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Improv for Writers: 10 Secrets to Help Novelists and Screenwriters Bypass Writer's Block and Generate Infinite Ideas
Free yourself from writer's block and inner critics with the creative power of improv!
"Jorjeana Marie's generous, joyful, and oh-so-useful book shows writers--both seasoned and new--how to unleash their creativity and find their best story."--Gayle Forman, New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way
Improv instructor and writer Jorjeana Marie reveals a new way to generate idea after brilliant idea. Applying the rules of improv to fiction writing, Marie presents fun games and exercises you can do from the comfort of your desk at home.
Surprise yourself with new plots, infinite characters and settings, and a supreme confidence in your own process. Armed with the power of improv--and liberating exercises like Ad Agency, Raise the Stakes, and Family Portraits--you'll soon be an idea machine. With Improv for Writers, your creative storytelling well will never run dry again.
Advance praise for Improv for Writers
"Here's a secret. Many authors started out as drama geeks and later found that theatrical skills like deep-diving into character and improvising on the fly were essential tools for writing fiction. Jorjeana Marie's generous, joyful and oh-so useful book applies the principles of improv to writing and though a series of targeted, fun exercises shows writers--both the seasoned and the new--how to unleash their creativity and find their best story."--Gayle Forman, New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way
"Part practical, part playful, part encouraging and affirming, Jorjeana Marie's Improv for Writers is a certain antidote to writing blocks--and writer's block! This book is a necessary and vital tool for authors and storytellers everywhere."--Karma Brown, bestselling author of The Life Lucy Knew
"Thank you, Jorjeana Marie for infusing joy and play and experimentation in the often-arduous act of writing fiction. I'll be turning to these exercises whenever I need to jump-start my writing session and will be recommending many of my writing students to do the same."--Nina LaCour, Michael L. Printz Award-winning author of We Are Okay, Hold Still, The Disenchantments, and Everything Leads to You; and You Know Me Well, a novel written in collaboration with David Levithan.
"Jorjeana Marie's generous, joyful, and oh-so-useful book shows writers--both seasoned and new--how to unleash their creativity and find their best story."--Gayle Forman, New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way
Improv instructor and writer Jorjeana Marie reveals a new way to generate idea after brilliant idea. Applying the rules of improv to fiction writing, Marie presents fun games and exercises you can do from the comfort of your desk at home.
Surprise yourself with new plots, infinite characters and settings, and a supreme confidence in your own process. Armed with the power of improv--and liberating exercises like Ad Agency, Raise the Stakes, and Family Portraits--you'll soon be an idea machine. With Improv for Writers, your creative storytelling well will never run dry again.
Advance praise for Improv for Writers
"Here's a secret. Many authors started out as drama geeks and later found that theatrical skills like deep-diving into character and improvising on the fly were essential tools for writing fiction. Jorjeana Marie's generous, joyful and oh-so useful book applies the principles of improv to writing and though a series of targeted, fun exercises shows writers--both the seasoned and the new--how to unleash their creativity and find their best story."--Gayle Forman, New York Times bestselling author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way
"Part practical, part playful, part encouraging and affirming, Jorjeana Marie's Improv for Writers is a certain antidote to writing blocks--and writer's block! This book is a necessary and vital tool for authors and storytellers everywhere."--Karma Brown, bestselling author of The Life Lucy Knew
"Thank you, Jorjeana Marie for infusing joy and play and experimentation in the often-arduous act of writing fiction. I'll be turning to these exercises whenever I need to jump-start my writing session and will be recommending many of my writing students to do the same."--Nina LaCour, Michael L. Printz Award-winning author of We Are Okay, Hold Still, The Disenchantments, and Everything Leads to You; and You Know Me Well, a novel written in collaboration with David Levithan.
214 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2019
69 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 14, 2020
Jorjeana Marie's ten secrets for novelists and screenwriters draws on her experience with improv. It's a book of remarkably fun games to encourage writers to write. Some of my favorites of the rules are Say Yes! and No Expectations.
