Discussion: Creative Tools for Crafting Lyrics - Pens, Notebooks, and Software on a Podcast
Rock on, welcome to another thrilling episode of the Lyric Writer's Workroom podcast! Today, we're diving into the world of songwriting tools, both digital and analog, to help you fuel your creativity. Here's a rundown of the gear that's kept my pen moving and my music flowing:
Analog Tools
Let's first tackle the traditional side! I'm currently vibing with the Pilot Metropolitan model fountain pen - just that smooth ink flow makes my lyrics shine (you can find the ink cartridges here). For the writing surface, I either use my ghost grid notebook, which can be a bit pricey so I occasionally switch to looseleaf graph paper. I've also started dabbling in a "Rocketbook" brand Everlast notebook. The concept's cool—you scan and upload the pages with your phone, then wipe them clean with a damp cloth! (The notebook cover I use with these reporter notebooks is here.)
Digital Tools
Now let's get techy! If you're the typist type, you'll love the Corsair Strafe keyboard I've used for years (get it here). It's marketed as a gamer's keyboard, but its original purpose is for writing and typing. It comes with your choice of mechanical switches – I prefer the MX blue switches for their "clicky" and tactile feel, but quieter MX brown switches are also available.
For a distraction-free writing experience, look no further than WriteMonkey, a free full-screen writing software for Windows (grab it from their website here). They appreciate donations, so feel free to support their work if you like their software.
When it comes to brainstorming and rearranging song sections, Scapple digital whiteboard software is gold (check it out here). It's created by the same company as Scrivener (described below).
For research and long-form writing, Scrivener can be a game-changer. Although it's intended for writers of fiction and nonfiction, I find it a massive help in my lyric writing process (scroll down to find it here).
For more insights on the keyboard fanatic community, be sure to check out the article "Key Crazy: Inside the Wonderful World of Keyboard Fanatics."
That's it for today! Happy songwriting, and remember—find the tools that work best for you and let your creativity shine! 🚀🎶
In the digital realm, the Corsair Strafe keyboard, with its customizable mechanical switches, is a valuable ally for typist songwriters, offering an optimal writing and typing experience. For a sheer distraction-free writing environment, I recommend WriteMonkey, a free, full-screen writing software for Windows.
Incorporating technology into songwriting, the Everlast notebook from Rocketbook is a unique digital tool that allows you to scan, upload, and wipe your notes clean, making it a practical, tech-infused solution for jotting down lyrics.
