Every now and then out of nowhere, our creativity comes to a hard stop, and often we are clueless as to why. And worse, we panic. But the fountain isn’t always flowing and there are some simple ways to tap it again.

Sometimes it’s because we are trying to “force it”. Or because our well is dry – for the moment. This is when we need to set our sights on seeking inspiration. I call it this the “Gathering Season” from my “4 Seasons of An Artist” IG Post.

Start by trying to “step into the flow.” Artist India Arie says that in her quest for ‘success’ — trying to make a hit — that she went so far off the path of her own vision that she didn’t know what that was anymore. She says that while she thought the ‘music business’ had taken away her power, she had given her power away. She had finally reached the fork in the road and consciously chose the path of authenticity.

When she started making the music she loved again, “following the guidance of spirit” as she puts it — and speaking her truth, the songs just “flowed.”

Writer’s Block Tip #1: Don’t edit when writing

There are two very important distinctions to make when writing.

The difference between writing and editing.
When you are writing, let it flow, unfiltered (right brain).
Then in another session, go back and edit (left brain).
But do not edit while you are writing as it stops the flow.

Writer’s Block Tip #2: Write what you really want to say.

Writer’s block can happen when you are trying to manipulate what you are saying. Writing what you actually want to say means tuning out what you think other people want to hear.
Get quiet. Tune into the internal river of emotions and thoughts flowing underneath the surface. What do you want to say or haven’t had the courage to say just yet?

Want to join a really amazing group of songwriters in an incredible community? Check out our upcoming Signature Songwriting Circle.

Other Tips to Break Writer’s Block:

• Write when you are emotionally charged with a good idea and set a timer for 30-60 minutes to write.
• Turn off your phone. Remove distractions.
• Imagine you are turning on a light switch that is sending electrical energy to you and your mission is to receive that energy – to tap into that flow and receive.
• Give yourself permission to tell the truth. To find the good stuff you need permission to write anything you think or feel. Write as if no one will see it but you. Be as authentic as you can. Sometimes it’s you who is holding yourself back.

If you’re experiencing writer’s block try not to panic. There are seasons to writing and the fountain is not always turned on. It will turn on again.

During these times when you are in the “Gathering Season” is a perfect time to read, go to see music, movies – look for inspiration. Be sure to look for your muse in other ways outside of music. I found inspiration for my record Circle of Fire in a book called “The Four Agreements”. Like most things in life, your creativity comes when you are not looking for it.

For some inspiration, I wrote 101 Ideas to Inspire Your Next Song to help you breakthrough writer’s block. It’s written to help you step into the flow. Written by songwriters, for songwriters.