User Avatar

Graham English

2y ago

Musician & Composer, Best-Selling Author of Logic Pro For Dummies

Do you find yourself waiting around for inspiration to strike before writing a great song? Unfortunately, that’s not enough - here's why.

As a songwriting coach, I've encountered many aspiring songwriters who believe that they need to wait for inspiration to strike before they can write a great song. However, the truth is that inspiration is not a reliable method for songwriting. Inspiration can be fleeting and unpredictable; waiting for it to strike can leave you with nothing to show for your efforts.

Instead of relying on inspiration, I encourage my students to focus on writing consistently. Consistent writing is a valid songwriting method because it allows you to develop your skills and creativity over time. It also allows you to build a body of work that you can draw on for inspiration and ideas.

When you write consistently, you're essentially training your brain to be creative on demand. You're also giving yourself permission to write poorly, knowing that every song doesn't have to be a masterpiece. This freedom to experiment and make mistakes is essential for growth as a songwriter.

Consistent writing also helps you develop a writing routine that works for you. Whether it's setting aside a specific time of day to write, or writing for a set amount of time each day, having a routine can help you stay motivated and make writing a habit.

Of course, writing consistently doesn't mean you can't be inspired. In fact, inspiration can come from many sources, including other songs, stories, conversations, and experiences. The difference is that when you're writing consistently, you're not relying on inspiration alone. Instead, you’re actively seeking inspiration and using it to fuel your writing.

While inspiration may play a role in the creative process, it's not a reliable method for songwriting. Writing consistently, on the other hand, is a valid method that can help you develop your skills, build a body of work, and stay motivated. So, if you want to become a better songwriter, commit to writing consistently, and watch your creativity grow.

The all-in-one writing platform.

Write, publish everywhere, see what works, and become a better writer - all in one place.

Trusted by 80,000+ writers