Creative Speed Bumps

When trying to get into a creative flow, it is essential to identify and remove any barriers along the way. A creative speed bump is anything that distracts your artistic focus, in the same way that an alarm clock pulls you out of your dreams. Creative speed bumps include, but are not limited to:

Incoming text messages, phone calls, emails, interruption by a passer-by, a smoke break, a bathroom break, a snack break, lunch break, a funny story, a side comment, brain-shaped popcorn (see photo), etc.

Obviously there are times where some of those examples could be appropriate during a co-write. However, the timing is of utmost importance. Instead of a speed bump, an interruption could function as more of a rest stop along the creative highway. Sometimes the best thing you can do for the song (and for your relationship with your co-writer) is to get out and stretch for a few minutes.

(In unrelated news, Speed Bump happens to be my favorite comic.)

Keep writing,

Ben

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