James Navé

I work with people who already feel the pull of language,
and with those who are finding their way back to it.

If you’re ready to listen more deeply, write more honestly,
or reclaim a creative life that matters to you,

I’d love to connect.

Let’s start with a conversation
(Your first one is always free.)

Email Me. Let’s talk.

Writing begins with attention.
Stories begin when we trust what we notice.

Julia Cameron, author of THE ARTIST’S WAY

James Navé and I worked together for over 20 years. His company is a pleasure. His work as a poet, performer, and teacher is an important force for change.”  

Are you curious about the Imaginative Storm? Here’s a promise you’ll like.

The Imaginative Storm method will transform your writing in just one session.

Saturday Prompt of the Week (free offering)

Try the Imaginative Storm for yourself. 

Join our free Prompt of the Week every Saturday on Zoom, 12–1 PM ET — a no-pressure hour of writing, insight, and shared creativity.

Free—No registration needed. Learn more.

Write What You (Don’t) Know 10-Week Course

Strengthen your imaginative intelligence & deepen your writing.
Join Write What You (Don’t) Know — a 10-week facilitated workshop led by James Navé, meeting Tuesdays Jan 20–Mar 17.

Limited to 10 writers. Register Soon.

Books

Write What You Don't Know

The book of the Imaginative Storm method. Over 60 writing prompts to energize your imaginative intelligence.

Also available as an audio course and a video course.

100 Days: Poems After Cancer

My brush with cancer changed the way I live my life. These short poetic pieces are meditations on transience and ordinary beauty.

This book inspired the Imaginative Storm course The Manageable Memoir.

How to Read for an Audience

Often, the scariest part of being a writer. But not as scary as you might think. I’ll teach you how to give your writing as a gift to those who’ve come to hear you.

When you engage with your words, your audience will too.

  • Navé is an inspired writer who seamlessly combines business, life, and artistry. Working with him will widen your perspective on your creative writing possibilities.

    —Tish Vallés

  • James Navé brings a refreshing imaginative approach to craft—character development, plot tension—with great surprises. Each Imaginative Storm exercise built on the last. Thoughtful, insightful facilitation.

    —Alicia Allen

  • "Through James Nave's effective leadership, I got a real sense of how powerful a group dynamic can be. Because of his gentle encouragement, I wrote my first poem in 15 years, composed a short story, and read it on our open mic night -- all in one week!"

    —Nancy Colasurdo

  • Thank you James Navé for a brilliantly designed, productive workshop. The less-structured starting point expanded my writing, teaching me to allow early junk on the page and discover surprising nuggets that often become deeply valuable over time.

    — Mark Lupetti

  • "Your workshop helped unlock some doors in how Patrick and I expressed ourselves and was of tremendous value both creatively and personally. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and helping us shape our perceptions."

    —Patricia and Patrick

  • "I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to have you present Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales" here. Your performance was so warm and expressive, and you had our audience right there with you. The Q&A that followed was all we could ask for! What a treasure you are."

    —Gail Jackson, The Black Mountain Center for the Arts

  • "James Navé has an uncanny way of placing up a direct, bold, yet compassionate mirror. He asks questions that make me think, transcend my mind in new directions, expands my insight, deepen my perceptions, and encourage me to keep going."

    —Julie Miles

  • "All I can say is, "Wow!" The knowledge, integrity, humor, and insight that Navé displayed while leading us through the weekend were phenomenal. He is a dynamic teacher. I am still using the amazing writing exercises he guided us through. Would I recommend this workshop to anyone? Absolutely!"

    —Nikki Lyn Pugh