Proven Creative Tools From a 30+ Year, Award-Winning Songwriter
Writer’s block isn’t a lack of talent—it’s usually a lack of momentum.
After more than 30 years of songwriting, performing, recording, and earning award-winning recognition, I can tell you this with certainty: every songwriter gets stuck. The difference between writers who move forward and those who stay blocked is having simple exercises that restart the process.
These songwriting exercises aren’t theory. They’re practical tools I’ve used for decades to get songs moving again—especially when inspiration feels out of reach.
Why Writer’s Block Happens
Writer’s block often shows up when:
- You expect the song to be good too soon
- You’re editing while you’re writing
- You’re trying to impress instead of express
- You’ve lost connection to the original idea
The goal of these exercises isn’t to write perfect songs—it’s to get you writing again.
The “Bad First Verse” Exercise
This is one of the most effective tools I’ve used in 30+ years of songwriting.
How It Works
Set a timer for 10 minutes and write the worst first verse you can. No stopping. No editing.
Why it helps:
- Removes pressure
- Breaks perfectionism
- Gets ideas flowing
Some of my strongest songs started as intentionally bad drafts.
Write From One Specific Moment
Instead of writing about a feeling, write about one exact moment.
Try This
Finish the sentence:
“The moment everything changed was when…”
Then write one verse describing only what you saw, heard, or felt in that moment.
Specific moments unlock honest lyrics.
Change the Starting Point
If you’re stuck, you might just be starting in the wrong place.
Try Writing:
- The chorus first
- The last verse first
- A title before any lyrics
After decades of songwriting, I’ve learned that a small change in approach can unlock an entire song.
Write Without Your Main Instrument
If you always write on guitar or piano, put it down.
Try:
- Writing lyrics without music
- Humming melodies on a voice memo
- Writing on a walk
Some of my most award-recognized songs started away from an instrument.
The 10-Title Exercise
This exercise builds momentum fast.
How It Works
Write 10 song titles in 10 minutes. No judging.
Titles don’t have to be good—they just have to exist.
Often, one title will spark a full song idea.
Steal Your Own Line
Look through old notebooks or voice memos and find one unused line.
Start a new song using that line as the chorus or opening verse.
After 30+ years of songwriting, I can say with confidence: your old ideas are rarely dead—they’re just waiting for the right song.
Write for One Listener
Instead of writing “a song,” write to one person.
It could be:
- Someone from your past
- Someone you miss
- Someone you never got closure with
Writing to one listener makes lyrics more honest and focused.
Change the Rules on Purpose
Writer’s block often comes from habit.
Break it by setting rules:
- No rhyming allowed
- Every line must be short
- Write only questions
- Use the same word in every verse
Constraints create freedom.
Finish Something Small
When you’re blocked, don’t aim for a full song.
Write:
- One verse
- One chorus
- One idea worth saving
Momentum matters more than scale.
Trust That the Block Is Temporary
After more than 30 years of songwriting, I’ve learned this truth:
Writer’s block always passes—if you keep writing.
You don’t write your way out of a block by waiting. You write your way out by showing up.
Final Thoughts: Writer’s Block Is Part of the Work
Writer’s block isn’t a failure—it’s a signal.
These exercises have helped me push through creative dry spells across decades of songwriting and award-winning work. They’ll help you too—if you use them consistently.
Write something today.
Even if it’s bad.
Especially if it’s bad.
That’s how songs start again.
