I think one of the best things you can do is write really sad songs that touch some semblance of... I guess 'hope' is the right word?
It's hard to write any good song. It seems more rewarding, or maybe just easier, to write sad ones.
I don't like to think about stuff that's boring.
I think you just have to have some rapport with the song.
I don't think anyone wants to do the same thing over and over again.
As a producer you can be more objective about the songs because you didn't write them.