2 replies to this topic

[Briandb1222]

So far I have found ball joint gel pens to be excellent for writing smoothly. I use notebook paper, my iPhone, and computer when I write.

[mattz196]

I think a bottle of something to lubricate the mind always helps, care must be taken not spill it on the notebook paper, iPhone, or computer though.
It's kinda embarrassing getting caught with a blue tongue from licking the notebook, not mention danger of electrocution from phone or pc.

[starsailor]

You've pretty much covered it there Brian, I agree with Matt about the drinking, it may be a useful tool but it's fraught with danger I tend to use any bit of paper at hand so I've got stuff scribbled on the back of envelopes, even had stuff written on my hands before, I also use the phone to record a bit of singing or humming into, sounds crap but it gets the idea down, I then type everything up at home. It is easier at home as there are instruments around but if we're out and about the bare essential is a pen, you don't only have to write with it either it's useful for percussion if you have a beat in your head
Also don't be afraid to throw stuff away, it takes countless rewrites before a person's happy, the forum's also a tool in a way, family and friends are too, as you can run ideas past people who may think of a better line or a better way to do something.

This is a bit off the question but I suppose the best tool in a way is the world around you and other resources, daily life, media etc. I've found since I've been having a go at songwriting I pick up on things that may have gone over my head previously like a throwaway line in a conversation, it's just general chit chat but sometimes friends or associates come up with a gem of a line without thinking about it, as we do ourselves, all these things act as sources of inspiration and you become more aware of them as you get into songwriting.