No More Blank Pages: My Two-Part System for Capturing Ideas and Turning Inspiration into Songs

I have repeatedly expressed that finding inspiration for songwriting isn’t just about waiting for a unpredictable burst of creativity. Instead, it requires a structured system that helps generate new ideas and effectively captures them in a way it is useful in the future. I see countless examples of poor capturing and organisation of ideas that becomes useless after a while and provide no value. The following blog outlines my personal two-part approach to first finding inspiration and then collecting songwriting concepts effectively — an approach that ensures I never start from scratch and I am always ready to create and complete a song.

Part One: Free Writing with Morning Pages

Every morning, like a ritual, I write three pages of free writing—a kind of stream-of-consciousness exercise that brings out raw ideas from deep within my mind. It could be about life, dreams, or even random thoughts that seem insignificant. But I put everything on paper without any filter or inhibition. The goal isn’t perfect grammar or beautifully crafted sentences; it’s to let my thoughts flow freely. The beauty of this practice is that it often produces ideas or themes that can later be refined into lyrics or full songs. These morning pages are where vague concepts start to take shape and creative sparks ignite.

Free writing not only generates content but also enhances mental flexibility. It helps me work through complex emotions and ideas, allowing me to explore themes that might otherwise be hidden. It’s my own version of self therapy that for years has helped me gain new perspective and navigate though life. This writing ritual has become an ongoing conversation with myself, offering a space to reflect on impressions that often get buried during busy waking hours. Sometimes, it feels like my subconscious is just waiting for me to open the door so it can do its thing. And I have proof in the form of countless songs that my subconscious has just penne on paper with me just feeling like a medium and looking at the lyrics in awe.

There’s something deeply comforting about the consistency of this exercise. Writing every day creates a rhythm that builds discipline, which serves as the foundation for creative expression and acts as a rolling stone that gathers other habits like moss. This is the anchor habit that my life crystallises around. It takes away the mystique of the creative process, showing that inspiration is more about sustained effort and less about waiting for sudden breakthroughs. And let’s be honest, even if most of the writing ends up being mundane, some of it can be pure comedy gold—who knew a rant about burnt roti could lead to a catchy hook?

Part Two: Building a Personal Songwriting Library

The second, and arguably more crucial, part of my system is building a personal library of fragments—thoughts, phrases, and lines. I’m constantly collecting expressions that catch my interest, whether they come from my own free writing, books I read, movies, songs, or even conversations. I treat these fragments like little treasures, each with the potential to spark a new song or help finish one I’m working on.

This collection isn’t just a messy pile of notes; it’s carefully organised, which I feel is where most people fall short. By categorising everything by themes, emotions, and contexts, I create a network of ideas that’s easy to explore when I’m writing. For example, if I’m working on a song about nostalgia, I can immediately access a set of lines and phrases that evoke that feeling. It’s like having a toolbox that always has the exact tool I need—no pirate maps or treasure chests required.

I use Notion to manage this growing library. Notion allows me to organise, categorise, and cross-reference all these different fragments. It’s the central hub for my creative process and even helps manage my life in general. The best part is that it makes the blank page less intimidating. If I’m struggling to start a new song, I can use filters to find phrases or ideas that match the mood I’m aiming for. Honestly, it makes me feel like an evil genius going through my “master plan”—except instead of world domination, I’m just trying to write a killer chorus. The planning and plotting for world domination only happens on Tuesdays.

Collecting these elements is an ongoing process that requires me to stay curious and observant. Every book, conversation, or movie becomes an opportunity to capture something interesting. This habit has changed how I engage with the world—I no longer just passively consume content; I’m always looking for that next spark of inspiration. Even something as simple as a trip to the grocery store can turn into a creative adventure. Who knew toothpaste searching drama could be so poetic?

Inspiration at Your Fingertips

This two-part approach also serves as a safety net against creative block. Writer’s block becomes a lot less daunting when you have a library of ideas to draw from. Sometimes, all it takes to break through is finding that one perfect line, and Notion makes it easy to dig through my collection until I find what I need. It’s like having my very own secret weapon against the dreaded blank page—take that, creative block!

The combination of daily free writing and collecting curated content helps turn vague thoughts into concrete creative material. It’s a proactive way to stay inspired, shifting creativity from something that feels random and fleeting to something you can cultivate with practice. For songwriters, or any creative professionals, having a structured system like this can make a huge difference—turning those moments of feeling stuck into a state of always being ready to create.

This system also redefines what it means to be “inspired.” Inspiration is often portrayed as this mysterious force that strikes without warning. But by using a consistent and thoughtful method to gather and develop ideas, inspiration becomes something you create through effort and attention. It gives control back to the artist—you don’t have to wait for some fickle muse to show up when you’ve got Notion and a solid daily writing habit. Sorry, muse, but you’re being replaced by something a bit more dependable. My unspoken Life partner NOTION.

My two-part approach not only generates a steady flow of ideas but also promotes a mindset of empowerment. It helps me push past the fear of the blank page and the unpredictability of creative work. Instead, creativity becomes a structured practice, supported by tools and strategies that keep me moving forward. This mindset is key for sustaining long-term artistic productivity, emphasising persistence, organisation, and the belief that inspiration is something you pursue, not something you wait for.

By combining free writing with a carefully curated library, I’ve created a process that is both flexible and resilient. This adaptability allows me to shift between different projects or adjust my focus based on how I’m feeling. Whether I’m in the mood for a reflective ballad or an energetic anthem, my library offers plenty of starting points that resonate with what I want to create. It’s like having a closet full of outfits—whether I need something moody or something fun, I’m always dressed for the occasion.

A Broader Creative Philosophy

Ultimately, this two-part system isn’t just for songwriting; it’s a philosophy for living creatively. I have databases for anime, movies, books of course, songs, you name it. It’s about making creation an everyday habit—balancing discipline with spontaneity, structure with freedom. It’s about seeing inspiration everywhere, whether in the ordinary or the extraordinary, and being ready to capture it. For any creative person, building a system like this can transform both their output and their relationship with creativity itself. Because let’s face it, when you’re turning your grocery list into a potential hit song, you know you’re onto something good.