’ll work for you.

Hope this helps, Generation DIYers. Keep strong!