Based on the Podcast Episode: “From Writer’s Block to The Greatest of All Time with Findlay Napier“ – Episode 65, The Magic of Songwriting with Francesca de Valence

Even the most seasoned songwriters can find themselves stuck — feeling like every song needs to be great before it’s even finished. In my conversation with Scottish songwriter Findlay Napier, we talked about how that kind of perfectionism can quietly take the joy out of writing. After years of touring and releasing albums, Findlay realised he’d lost his creative rhythm. The spark that had once felt natural had turned into a standstill. But what helped him move through that block wasn’t discipline or pressure — it was play.

Listen below for the full sonic experience, or read below for the key takeaways from our conversation that might spark something for you.

1. Letting Go of the Need to Be “Good”

Findlay shared that when he joined I Heart Songwriting Club, he struggled with the same thing so many writers do: wanting every song to be worth sharing. It wasn’t until he stopped trying to make each song perfect that the writing started to flow again. As he put it, “I tell my students to just write anything — but I wasn’t saying that to myself.” Once he let go, he found unexpected gems hiding in the “throwaway” songs. Sometimes, that’s all it takes — to write something without judging it — and see what magic appears.

2. Structure Creates Freedom

Songwriting doesn’t need to be chaotic. Having a clear framework — like a weekly theme or a 10-week commitment — can give us the boundaries we need to feel free inside them. Findlay said that consistency helped him stop overthinking and start finishing. It’s a reminder that creativity thrives within gentle limits. Whether it’s a deadline, a brief, or a theme like “goat” (which, hilariously, became The Greatest of All Time on his latest album Outsider), a little structure invites surprise and spontaneity.

3. Co-Writing and Community Keep You Honest

Findlay also talked about the power of co-writing — how being in the room with someone else changes your energy. You can’t hide in your perfectionism when you’re creating alongside others. There’s laughter, there’s mess, and there’s movement. Sometimes, that’s exactly what’s missing when you’re stuck in your own head. Having a supportive songwriting community means you don’t have to do this work alone — you can show up imperfectly and still make something beautiful.

4. Keep It Playful

Underneath all of this is a simple truth: songwriting is meant to be fun. It’s easy to forget that when we’re focused on outcomes, releases, or trying to write the “best” song. But, as Findlay reminds us, creativity starts in play. When we give ourselves permission to mess around, we reconnect with the reason we started writing in the first place — because it feels good.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or taking songwriting a little too seriously, try writing a song this week just for the joy of it. Forget about whether it’s any good. Play. Write. Laugh. You might just find your own “greatest of all time” waiting on the other side.

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