Why People Love Writing in the Imaginative Storm

"It's like we're creating these tiny little miracles, these tiny little baby birds. You can't critique something so gentle and so fragile that's just been created in 10 minutes. That's what makes them such beautiful little miracles." — Sandi Dittmer, writer

"What this process teaches us to do is to be with the percolating of all the chaos inside us. It's raw, but the pen keeps going and amazing things arise." — Arlene Shapiro, performer and writer

Writing what I don't know has given me more confidence and freedom and flow to write what I do know. It's like having a base camp to set out on writing adventures." — Alice W. Meadows, writer

“It’s like meeting a part of yourself you didn’t know existed. What a gift!” — Wendy Shaw, artist

“After Imaginative Storm, writer’s block is a myth.” — Abdullah H. Erakat, screenwriter, journalist, and educator

Retreats in Taos and Lunenburg

“I am without adequate words to express how perfect these last five days have been. You created magic.” — Lyn Rothman, writer

“I loved the workshop and the group. It was valuable for me to get out of my head and into my heart a little more. I really appreciated the small group size and the valuable individual time with Allegra. Many thanks for your wisdom, energy and kindness.” — Virginia Heffernan, writer

“I loved how we all helped one another expand horizons,  plumb depths, make discoveries and support one another in that process. Really enjoyed Navé’s “improv” time, such fun to observe as well as to try out.” — Marianne Furedi, writer

“Allegra's workshop was divine. Personal, inviting, transformative, confidence-building, and more.  The added benefit of meeting other like-minded writers from other parts of the US and Canada was the icing on the cake. Allegra is a word shaman—and she makes you feel like you are, too. Don't miss out.” — Amy Gray, writer and speakers’ agent

“Allegra is my new favorite writing mentor! The Imaginative Storm philosophy and writing method  is the most effective one that I have had the pleasure of  experiencing in my last six years of writing circles. Our group of seven bonded almost immediately through Allegra’s relaxed and authentic style and belief that we all have a story within us. Thank you Allegra for empowering each of us to fly in our spacious imaginations. I shall return for more!” — Doley Henderson, MFA

“What a wonderful workshop. The Imaginative Storm process is phenomenally successful. It’s had an enormous impact on the way I think and the way I write. I’m really looking forward to next year.” — Karen Anderson, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, York University, Toronto

“A fantastic, life-affirming experience. The writing prompts bring forth a style of writing that is surprising in its intensity and invigorating in its ability to communicate deep memories and emotions. This is a gift any writer should give to themselves. It will change your life!” — Allison Kleinsteuber, art teacher

“Pure sustenance for my soul.  I felt immediately engaged in the process of cultivating one's intuition to create writing that's powerful, interesting and real, with a sparkle of discovery and surprise. Loved every moment!” — Jack Gewalter, veterinarian

“The Imaginative Storm method is so productive; it efficiently gets you right down to the heart of the matter. And the best part of all is that it’s fun and full of surprises!” — Terry Varner, writer

“A unique, magical journey into your inner world. Allegra puts her heart and soul into coaching us and creates a freeing atmosphere where no judgment or embarrassment creeps through. Truly a growth experience, no matter what your background or time of life.” — Patience Whitten, writer

Prompt of the Week

When my fire is burning low I come here for kindling, I come here for warmth, I come here for inspiration" — Genevia Hendry, writer

“Every session has been deeper and more fulfilling. It’s infusing my entire life with creativity.” — Chris Minnich, businessman 

“You helped me overcome my critic. I went from being a fearful writer to a joyful one.” — Corinne Crone, intimacy coach

"Being part of a writing community, I'm reminded of how much engine it gives me to do what I want to do. You always leave with more than what you came with." — Meg Spencer, writer

"Since I've been coming to the group I've been in a really good mood when I see people. I go in fresh." — Dar Vander Hoop, yoga teacher

"There's an energy of inspiration and permission to everybody to be themselves. It's comfortable and safe."  — Bronwyn Morrissey, writer

"It's the personal connection. We're scattered all around the globe, but it doesn't matter because it's our imagination that's fueling our work. Giving us tendrils out into other people." — Genevia Hendry, writer

"There's such joy in stepping into who-cares land. And we-don't-know land. And we're-not-judging land and just-play land. That creates possibilities for connection that are beyond our normal expectations. It creates a field where joy and abundance happen." — Daniel Barber, music coach

"Imaginative Storm opens up this creative cave, gives me a shovel and shows me where to dig. It says, ‘Look at this gem! Look at that gem!’ Before I know it, I’m mining words that tumble out on to the page." — Sandi Dittmer, writer

“Your insight, writing sessions, and generosity are invaluable. Thank you for all you do for writers around the world.” — Joyce Wycoff, writer

“When I leave the session something changes in my life. I know there will be a realization.” — Shyaka Ob., writer, Kigali, Rwanda

““This week I needed relief from the world and all my tasks.  I knew I needed to fly and I knew I could fly here with you.”  — Raechel Bratnick, writer

"The Circle is just wonderful because in the back-and-forth you create a great relationship that includes everything: the friendship, the personality, the writing, what you're working on. It's another way of enjoying the community." — Linda Smith, artist