Sometimes the creative juices just stop flowing...

[fiyero8132]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 5:02pm

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?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 5:05pm

When I read the thread title, I thought you were talking about TARZAN...

[bwaymizfit]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:14pm

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.

[Act4ever]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:24pm

For me, I've always had to take long long breaks and not even look at the material I have written... A few weeks, or even months later I'll pull it out, re-read, make changes, and be excited to continue! --- I don't know what it is you're writing about... but make sure it's sometihng that you are really passionate about. Writing a musical can take a looong time...

[Katurian2]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:27pm

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.

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:30pm

when i am writting my show i can only do it when i feel truely inspired.

[USTheater.TV]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:34pm

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.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 6:55pm

I've always found the best inspiration to be a deadline. "Oh, the show starts rehearsals in a week; better finish that song!"

Seriously, sometimes it does help to get singers/actors involved. Set a date to have someone learn a new piece and you will finish it in time. Writing is all about making choices. When you have less time to dwell on your choices, your first instinct is often the right one.

Also, Doug has a good point. Take a breath, clear your head, meditate. Go for a walk. I often ride the subway. The loud noise drowns out the noise in my head and often the work I'm doing resolves itself. Just my opinion!

[waddledee524]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 8:32pm

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.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 8:41pm

^ wow. I'm the complete opposit. I can't be creative at night. Everything comes to me when I wake up earlier than usual.

[benjamingullett]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 9:46pm

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.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 9:52pm

I agree with you benjamingullett and great luck with your new show. Let us know how rewrites go during rehearsals. :)

Over the years, having written for stage, film and television, I've learned to write quickly, and to allow lots of input from others (especially the director). Hey, why should I do all of the work? lol

Of course, when starting a new project the first few steps can be brutally painful and slow. I still hate the blank page...terrifying!!

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 10:36pm

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

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 10:40pm

Musicals do take an extensive period of time to write and revise. [Sarcasm afoot] Unless you are a brilliant composer like Elton John and you can write all of your songs within month [end of sarcasm] So just take your time with your show and see what comes of it. Sometimes inspiration will be completely unavaliable in which case you should just wait to see when you'll get another idea...or you can use the easy button!!

[benjamingullett]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 11:03pm

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!

[lamentingenvelope]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 11:27pm

Well, I don't really write musicals, but with my plays, usually when I lose inspiration I take a break for a day or so and then just keep going. Just keep plodding along and something will rise out of something else. You can go back and edit all the crap later.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 11:38pm

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.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 6/25/06 at 11:45pm

My now dead cat used to wake me in the middle of the night by playing on the piano. Every once in a while she came up with a good idea...