Use the ‘Yes, and?’ Rule
Do you ever use the 'Yes, and?' rule when writing? Maybe you should. Keep reading to learn more, then comment to discuss. And don't forget to check out today’s writing prompt. [Ed. from the Archive.]
The ‘Yes, and?’ rule is a mindset typically used in improv comedy, where performers agree to accept and build on one another’s ideas on the fly, live. It’s when a comedian will agree (say ‘yes’) to whatever one of their counterparts on stage is doing or saying, then add to it (‘and?’) in whatever way they see fit, to keep their improvised skit going.
Following the ‘Yes, and?’ rule ensures the live improv comedy performance never stalls, and encourages real spontaneity and creativity, often leading to hilarious results. Yet it’s also a rule that can be incredibly useful when writing drafts, where comedic performances are more … negotiable.
The ‘Yes, and?’ rule is especially helpful when writing first and second drafts. It will keep your words flowing onto the page and allow you to tap into the more creative side of the writing process, as momentum is key when following this rule.
You will be able to turn off your inner critic and editor as you write if you follow this rule, in other words, because you’ll be more concerned with, and excited about, writing whatever comes next in your draft, instead of editing and revising things you’ve just written in that draft.
Instead of perceiving what you’re writing as static and difficult to change, following this rule will allow your writing process to become more fluid and exciting, even fun, because you’ll be so caught up in writing what you’re writing that you won’t get the urge to second-guess anything you’re writing about— at least, not for long.
So, following the ‘Yes, and?’ rule will allow real creativity to surface, and allow you to reach a real state of uninterrupted flow as you write.
The ‘Yes, and?’ rule is also fun to follow when you’re writing because it offers you freedom from other writing rules that may hinder your writing process or creativity.
All that matters when following this rule is that you maintain your writing momentum and keep writing. It won’t matter if you’re spelling words correctly or if what you’re writing isn’t in the appropriate sequence, or if you introduce a new character or clause, etc. You can save all those worries for the editing phase, which will be much easier to do when your writing momentum is maintained during the drafting phase.
All that matters when following this rule is that you keep writing, no matter what.
Following this rule regularly, especially when writing first and second drafts, will allow you to fall in love with the writing process again and again because your imagination will be ignited again and again. And you’ll feel freer to authentically express yourself as you write, again and again.
Isn’t that why we all want to write most of the time anyway? To tap into the flow of writing and express ourselves authentically? To experience and harness the creative energy that flows within us while writing?
Keep in mind that following the ‘Yes, and?’ rule is akin to free writing, though it is more ideal to implement when working on lengthier projects like novels and personal essays, not just small one-off writing exercises.
Where free writing is useful when trying to combat writer’s block in general, or when trying to explore what topics to write about next, the ‘Yes, and?’ rule is more helpful for maintaining daily writing goals for larger writing projects and for keeping a lengthier project moving forward so it never stalls. Obviously, however, you should continue to use whatever writing practices and habits work best for you.
Essentially, following the ‘Yes, and?’ rule is a fun way to enjoy the writing process and maintain momentum as you write drafts, especially when you’re working on larger writing projects. And it will ensure you never completely run out of creative ideas or second-guess yourself as you write those first and second drafts.
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© This work is not available for artificial intelligence (AI) training. All Rights Reserved by K.E. Creighton; Creighton’s Compositions LLC.
Today’s Writing Prompt
Writing Prompt: Swimming
Write about someone or something that’s swimming, real or imagined.
Writing Tip
Before you begin writing, consider: In what body of water is the swimming taking place? And is this a solo swim? A daytime swim, or a nighttime swim?
