Speaking as a composer of many compositions, there are a number of ways to remedy writer’s block. Here are some:
Make yourself physically get up and walk away from the task at hand. Even if you have to pry yourself away from your writing, do it. Like a rusty nail being yanked from a piece of wood, release yourself from the padded office seat. By the way, in no way does this article wish for its readers to think of themselves as a rusty nail.
Once removed from the task at hand, do something totally unrelated such as taking a walk around the block, or calling a friend. This will allow your mind to be relieved of the blocked situation, thus allowing the problem to solve subconsciously.
Another remedy is to write anything, even if you think that the standard of writing is not of the highest quality. Waiting for the perfect inspiration is part of the problem in an inability to write effectively. Even if you write an entire chapter or section of music that is not up to your expectations, chances are that there is something within the rubble of what you just wrote that is worth salvaging.
A quick path to removing writer's block may lie in the mood that you are in when feeling blocked. If you feel like you have written so brilliantly up until now and you cannot possibly continue, then try bringing yourself down to earth. Assure yourself that what you’ve written up until now is a product of trying your best, rather than being the best.
If, on the other hand, you feel inferior at being able to commence a project, it is most certainly time for an ego boost. If you are unable to do this on your own, find someone who truly believes in you and ask for a pep talk. A person who means well, be it a family member or good friend, will always be ready to lend helpful and meaningful advice, and will make you feel better about yourself.
Here’s a word of caution, however. Select someone who criticizes constructively. Someone who cares about you may not have the correct disposition to make you feel more confident. Here are some examples. Upon asking the question, “Am I a good composer?” here’s what you do not want to hear:
“Of course you’re not good. Just kidding. Listen, you’re pretty good, but who can make a living in the arts? You need to feed your family. Get an honest job.”
Sure, the intention is to make sure that you put food on the table. However, the ego is shot, crushed and thrown to the sharks in the above statement. Here’s another doozy:
“Writers block! Make some decent money soon or you’ll have money block!”
Composers and writers already know that money and food on the table are important issues. Although the wit of the statement is not unnoticed, it certainly is unwelcome to the budding artist.
Being in a slump, as a composer or writer, is a temporary state. A true artist works through the situation, with the problem at hand being quickened in its resolution by an intelligent approach.
