Poet. Writer. PODCASTER.

CO-FOUNDER, IMAGINATIVE STORM.

What is the

Imaginative Storm?

An easy, enjoyable way to expand the range of your imaginative intelligence.

A structured approach to free-form writing.

A supportive community of people who write—for fun, for personal discovery, and to share their thoughts and stories with the world.

A philosophy

for living a creative life.

Books & courses

Write What You Don't Know

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

We promise you will amaze yourself.

Write What You Don’t Know Audio Course

James Navé and Allegra Huston, co-founders of Imaginative Storm, guide you step by step through the 10 sessions.

Stream on your favorite podcast platform.

The Manageable Memoir Video Course

Not sure how to start your memoir? Navé and Allegra will get you off to a flying start in this short, 90-minute course.

Who knew a memoir could be so simple?

100 Days: Poems After Cancer

The inspiration for the Manageable Memoir course. These short poetic pieces are meditations on transience and ordinary beauty.

My brush with cancer changed the way I live my life.

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.

Workshops & retreats

Word by word: the creative power of memorization with James Navé

Monday, December 9, 2024, 6-9 pm ET · 5-8 pm CT · 4-7 pm · 3-6 pm PT - $97 - Limit 12

In this three-hour Word by Word: The Creative Power of Memorization workshop, you’ll experience the power of memorization as a creative discipline. Building on centuries-old traditions and personal practice, you’ll learn how memorization deepens your connection to language, strengthens your imaginative intelligence, and opens surprising new avenues of creativity.

“write what you don’t know” 10-week Zoom course

Next course January 21 – April 1, 2025. Limited to 10 participants.

Every Tuesday for 10 weeks—making 11 sessions in total—we meet on Zoom for 2.5 hours to work through one of the chapters of “Write What You Don’t Know.” I will keep you on track, encouraging you to explore ever wilder and deeper, and I’ll be available to you during the week as well. You’ll finish the course with a fat file of writing, which you can incorporate into an existing project or shape into something new. Plus, you’ll have a powerful set of tools to take into the rest of your writing life.

“WRITE WITHOUT LIMITS” TAOS WRITING RETREAT

April 20 – 24, 2025. Limited to 12 participants.

Transform your writing, and your approach to writing, forever. In four enjoyably intense days with Allegra and Navé, you’ll discover how to surprise yourself on the page, how to tell your story with authenticity and originality, and how to suffuse your writing with personality and emotion. You’ll learn easy techniques designed to open the gateways into the highest peaks and deepest dells of your imaginative intelligence.

  • Say goodbye to writer’s block forever

  • Turn your inner critic into your most valuable and trusted ally

  • Get acquainted with your authentic writing voice

  • Fill your writing with passion, purpose, and power

Events

Events
Thursday-Imaginative Storm Writing Prompt of the Week 6-7 pm ET
Nov 21
Thursday-Imaginative Storm Writing Prompt of the Week 6-7 pm ET
Saturday-Imaginative Storm Writing Prompt of the Week-12-1 pm ET
Nov 23
Saturday-Imaginative Storm Writing Prompt of the Week-12-1 pm ET
Thursday-Imaginative Storm Writing Prompt of the Week 6-7 pm ET
Nov 28
Thursday-Imaginative Storm Writing Prompt of the Week 6-7 pm ET
Word by Word: The Creative Power of Memorization—an Imaginative Storm Workshop—facilitated by James Navé - 6-9 pm EST
Dec 9
Word by Word: The Creative Power of Memorization—an Imaginative Storm Workshop—facilitated by James Navé - 6-9 pm EST
On Zoom: A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas performed by James Navé - 5-6:30PM EST
Dec 18
On Zoom: A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas performed by James Navé - 5-6:30PM EST
“Write What You Don’t Know” 10-week Imaginative Storm Zoom course ~11 sessions, Tuesdays, 3–5:30 pm PT / 6–8:30 pm ET, limited to 10 participants
Jan 21
“Write What You Don’t Know” 10-week Imaginative Storm Zoom course ~11 sessions, Tuesdays, 3–5:30 pm PT / 6–8:30 pm ET, limited to 10 participants

  • "James is an inspiring visionary who seamlessly combines business and artistry. Dedicated to the power of language and the ongoing study of culture, he remains on the pulse of what is current and topical. Working with him will open your mind and world to new visions of personal and artistic possibility."

    —Tish Vallés

  • "When I think of James Navé, I think creative. He saw things in my work that were invisible to me and brought them to the surface. I look forward to our next project."

    —Ross Terry

  • "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

  • "James Navé has the unusual gift of both clear and creative thinking. His gentle yet precise questioning, passion, and creative insight are remarkable and helped bring me right where I needed to be, saving time and frustration in the process."

    —David Behrstock

  • "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