Songwriting

A thing that can bring you joy and gives you a warm feeling...but which can also be extremely frustrating!
I love writing my own songs, but sometimes you get stuck and your creativity seems to be on vacation.
TOTALLY ANNOYING!!
But there is a ritual I developed, that makes the ideas flow and your pen move on the paper like a dancer!
Of course this is a ritual which suits me the best, but maybe it may help you find your own.
1. I have to be completely alone and isolated. No one in the apartment and phone switched to silent or switched off completely. It helps not being disturbed and that there is NO ONE who might overhear something which you aren't happy with yet.
2. Always carry a notebook with you. Sometimes lyrics or melodies pop in your head at the weirdest times and if you don't write it down there is NO WAY you will remember it when you come home and grab pen, paper and guitar.
3. Take pictures of great places and moments. Great memories are the best source of inspiration! And every now and then take the time to look at these memories. ALL PRAISE THE SMARTPHONE WITH A CAMERA! Makes things soooo much easier.
4. Before you start, sometimes listening to music you love brings you in the right mood. Of course this does NOT mean stealing lyrics and melodies. But if you realize you cant get that melody out of your head, then listen to music when you are on your way somewhere or doing the dishes etc.!  If you just listened to a song before writing your own it can be more a burden than help, but not necessarily. To sum this confusing tip up:  Listen to music, when you don't need to listen to something else. 
5. Do NOT try to put in the most complicated riffs or chord-changes right from the start. That only causes frustration, if it doesn't work the way you wanted. START SIMPLE. When you are more familiar with your song it gets easier to  put in special riffs or changes.
Also simplicity isn't always a sign for a dull song. Many great songs bloom in their simplicity. A great example for a song always bringing the right mood to a party is "Do you rock?" by TC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjUPoMXGdWw).
For the rockers "You can keep' Em" by Ali Harter is a great example (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-uQFok98mM)


Now it is up to you! Find your own ritual and go ahead! Don't be shy ;)

Stay crazy and love your life!

Snoeks