Time of writing

I find writing later in the day also greatly impacts my song writing. It is when I feel most productive and do not need to worry about other people as a distraction. I tend to stay up late and I find that playing is also a very good way for me to relax, this also allows me to feel less restrained in my writing. The only exception to this tends to be if I am outside writing, then I will write during the day. I also find that writing at a later time allows for less distractions.

Environment  

I find myself being most creative during the night with an acoustic guitar. For some reason maybe lack of distractions, I am able to enjoy song writing. I  don't feel like I am forcing anything. I also find myself feeling the same way when I am outside again with an acoustic guitar.  I struggle to play in the morning's as my hands take longer to warm up, and I tend to be busier in the mornings than I am during the night. I prefer fresh  strings on my guitar when song writing, my hands feel like there is less resistance from the strings and the overall sound of the guitar is improved. This in turn makes me more motivated and I enjoy the experience more.  I also find that playing outside (although most of the time I find very beneficial) can affect the instrument negatively. For example, if there is a large temperature change the guitar can drift out of tune easily. This can then interrupt my flow and will not be as productive.

Location 

I have always found writing music difficult if I am not in the right location. I tend to write in my room, kitchen or outside. I find being in a quite location helps me concentrate on the guitar and not have to worry about any distractions. I far prefer playing out of ear shot until I have a song or something I am happy to let others hear. I find playing outside is when I am most productive and come up with more ideas. Preferably in summer next to a wild scenery, this allows me to stay relaxed and enjoy the process of writing music.

Inspiration

Inspiration has always been a big thing for my song writing. I will usually spend an hour or two before playing or during sometimes listening and looking at old videos of Chet Atkins and Jerry reed, or Tommy Emanuel. This acts as a form of motivation for me and without it I would be less inclined to practice or write a song.This motivating factor allows me to try and subcontiously emulate the higher level players such as Tommy Emmanuel. This in turn allows for my compositions to become more advanced as well as creating a bigger drive to better my over all playing.

Simplify then add more

I have always liked the idea of starting with something basic then building it up. For example, for one of the songs I wrote last year I started with a simple three chord progression and a ruff melody. After I was happy with the idea I started playing the same chord progressions in a different inversion and seeing what melody notes surrounded the chord that would fit and I could use.This year I did something similar in my song "roller". I started of with a very simple acceding diatonic chord sequence and built the song from there. I also did this  with the main verse of the song starting with a simple open D chord and then adding a descending bassline.

Emotional state