Exploratory Writing is a breath of fresh air in our increasingly digital world. This book underlines the age-old practice of using pen and paper for personal exploration, and it's a game-changer. I can't stress enough how vital this tool is for anyone, no matter what walk of life you come from.

The first part of the book provides an insightful introduction to exploratory writing. It delves into the science behind it, explaining why it's such a powerful thinking tool. While this section might be a tad lengthy for some, I found it to be an essential foundation for understanding the value of this practice. It's not just about jotting down thoughts; it's about harnessing the true potential of your mind.

But for me, the book truly shines in its second part. Here, you'll discover a treasure trove of writing exercises that are not only original but also incredibly valuable. These techniques are unlike any I've encountered before. They guide you in digging deep into your thoughts when you're not even sure what you want to say. This is a lifeline if you're brainstorming ideas for a book or grappling with a problem in your life. It's like having a trusted friend who helps you navigate the labyrinth of your thoughts.

Now, don't be put off by the fact that the book is primarily targeted at business professionals. It's a misconception to think that exploratory writing is exclusive to the corporate world. No matter who you are or what you write, this book is a goldmine of techniques to free up your creativity and uncover hidden depths.

In a world that's drowning in technology, "Exploratory Writing" brings us back to a fundamental and timeless practice. It has the potential to transform the way you think, create, and problem-solve. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any writer or individual who is looking to unleash their creativity, sharpen their focus, and discover the untapped potential within their own mind. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the pen and the page.

I liked this book. However, I was hoping for guidance on writing for therapeutic reasons, but this book is more geared toward exploratory writing for business reasons. That said, the appendix at the back of the book with prompts and questions to ask for reflecting on matters may prove to be useful.

Insightful for a person who often writes as part of her employment/job. Loved how simple and concise how it's written.

I read this book just a few weeks ago, and yet no tangible ideas have stuck with me. I would say this speaks to the book’s impact, and it does, but that’s not the whole truth.
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“Exploratory Writing” left a mild impression on me. It splashed a few drops of fuel onto a flame I feared would go out: my passion for writing. My anxiety has gotten the best of me (or brought out the worst) these past few years, and I’ve hardly written at all. But when I finished this book, I bit the biscuit and sat down to write a brief passage.
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Ever since then, my commitment to working through my writing anxiety has been renewed. It’s not a magic cure, but it’s just the shove I needed.
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I recommend this book if you need that shove, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review. Exploratory Writing presents the why and how of writing in a way that can be accessible and enjoyable for many. A few of the takeaways for me are: 1. writing is fun, 2. writing can help us see more of what is in front of us, and 3. writing can be just for you. The neuroscience behind why writing is helpful was also interesting. This is more of a why and how of writing, not what I expected but definitely helpful. It reads more like a self-help book than anything. I disliked what I read as the emphasis on self-not much if any mention about community or the challenges of living in our current society (classism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, racism, etc).

I have read a lot of books about writing, but this one is something different. I really enjoyed it.

Part one is basically an introduction to exploratory writing: the science behind it and how to do it. It was a bit long for my liking and I found myself keen to get to part two.

That was when the book really came into its own. In part two there are loads of writing exercises that are original and valuable, using techniques that I have never come across before. They really help you to get down to the core of what you are trying to say and would be ideal if you are brainstorming ideas for a book or trying to write your way out of a problem.

Don’t let the fact that this book is written for business put you off. There is plenty here for all kinds of writer, no matter how and what you write.

I would recommend this book for any writer who wants techniques to help them free up their writing and help them to plumb their hidden depths.

With thanks to Netgalley and Practical Inspiration Publishing for this advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

Exploratory Writing
Everyday magic for life and work
by Alison Jones
Pub Date 13 Dec 2022 | Archive Date 05 Jan 2023
Practical Inspiration Publishing
Nonfiction (Adult) | Reference


I am reviewing a copy of Exploratory Writing through Practical Inspiration Publishing and Netgalley:


Everything we’re learning about how we function best as humans in the digital age is pointing towards one of our oldest technologies: the pen and the page. As much as technology has a place in writing simple tools too can offer extraordinary results.


Exploratory writing is writing for ourselves, not for others. It's writing when we don't know what exactly what it is we want to say – is one of the most powerful and lightweight thinking tools we have at our disposal. It’s also been, until now, one of the most overlooked. But the world’s most influential leaders are increasingly using the techniques in this book to support the key skills of the 21st century self-mastery, creativity, focus, solution-finding, collaboration and so can you.


Allison Jones is the founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing and host of The Extraordinary Business Book Club podcast and community, she is passionate about the power of writing to change ourselves and the world. Alison Jones has been helping business leaders identify and articulate what matters over a 30-year career in publishing and as a coach.


I give Exploratory Writing five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Thank you for the advanced copy.

This for me is an introduction and I found it thoroughly fascinating, I loved that it felt very accessible. I find this topic fascinating now and this will be a start of an enjoyable journey for me

Highly recommended

"Exploratory Writing" by Alison Jones brings Julia Cameron's lessons from the 'Artists Way' to the business arena. In it, Jones describes exploratory writing as one of the most "powerful and lightweight thinking tools we have at our disposal" and provides ideas and exercises for how business leaders can use it.

For me, this book didn't really provide any new insights beyond the fact that free writing can not only boost creative output but also leadership. However, for people looking for ways to enhance their leadership skills who have not heard of Cameron's book, I can see this being a helpful addition to their bookshelves.

I've used a version of exploratory writing for years called Freewriting. But this book makes it accessible for all - with friendly but useful explanations of neurology plus welcome hand-holding chapters that take you into the writing experience. I find this technique very, very useful - more so than creative thought sometimes - and you really do get some great ideas coming from the subconscious if you trust yourself. Recomended.