Stuck on a Verse? 3 Ways to Break Through Writer’s Block
The Blank Page Blues
Every creative person knows the feeling. You sit down at the piano or pick up your pen, ready to work, and... nothing. The well is dry. The blank page stares back at you. Writer's block is frustrating, discouraging, and unfortunately, completely normal.
In my 40 years as a musician, I've faced that blank page many times. There were moments during my hiatus where I wondered if I would ever write again. But I've also learned that writer's block isn't a dead end; it's just a sign that you need to change your approach. It's not about a lack of talent; it's usually about a lack of perspective.
Here are three strategies that have helped me find my flow again, especially during the creation of my new EP.
1. Step Away from the Instrument
Sometimes, the worst thing you can do is force it. When I hit a wall, I’ve learned that staying at the keyboard only builds frustration. The harder you push, the more the music pushes back.
Your creativity needs fuel. If the tank is empty, you have to go out into the world to refill it. When I took my 40-year hiatus from music, it wasn't because I stopped loving it; it was because life took me in a different direction. But living that life—building a career, traveling, experiencing the world—gave me the "hard-won truth" and perspective that I eventually poured into my new EP, My Continuum. I realized that the time away wasn't wasted; it was research.
So if you're stuck, take a walk. Call a friend. Read a book. Give your subconscious mind time to work on the problem while you're doing something else.
2. The Power of Collaboration
Writing can be a lonely process, and sometimes you just get stuck in your own head. You lose objectivity. Bringing in another voice can instantly unlock a song because it forces you to explain your ideas and see them through someone else's eyes.
This was the key to my return to music. Working with my producer Lance Jyo changed everything. When we were working on "The Love You Give (To Me)," I was able to contribute lyrics to a song he had already written. Lance generously and creatively allowed me to use his song to tell my truth and story by contributing lyrics that were from my unique point of view.
A collaborator can bring a fresh perspective that can see the solution you're missing. They can hear a melody where you hear silence. Even if you just talk through the song with a friend who isn't a musician, the act of articulating your goal can often reveal the path forward.
3. Lower the Stakes (Just Write Something)
Often, we get stuck because we're trying to write a great song right away. We edit ourselves before we even begin. We judge the first line before we've written the second. This perfectionism is the enemy of creativity.
My advice is to give yourself permission to write a "bad" verse. Just get something—anything—down on the page. Write nonsense. Write a cliché. Once the ink is flowing, you can always edit and refine it later. You can't edit a blank page, but you can fix a bad draft.
This shifts your brain from "critical mode" to "creative mode." The goal isn't perfection; it's momentum. Once you start moving, the good ideas will often follow the bad ones.
Bonus Tip: Change Your Medium
If you usually write on a computer, try a pen and paper. If you usually write on guitar, try a piano (even if you can't play it well!). Changing the physical way you create can shock your brain into a new way of thinking.
Writer's block is temporary. The music is still there; you just have to find a new door to let it out.
What's your favorite trick for getting unstuck creatively? I'd love to hear your tips in the comments.