Improvisation is doing something, usually creative, without preplanning. When we “improv”, we abandon or ignore our plans and set out into the unknown. We take risks and ignore the possibility of failure.

It means “letting go”, “playing by ear”, “making it up as you go”, and “thinking outside the box.” When we improvise, we are like a child at play, dipping our toes in the water just to see what will happen.

This ability to let go and throw away concerns about an end product or potential failure is key in experiencing that all so important creative flow where ideas just pour onto the page like magic as experienced in fast drafting.

Although usually associated with acting and the theater, improvisation is found in all the arts as well as other endeavors that encourage the creation of unique results, such as cooking, sports, and sales. It is also an important approach for writers to keep in our toolboxes.

Why is Improvisation Important for Writers

Often, as writers, we find ourselves totally restrained by what we believe to be good writing or how we are supposed to say something. When this happens our story becomes staid and dull or worse, we may encounter writer’s block. When this happens it is time to set aside the project we are working on and try one of the following playful ways of writing.

Enjoy things even when you’re screwing up. Keith Johnstone

Improvising with Words

The writerly improvisation exercises listed below require three things on our part to be successful:

1. A relaxing atmosphere. If necessary, move away from where you usually write to a place that makes you feel comfortable and at ease.
2. A playful attitude. Come to these activities with an open-mind and an acceptance that no lasting or usable product is expected or desired.
3. A suspension of the rules. Allow no editing in your head or on the paper. Forget grammar, spelling and anything else you have ever been taught is good writing and just plunge in.

Free Writing

This is a common way to relieve writer’s block and to get the juices flowing before diving into the serious work. Often it is suggested to use a timer and a writing prompt like the ones below:

• Write a story that starts with the sentence: An elephant escaped.
• Write a dialogue between two people who have opposite beliefs.
• Imagine a world in which time runs backwards.

Prompts like these can certainly help the writer find a place to start a free writing session. If you search the internet you will find a multitude of lists of prompts to try. Personally, I find specific prompts can sometimes be limiting, while a timer can add unneeded stress. If you do too, here are more open-ended free write starts that can be used over and over.

• Imagine you are experiencing something emotional. Express freely how you feel.
• Pretend you are in some familiar or unfamiliar place. Describe it using all the senses.
• Visualize an unfamiliar person, creature, or entity. Expose their inner being and how they cope in their world.

Surface Scrawls

If free writing is not playful and releasing enough for you, abandon your usual method of writing and choose a new surface and a new writing tool. Choose any word to start. Then write away. Some great combos to play with include:

• Warm sand and a stone or shell
• Stone and a wet finger
• Colored paper and thick kindergarten crayons
• Assorted papers and cloth glued to a sheet of paper and poster paint
• Mud and a stick
• Velvet or pile and a finger
• Flattened playdough and a fork

. . . or whatever combination strikes your fancy.

Wandering Words

If you don’t want to get so messy, try this. Get a sheet of paper, the bigger the better, and using your favorite pen or marker, fill the sheet with words, phrases, or sentences. Continue until every inch of the paper is covered. Feel free to change colors, writing styles, and directions. Cross over already written words, if you want. Even turn the paper around and work from different sides.

Talk Talk Talk

To become more comfortable writing dialogue try this. Pick an imaginary person to talk to and start a conversation on any topic you can imagine. Ignore quotation marks and dialogue tags. talk and talk and talk until there is nothing left to say.

Altogether

Sometimes it is easier to play with someone else. This activity can be done by a pair or in a group. Each person has a pen and a piece of paper. Each writes a word or phrase in the center. The papers are then passed around and each adds something to it. Again, play around with this. Write in different directions. Use different colors. And whatever you do, no critiquing is allowed, only laughing.

Another option is to hang a huge sheet of paper on a wall and have everyone write at the same time.

Put your whole self in – just like the hokey pokey. Deb Rabbai

Summary

To be successful at improvising, a writer needs to have an open-mindset and be willing to suspend all the rules and requirements as well as any possibility of failure.

Improvisation activities promote better writing by driving away writer’s block and freeing the mind to create in new ways. Seeing improvisation as play is key for getting the most benefits.

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Have you tried any of these methods to loosen up your writer or get passed a writing block?