Today the guys discuss the rules of improve, as they apply to writers. Comedy improvisation rules are things like, “never say ‘no,'” “yes/and,” etc. But while these “rules” are helpful and can lead to really funny improvised comedy, it can also be a detriment to your story arcs.

Which rules are meant to be broken? Which are the rules that are necessary? When should you break them?

The guys chat about these rules, their processes, and what they’ve heard other authors do.

Justin’s process for writing wearing four hats during four phases of the journey: “The Madman” (first draft), “The Architect” (second draft and moving big pieces around), “The Carpenter” (moving the tinier “boards” around the story), and “The Judge” (the final “is it good” draft). Here’s a great lecture explaining the process.