FAWM 2023

 Hey friends!

I just wanted to drop in and share some exciting news with you all - I'm taking on the February Album Writing Month (FAWM) challenge! For those of you who haven't heard of it, it's a songwriting challenge where participants aim to write 14 songs in the 28 days of February. I've always been up for a challenge and I think this is going to be a great opportunity to push myself as a songwriter and see what I'm capable of.

As I gear up for this adventure, I wanted to share some tips that have helped me in the past when getting ready for a songwriting challenge.

First things first, it's all about setting realistic goals for yourself. 14 songs in 28 days is no small feat, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Instead, focus on the process of writing and creating and enjoy the ride.

Another tip that's helped me is to start gathering inspiration early. This could be watching a movie, listening to a new album, or even taking a walk in nature. The more inspiration you have, the easier it'll be to come up with new ideas and concepts for your songs.

I also like to have a solid writing routine in place. This could mean setting aside a specific time each day to work on songwriting, or having a dedicated writing space. Whatever works best for you, make sure you stick to it as much as possible.

And don't forget about the tools! Having the right tools is key to streamlining the songwriting process. This could mean having a notebook for lyrics, a recording app for demos or a good DAW for composing.

But the most important thing for me is to remember to be open to experimentation and trying new things. Songwriting can be a very personal process, and it's easy to get bogged down by self-doubt or fear of failure. Remember, not every song you write will be a masterpiece, and that's okay. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating.

So there you have it, I'm all set and ready to take on this challenge. I'm excited to see what I can come up with in the next 28 days and can't wait to share my progress with you all. If you're also participating in FAWM or any other songwriting challenges, I wish you all the best of luck and please feel free to share your own tips and tricks.

Happy songwriting, friends!

Artistic Burnout - some thoughts and advice

 Artistic burnout is something that a lot of us creative types go through. It's when you're just feeling drained, unmotivated and uninspired. It can happen due to a lot of pressure or stress, and it can make it hard to keep creating. And for some of us, we may struggle with repeated episodes of burnout. It can be frustrating and disheartening but the good news is, it's totally possible to bounce back and get back to making art you're proud of.

First things first, it's important to admit to yourself that you're experiencing burnout. It's easy to feel guilty or like a failure when you're not feeling creative, but burnout is a natural response to a lot of stress. Recognizing it is the first step in getting past it.

One of the best ways to recover from burnout is to practice some self-care. It's important to take care of your body and mind if you want to be able to create. This can mean different things to different people, it could be going for a run, meditating, journaling or just taking a walk in nature. Find something that works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

Another tip is to take a break from creating. It can be hard to step away from something you're passionate about, but sometimes a break is exactly what you need. A vacation, a sabbatical or even just a few days off can give you the time and space you need to recharge.

It's also important to take a look at your goals and values. A lot of the time, burnout can happen when we feel like our art isn't aligning with what we truly want to achieve. Reflecting on what's important to you and what you want to get out of creating can help you refocus and regain motivation.

Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to friends and family, seek out therapy or counseling, or join an art support group. Having people to talk to and lean on can make a huge difference in getting through a tough time. It's also important to keep in mind that it's not uncommon to experience repeated episodes of burnout, and it's important to have a plan in place and to be proactive in preventing it.

In summary, artistic burnout is common but it's not the end of the road. By acknowledging it, practicing self-care, taking a break, reflecting on your goals, and reaching out for support, you can come out the other side and get back to making art you're passionate about. Remember, recovery takes time and it's important to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Being prepared for repeated episodes of burnout and having a plan in place can help you to better manage it.