Exercise

Step 1: Set a timer for 10 minutes. 

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Step 2:"During these ten minutes, write whatever you feel like writing. It doesn't have to be a song. It doesn't have to rhyme. And, it doesn't have to be "good" or geared toward commercial success. You might jot down random words, stream-of-consciousness, images, ideas, or potential titles - or you might simply write about your frustration, your joy, your fears, your dreams, or anything else that's on your mind. The only rule is that there be no criticism. Tell your internal critic to stay outside the room until your ten minutes are up. As long as you write for ten minutes with no self-criticism or censoring, you have completed this exercise perfectly" (Blume, 2008, p. 253).

 

Step 3: Stop writing when the timer goes off. "Having the writing period be a specific amount of time helps to remove the anxiety inherent in facing a blank page. If you choose to continue writing, you may do so. However, it's not required, as you have already completed this exercise perfectly" (Blume, 2008, p. 253).

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Sources

Blume, J. (2008) Six Steps to Songwriting Success: The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs. 3rd edn. New York: Billboard Books.