November 15, 2019
In short: I LOVE THIS BOOK.
Writers - if you have trouble letting go of self-doubt or worry, or face writer’s block, or just want to approach your work with a more playful, fun attitude... GET. THIS. BOOK.
Seriously. It is immensely helpful.
The details:
Reading Improv for Writers is like working on your writing project while your best friend hangs out next to you, cheering you on.
The tone is fun and encouraging, the layout of the book is clear and organized, and the author, Jorjeana Marie, seriously knows her stuff; like how to teach + inspire + break through any writer’s block or writerly self-doubt that may plague you.
The book is divided into two parts:
Part 1 includes 10 improv rules (plus a bonus rule) - things like ‘Say Yes’ and Be Specific.’ Each rule is explained and, for each rule, you get creative exercises to practice (don’t worry, no performing necessary!) PLUS an explanation of WHY this is helpful. And ohhhhh, guys, it is helpful. They’re all helpful.
Part 2 takes all that fun new improv training your brain just experienced and applies it directly to writing-specific story elements, like ideas, characters, and dialogue.
I recommend this to both new and experienced writers, whether you’re just starting a project or are almost at the end. And if you’re stuck in the idea phase? Oh, you DEFINITELY want to read this 👌🏻.
Writers - if you have trouble letting go of self-doubt or worry, or face writer’s block, or just want to approach your work with a more playful, fun attitude... GET. THIS. BOOK.
Seriously. It is immensely helpful.
The details:
Reading Improv for Writers is like working on your writing project while your best friend hangs out next to you, cheering you on.
The tone is fun and encouraging, the layout of the book is clear and organized, and the author, Jorjeana Marie, seriously knows her stuff; like how to teach + inspire + break through any writer’s block or writerly self-doubt that may plague you.
The book is divided into two parts:
Part 1 includes 10 improv rules (plus a bonus rule) - things like ‘Say Yes’ and Be Specific.’ Each rule is explained and, for each rule, you get creative exercises to practice (don’t worry, no performing necessary!) PLUS an explanation of WHY this is helpful. And ohhhhh, guys, it is helpful. They’re all helpful.
Part 2 takes all that fun new improv training your brain just experienced and applies it directly to writing-specific story elements, like ideas, characters, and dialogue.
I recommend this to both new and experienced writers, whether you’re just starting a project or are almost at the end. And if you’re stuck in the idea phase? Oh, you DEFINITELY want to read this 👌🏻.
February 25, 2020
This is a helpful book. My only knock (why it's three stars instead of 4) is that it is hard to read in a linear fashion. All the games give good ideas, but that format keeps pulling the reader out of the book. Other than that, I love the author's voice. She's funny and obviously knowledgeable about her subject matter. If you are even flirting with writer's block, this book would fix the problem. Like, yesterday.
August 5, 2022
This isn't really meant to be a book that you sit down and read, but more of a tool. The majority of the book are writing games/prompts separated into different categories based on what the games help you focus on. The book definitely has some good advice on letting go of expectations and thinking fast, which is what I needed at this stage in my life.
March 14, 2020
Great ideas for struggling writers or those looking to shake things up. While not a book that is a great read in the linear sense, she offers lots of strategies, games, and prompts to get your writing going. I haven't tried all of them yet, but the ones I have kept me from staring at a blank page all night.
April 19, 2021
Great for Writers
The games in the book are perfect for helping me get the ideas out of my head and onto the page. Once they're out it becomes much easier to work with them and mold them into the proper shape for my stories. I've also found the games help open me up so I can get into flow state easier. Once I start writing it's harder to stop.
The games in the book are perfect for helping me get the ideas out of my head and onto the page. Once they're out it becomes much easier to work with them and mold them into the proper shape for my stories. I've also found the games help open me up so I can get into flow state easier. Once I start writing it's harder to stop.
December 1, 2022
Practical & Playful Ways to Boost Creativity as a Writer
This is such a wonderful hands on book, or sort of a workbook or workshop, in improv games to move you forward as a writer and as a person. I enjoyed it and plan to refer to it often. I will never worry about writer’s block with this resource at hand.
