Sometimes the creative juices just stop flowing...

I started writing a musical two days ago and I found that after I do some really good work I have a period where my creative juices just stop flowing. I have to break for a bit and go back to it later to keep my writing fresh. What do YOU all do to get back in the zone musically and lyrically?

While I've never tried to write a musical myself (good for you!), I would just take a break and try to take my mind off of it. With some luck, more inspiration will come to you. I think the last thing you want to do is try to write stuff down when you're uninspired.

I usually go out and talk to friends and go to places that inspire. Usually you hear great conversations or see wonderous things that will make you pick it up again.

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I think you need to clear your head of inner chatter and get back to a clear head. Deepak Chopra has great meditation CD's which are a great musical chill out but they go also into chakras and that stuff which is a fun way to get back into the zone.

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I don't know why, but with me, I just can't be creative in the morning. Everything comes out late at night, when I'm trying not to wake up anybody around me. I paint, draw, write, and so on. But only when it's dark out.

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Unless you're up against a deadline, take your time. Believe me when I tell you that writing can take a long time, and if you try to be quick about it (unless of course the juices are flowin') what you create won't necessarily be what you wanted. The show I've just written, Squiggllydickler, is a play but it still took me over a year to write it. But, we begin rehearsals tomorrow so it is definitely a rewarding experience. Stay in it, take your time, and breathe. And if all else fails, and you're still stuck... ask a trusting friend. They'll be honest and may spit out an idea you can run with. And at the end of the day: make sure you're having fun.

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Meh, I'm having the same problem. I've been working on this screenplay for about two years.

Thanks for the support TomMonster! I'll definitely keep posting about the process. I'm actually working on a rewrite right now and it is driving me crazy!

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I never write anything good when I sit down to write. It usually happens when I'm running or working out at the gym and my mind just wanders (then I rush off to find a pencil and some paper to jot it down). I find that if I'm just in the shower humming and stuff and making up songs, usually I can find a little melody that clicks. I was singing to myself in my car with my parents and I found a great melody and I just kept repeating it all the way home until I could record it. I just inspiration just comes when you're not looking for it.