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Stories • People • Places

Field reports on fiddlers, truck drivers, and wide-eyed dreamers.

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I’ve spent more than three decades helping people do just that—through poetry, performance, workshops, coaching, and a life built on my own terms.

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Books by James Navé

Live Life Like a Festival

Co-authored with Jennifer Pickering and Lauren Breher

Celebrating 30 years of LEAF Global Arts

Buy Your Book Today

Write What You Don't Know

10 Steps to Writing with Confidence, Energy, and Flow (with Allegra Huston)
Twice 5 Miles (2022)

100 Days

Poems After Cancer
3: A Taos Press (2023)

How to Read for an Audience

And Touch People’s Hearts (with Allegra Huston)
Twice 5 Miles (2018)

The Blue Bird Cafe, Nashville, TN

On October 3, 2026, singer-songwriter Lisa Carver invited me to join her at the Bluebird Cafe along with Cheley Tuackett, Annie Mosher, and Helene Cronin. I was honored to become a small part of Music Row history.

  • "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