This is such a wonderful hands on book, or sort of a workbook or workshop, in improv games to move you forward as a writer and as a person. I enjoyed it and plan to refer to it often. I will never worry about writer’s block with this resource at hand.
Read
January 18, 2023I checked out this audio book from my public library. Although there were some parts of the book I enjoyed (the author's energetic narration, inspirational quotes, and examples of certain writing prompts), I don't think I got the full experience. This is not like other audio books where you can listen while taking a walk, doing the dishes, etc. To get the most out of it, you would want to sit down and do the writing exercises. Unfortunately, my library's copy of the audio book did not include the PDF that contains the key to all of the prompts in the book. I'm pretty sure if you buy the audio book (or check out any other version of the book) this would not be an issue. Just a note of caution for those, like me, who might be looking for a bit of inspiration in your earbuds while you're busy doing other things. Improv for Writers is meant to be a bit more hands on.
I originally assigned this book a different 2023 Reading Challenge category, but after giving it some thought, I am amending my category to: A book you wish you could read for the first time again. Basically because I wish I had a do-over where I could read/experience this book for the first time the way it was intended to be read/experienced.
I originally assigned this book a different 2023 Reading Challenge category, but after giving it some thought, I am amending my category to: A book you wish you could read for the first time again. Basically because I wish I had a do-over where I could read/experience this book for the first time the way it was intended to be read/experienced.
February 24, 2023
Three stars only because I listened to this on audio which doesn't suit the nature of the book.
That being said, I think there were some nice prompts and useful tips in their for writers who need a boost in creative motivation. The paper copy will come with a pdf workbook so the experience is bound to be very different.
That being said, I think there were some nice prompts and useful tips in their for writers who need a boost in creative motivation. The paper copy will come with a pdf workbook so the experience is bound to be very different.
Read
December 1, 2019I gleaned a few tips for transferring improv tactics over to my writing life. I'm looking forward to trying a few of these methods.
December 27, 2019
Organized well with plenty of practical exercises and 'games' to make it fun. Anyone looking to improve their writing and help kick off creativity would enjoy this book.
March 7, 2021
Fun, approachable, interactive.
May 4, 2021
A book which keeps you on track by giving you back to back writing exercises and improve your writing skills. A good one.
January 9, 2022
i really enjoyed the prompts as springboards from this book. what a great way to start off 2022.
January 30, 2022
I borrowed this from the library, but it is packed with so many great writing exercises and lists of prompts that I ordered my own copy!
October 6, 2025
Interesting ideas and games; annoying voice of the writer - she's like a Mousekeeter. One star removed due to that.
January 15, 2020
This book can help any writer. I picked up this book due to me having a lot of writers block. In the book there are fun brainstorming exercises. I spent once a week doing at least two exercises writing on a piece of paper in a notebook. The tone in the novel really makes you feel like the author cares about your ideas. It encourages you to write about anything and let your mind explore. I never thought of it that way. It helped me continue writing my own stories without coming across another writers block. I give this book 5 stars!
April 9, 2020
With its bright, light-bulb centered cover and excellent sub-title, this book looked like it would contain a perfect collection of prompts to get me going. In the book, author and improvisational comedienne Jorjeana Marie invites us to use the dynamic, say-yes-to-everything energy of doing improv on stage to generate creative writing and avoid our inner critic. Her suggestions are:
• Commit to your character; let your character say whatever they want.
• Approach writing with curiosity and confidence, like a child pretending to be a dragon.
• When first doing an exercise, go for speed: write as much as you can as fast as you can. Later you can adjust the timer and give yourself more time to more fully explore an idea.
• Say yes to every idea.
Unfortunately, the beginning prompts didn’t work for me: All of them involved using the word Yes! First exercise: Yes, let’s go to The Opal of Opportunity, [fill in name of someone you’re addressing here]! (Five minute timed freewrite) I did it, but it felt silly – and all of the Yes! prompts just seemed absurd to me. So perhaps this wasn’t the perfect book of prompts for me.
