One of my goals on my secret to-do list is to take an improv class, or at the very least, sit and watch one rehearse. I always thought it would be a great way to work on improving my writing because it would hopefully get me into the mindset of reacting in the moment and riffing on something.
It turns out that another writer is doing the improv scene and has found something useful for writers- a game called, “Yes, and…” Actually, she’s found a handful of improv techniques that can help writers, but I really liked the game. She suggested it as a reminder of accepting what’s thrown at you and building from there, but I think as a writing prompt on its own, it could be fairly useful. You write out something, get stuck, and then say “Yes, and…” instead of “What now?”
I think this could be a great way to work through difficult scenes and writer’s block. Just remember it’s only a draft and you can change things later when you’re editing.
