Creativity is one of the greatest joys in life. To be able to make something beautiful and put a stamp on it that says: "That's Mine," is something that's totally life-affirming, empowering and cathartic. I know for myself , the moments when I can sit and write a song are full of pleasure and excitement. These moments are a bit scary too, like navigating along a sharp precipice. The view is fantastic, you're walking on uncharted ground so you don't really know how things will turn out, but damn, do you feel alive!

Let's get to it then, how to write a song? No single formula will work for everyone because each artist has their own creative process. However, I think these 3 steps will be very helpful to anyone experiencing some form of artist's block or for anyone who wants to start writing songs but isn't really sure where to start.

Step # 1 Create an Atmosphere

Sometimes, it's not about how to wrtie a song but where to write a song. Find a quiet place that's free of clutter. Push off the fun of creating for a few minutes (unless something is really pressing to come out) to do some tidying up or dusting off.

Lay out some images, words or objects that ellicit strong emotions in you. Whether it's old childhood photographs, a book with powerful ideas and descriptions or a religious symbol that you feel connected to. Impassioned emotions are the bedrock of good songwriting. Surround yourself with things that move you.

Finally, Keep a recording device at arms length. If an idea comes up catch before it's gone. Even if you think it stinks, a second listen might make you think twice. (more about the importance of adopting non-judgmental attitude in a future article)

Step # 2 Relax

This next step in how to write a song is deceptively simple yet every form of succes, be it intellectual, athletic or artisitic, depends upon it. We have to learn how to relax if we want our creative juices to flow and our authentic voice to speak clearly through the incessant internal external chatter that drown it out!

Strum, pluck or hum softly to yourself. Listen to the sounds and feel the vibrations. Take a deep breath and let yourself drift away from your habitual thinking patterns. A relaxed and flexible mindsate is ideal for songwriting.

Step # 3

To get inspired to write a song keep this simple formula in mind:

Think ---> Feel ---> Create

Inspiration can be fleeting but it doesn't have to be. We can also harness the power of our emotions by thinking about the things, people or ideas we know we feel strongly about! Once we feel a strong emotion we can channel it into writing a song. Whether it's a troubling relationship or the image of a beautiful sunset think about it and let the emotion associated with the thought come up into your mind and body.

Once it's there, give expression to it in melody.If you're on a guitar strum chords that seem to go with the emotion and then sing along. If you're simply singing, sing 'from the emotion' until you think you've hit on something and then record it. You can always go back to it later and fill it out or make some tweeks.

This process has worked for me countless times and I really hope it helps you too.

Stay tuned for future articles that will discuss in greater many of the concepts I introduced here on how to write a song.

Until then, happy songwriting!!