Like all writers, I experience times when inspiration is difficult to find. However, at other times, writing seems to happen easily. I feel blessed at the moment, that I can write or at least find the initial idea without too much trouble. Once I have my initial idea, I rely on my experience of how to construct a song to complete the process. It doesn't take too long before something which appears a little labored springs to life, heading off into new and exciting directions. If you're struggling for inspiration, then use a word or phrase that someone speaks as your idea for a song, to kick start the process. I'm half listening to tv as I write this post. Some of the actors are talking about regret. I'm now contemplating tackling this subject (regret/living life without regrets and so on). I know that initially my efforts will be laboured, but my experience will make this song work. I'll make the song personal, so that it really means something to me. If you're struggling to find interesting or new rhythms, listen to different styles of drum rhythms. There are plenty of loops that will help the songwriter. Play chords to these loops, vary the number of bars that each chord lasts. Hum a melody, hang your lyrics on to the chords. Your melody will dictate the number of syllables that are available for your lyrics. Soon enough, you'll have something that you can work with. I know that many writers have their own unique style or writing. This is only intended for anyone who's hit a brick wall and is struggling to find the initial spark of a song!
Apologies for the long post, I just wanted to throw in a few ideas to get the ball rolling for anyone suffering with writers block or lack of inspiration!
Best,
Paul