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
“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
What the Pros Say:
More praise for Write What You Don’t Know
Audio course
“Quite a remarkable set of discussions. I have read your book but this adds so much more context and depth. I am enjoying it immensely. What a wonderful way to get the juices flowing!”
— Dan S., writer
“Once I started, I was hooked. It joggles the imagination in a way that is not restrictive and so does not conform. It challenges me to stay creative and teaches me a new way to do that. I love how this course keeps my writing alive, fresh, and new.”
— Deborah W., writer
Book
“Like many professional writers I know, I have grown so sick of the absurd cliché ‘write what you know’ that I immediately jumped on this book as soon as I saw the title. And I'm so glad I did! I found it encouraging and inspiring, and I loved the grounded, accessible, and non-didactic way the authors present their 10 steps. It's the perfect way for writers to freshen up their game and to reconnect with the passion, imagination, and risk that it takes each time we sit down to write something new. I would recommend it highly as a useful tool for writers at any level.” — Patrick
“Write What You Don’t Know is a great book. It’s like a bible for me now.” — Dan Stenabaugh, writer
“Loved this book! Loved it, loved it, loved it! There is great wisdom as well as practical advice in it. The prompts I found particularly helpful but also some questions I was asked to answer about the reason I write (or not). Excellent.” — Victor Aral
“Absolutely love the simple, easily accessible approach to "‘Write What You Don't Know.’ … Helped me make the leap from ‘I wish I was a better writer’ to "Wow, I just wrote that!" A great method for anyone learning to cultivate this rewarding talent or hobby!” — Lindsay S.
“Stare no longer at a static cursor. Prowl no more a sterile study. Read this clear examination of all the barriers we wordsmiths encounter and invent on our tortured paths and the 'flow' will come, like Lionel Messi through a collapsed defense. Huston & Navé, accomplished writers in their own right, will cajole, encourage and inspire you to write, right to the story's end, with this unique and brilliant approach.” — Jonathan Slator, author of Year of the Mad Jag
“A true treasure trove of helpful exercises and insights. Like having a friend guide you through the process of getting in touch with your own creativity. I'm certain it will be a classic in its genre!” — Nicole P.
“Enjoy life more. Be happier. This is quite a claim, but this has been my personal experience with the Imaginative Storm Method, which is the topic of this book. It’s designed for writers. However, I would say that this method is as much about living a fuller life. Some of the effects it had on me: Feel happier, alleviate boredom, keep curious about what will happen next. It can make you brave. Make you want to try what you’ve wanted to do, but feared. ... There isn’t a dull chapter in this book! The writing is engaging, and difficult to put down—unlike some how-to books that are dull to read, in spite of useful techniques to hone a craft. The implications for using this book are beyond what I can write about in this review. All I can say is: You should read this book!” — cloverling
“If there is a writer in you, this is an essential tool. As one of my dearly departed friends used to say, ‘What would it be like if it were easy?’ The authors of Write What You Don't Know show us. Writing has become more of a joy for me. The anxiety I usually feel about ‘getting it right’ has gone. My work is far better as a result.” — Luigi
“This book is a must for anyone who wants to become absolutely smitten with the creative process! From fresh takes on creative philosophies to practical examples of prompts, you will no doubt be summoning the creative within in no time. James Navé and Allegra Huston are masters at taking any and all willing participants along for the most exhilarating writing journey of their lives. ... Write What You Don’t Know has personally been my most trusty companion as a writer, coming back to it time and time again to open up my imagination and strengthen my craft—a consistent power I haven't experienced since The Artist’s Way.” — Lenny
“Full of joy, humor, imagination, flashes of insight as well as much useful practical advice. ... if you write, this book will help you to keep writing by helping to stay more present, more aware of the moment, more trusting of the voice that is yours.” — James Dwyer
