Discipline the Creative Mind

There are a lot of ways to write a song, and every artist kind of has their own routine for it.

Curious to hear how my fellow writers and/or artists go about their own writing process. Post in the comments!

For myself I tend to focus on flow first.  I often create a chord progression before any lyrics or melody that fits the mood I'm in. Then I try to sing to it and see what comes out.  Rather than be nit picky at every moment, I usually impulsively grab the first line or notes that feels right and run with it.  My style is very similar to a writer that uses stream of consciousness.  Its also a great way to vent, and clear up those ideas that we tend to over think.  You'd be surprised what comes to be when you just let your brain and heart simultaneously leak out over a few pretty chords. I feel this really helps my music to be honest and sincere.  The only disadvantage is often the words that come out this way become incoherent and indirect.  So next comes editing (A Lot of Editing).  I like to think of it as disciplining the creative mind.  You let it all go unchained and unfiltered, and then you just edit!  

How Do You Write?