A Little Tip For Writer’s Block

An example of my movement into another craft. Do I like it? No. Do I feel frustrated with it? Yes. Does it matter? No. Did painting it help? Yes.

We often think the worst thing in the world is not having any ideas.

But, as I was saying to one of my composition students today, blocked creativity can be just as bad.

When the ideas are whirling around, distracting you left, right and centre, but there are so many you don't know where to start and you feel overwhelmed and frustrated.

Or maybe you have all the ideas but not the opportunities to release them (i.e. family taking up your time, ill health, etc.)

A little trick I like to use is to help with this is to ensure that there is a creative channel open somewhere.

For example:

Challenge: You have a deadline coming up. The stress of the deadline is blocking you big time, there's a puzzle in the music that you just can't solve, no matter how much you try, focus, sleep. The ideas are there, but it's just not flowing.

Tip: Go beyond taking a rest. Move into another craft. 

• Draw a picture with your children;

• find natural objects outside and build a temporary sculpture;

• spend an hour with wool, a crotchet hook and a youtube tutorial;

• create a dance to your favourite song;

• write a poem

Don't make a big project out of it - we're talking an hour or two (at a time).

And let go of the end result. You can worry about perfection for your deadline. This is for fun.

Doing another craft takes your attention elsewhere, helps you to be present and mindful with that activity, encourages you to look at the world from a new perspective... and is a release.

Challenge: You struggle with your energy levels. As soon you have ideas, you're either so exhausted by the act of composing that you have to take time out from other aspects of your life; or the idea of composing is so overwhelming because you don't feel you have the energy to start, (or can't cope with the aftermath).

Tip: Forget big, go small

• Use a recording app on your phone and sing into it for one minute - leave it unfinished for another day;

• tap a little rhythm on the table (record it if you want to use it again);

• set a timer for 5 minutes to compose on your instrument of choice and make sure to rest afterwards;

• lie down and simply enjoy the music/ideas (however they present to you) in your head, thanking them for their presence and then letting go.

This tip is about changing your view on creativity and relinquishing a grip on productivity.  What is important is creating something, finished or unfinished, shareable or private, good or bad.

This knowledge, and more, is what I teach in my composition lessons. For too long we have been taught that there is only one way to create, to be successful creating, but it is not true.

Work with me from Septembe via:

- Monthly, 90-minute Zoom or in person composition sessions, focusing on you and what you want to embody or achieve.

- 'Composer in your pocket' voxer support from me - message me at anytime and I will respond in my working hours

- Specific feedback and support on any music you send me weekly

£2394 for six months, with payment plans available for no extra cost.

Contact Me for more information