James Navé

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

—Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way

Stories happen when you trust what you notice.

Want to learn more?

Email Me. Let’s talk.

Spend an hour writing with people from around the world.
A simple writing prompt is all it takes to get started.

Join the Imaginative Storm Saturday Writing Circle
Free on Zoom • Saturdays • 12–1 PM Eastern

Learn more.

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

Tuesdays, September 14 – November 23, 2026

facilitated by James Navé

Learn how your imagination leads to writing people remember.

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