Later suggestions: meditate before writing, choose an object (many suggestion lists are at the back of the book) and write about it, choose characters and put them in dialogue, choose a character to deliver a monologue, etc. These all sound reasonable, but there is nothing “secret” or special about them. The many lists at the back of the book – lists of names, places, objects, character types and premises – might work well for someone struggling with what to write about, as many of the prompts give you all the pieces and ask you to construct a story with them.
Each prompt is preceded by an annoying “Why On Earth Would We Do This” section that explains the benefits we will find in each exercise. Marie’s writing style is over-the-top enthusiastic and often gets in the way of the advice she is giving. As an example, in a chapter titled Conjure Enthusiasm, she writes, “You aren’t doing anyone else any favors laboring away on something that not only isn’t fun but will eventually suck your soul up like a handy dandy patented Dyson.” And that cliché-ridden bit of advice is just the second half of her sentence!
I didn’t find the book very engaging, but for someone who is looking to simply exercise their writing muscles, there are lots of prompts (often framed as games) here, and if you dedicated yourself to doing them, you would definitely generate some ideas.
• Commit to your character; let your character say whatever they want.
• Approach writing with curiosity and confidence, like a child pretending to be a dragon.
• When first doing an exercise, go for speed: write as much as you can as fast as you can. Later you can adjust the timer and give yourself more time to more fully explore an idea.
• Say yes to every idea.
Unfortunately, the beginning prompts didn’t work for me: All of them involved using the word Yes! First exercise: Yes, let’s go to The Opal of Opportunity, [fill in name of someone you’re addressing here]! (Five minute timed freewrite) I did it, but it felt silly – and all of the Yes! prompts just seemed absurd to me. So perhaps this wasn’t the perfect book of prompts for me.
Later suggestions: meditate before writing, choose an object (many suggestion lists are at the back of the book) and write about it, choose characters and put them in dialogue, choose a character to deliver a monologue, etc. These all sound reasonable, but there is nothing “secret” or special about them. The many lists at the back of the book – lists of names, places, objects, character types and premises – might work well for someone struggling with what to write about, as many of the prompts give you all the pieces and ask you to construct a story with them.
Each prompt is preceded by an annoying “Why On Earth Would We Do This” section that explains the benefits we will find in each exercise. Marie’s writing style is over-the-top enthusiastic and often gets in the way of the advice she is giving. As an example, in a chapter titled Conjure Enthusiasm, she writes, “You aren’t doing anyone else any favors laboring away on something that not only isn’t fun but will eventually suck your soul up like a handy dandy patented Dyson.” And that cliché-ridden bit of advice is just the second half of her sentence!
I didn’t find the book very engaging, but for someone who is looking to simply exercise their writing muscles, there are lots of prompts (often framed as games) here, and if you dedicated yourself to doing them, you would definitely generate some ideas.
June 1, 2021
Improv for Writers presents an overview of improv skills, then expands these skills into a programme for developing similar abilities as a writer. Each short chapter is followed by several writing exercises applying the teachings of that chapter. Marie makes extensive use of the varied lists in the Appendix to provide random inspiration for the writer.
I was fascinated by this book. The tools here help a writer develop quirky stories and build engaging characters. While it was fun to read, the deepest lessons will come through exploring the writing challenges.
I was fascinated by this book. The tools here help a writer develop quirky stories and build engaging characters. While it was fun to read, the deepest lessons will come through exploring the writing challenges.
August 24, 2022
Fun improve-based exercises with plenty of prompts in the back index. It encouraged me to take a step back and relax while getting into the zone. Some exercises were familiar from my theater days, others were new. A fantastic way to get out of my own head while getting creative.
February 4, 2026
Rejuvenation for my 2020-weary mind! This workbook-style volume is chock full of games, exercises, and encouragement to set my imagination and creativity back on course. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews