12 Days of Prompt Tools for Fiction Writers
Day 10: Improv for Writers
I am an introvert. I think I might be an extroverted introvert, but I am still an introvert, nonetheless. So, when attending a writing workshop at BookCon in NYC over a decade ago, and having the fleeting chance to ask the instructor about her best bit of advice for writers looking for the kind of inspiration her prompts and exercises provided, I was devastated when she shared that I absolutely had to treat myself to joining an improv group. I told myself I would be brave enough to take this advice as I loved what this woman shared with us at that workshop. I felt guilty for years for not following that advice. And then, in 2019, Jorjeana Marie wrote a book that gave me an out, as well as another awesome resource to share with you!
*Many links in this series will be affiliate links (any that direct you to bookshop.org), so if you use these links to make a purchase, please know that the shop itself will pay me a commission as a result of your purchase.
Day 10: Improv for Writers
Improv for Writers by Jorjeana Marie reviews the lessons, exercises, and philosophy of improvisation and takes them from the stage to the page.
Purchase on Bookshop.org.
The book begins with the ten rules of improv:
Say “Yes!”
“…and”
Be in the Moment
Have No Expectations
Trust
Listen
Commit
Be an Expert
Be Specific
Set an Intention
Judge Not
Bonus Rule: Conjure Enthusiam
The second part of the book then takes improvisation and applies it specifically to various story elements such as ideas, settings, characters, premises, and so on. Every section of the book has a GAME in it that puts each of the rules and/or applications into practice immediately after you learn what it is. Most of the games use the appendix of the book, which contain lists. I will say that the appendix alone may make some writers seeking prompts fork over the funds to grab this book up!
How It Works
Every game is different, but essentially a game takes the lesson of the chapter and puts it into action. If the game sounds like something too outlandish, or maybe doesn’t fit your idea of something that will inpire writing, you’ll be encouraged by the “Why on Earth would we do this?” section that follows every game or exercise. Jorjeana Marie seems to understand that we writers are in unfamiliar terrain as we tiptoe through the world of improv and she does a great job of guiding us through and demonstrating why she’s confident this kind of bending beyond our limits is exactly what we need.
Many exercises and games employ the use of a list or two in the appendix where you may need to choose a random number to select a random setting, character, premise, or something else for your writing of the day.
I will also give fair warning that some exercises/game stretch beyond the page and ask you to embody character, or do something rather than write something. This allows you the opportunity to go deep into the world of your personal improv while going through the book.
How I Use It
I have been hopping around the book, using the exercises and games randomly on my own and within the Stop Writing Alone group.
Here are a few of the exercises I have shared and worked with:
What I’ve Written With It
Frustration abounds, my peeps. I have written a number of stories using Improv for Writers. What I have not done (AGAIN!) is shared any of them. (insert multiple facepalm emojis here)
I am so happy I included this section in these posts in order to embarass myself back out of this story hoarding habit I have slid so comfortably back into once again. GAH!
I will say this, though. The whole concept of “Raise the Stakes” as described in the final video above, was one that definitely lingered far beyond the day I worked on this specific exercise, so it is possible that you will see evidence of it in a bunch of stories over on Story Hoarder, even if they don’t give credit to Improv for Writers.
Why I Love It
There is something special about applying the concepts of improv to your writing bag of tricks. I think the workshop leader who advised me to seek out improv was onto something because there were games and concepts discussed in this book that I hadn’t thought of before in my writing before reading this book. And, as in the “Raise the Stakes” example, I believe this is one of those books where the lessons not only linger, they are easily applicable to other writing projects beyond the game at hand. I think there may still be something to be gained by experiencing actual improv as a participant, but, intellectually, I believe I have wrapped my head around how and when these philosophies can enhance my writing thanks to this book.
Where To Buy It
I think you may still find this book lurking in your local bookstore’s writing section, but if you are struggling and would rather it be delivered straight to your door, you can pick up a copy from bookshop.org. Remember that shopping at bookshop.org has a whole bunch of perks like supporting a bookstore near you, and supporting Stop Writing Alone (I’m an affiliate for bookshop.org).
The List
Just in case you do not have the time or patience to wait out all 12 days to see the tools I will be sharing this season, here’s a bit of a master list. You can come back when it suits you to check out the reasons I love these tools and how I use them. As the posts go up, I will update this list with the links to those posts.
Games that are great prompt tools (You’ll have to check the post out for these links!) - Day 8 post
Now Write! Books
Stop Writing Alone Paid Subscription (you really can’t blame me for this! With this option, you have access to all of these AND MORE all the time!)
Sounds like a cool book. I’d never thought of associating improv with writers!
I love the idea of 12 days of prompt tools - I will have to go back & revisit day 1 through day 9 as I join late - thanks for sharing and it was a pleasure meeting you at the poetry reading last weekend - happy holidays