Write Way Home: Writing My Way Back to a Meaningful Life

by Hedley Derenzie

‘What a great book and what an achievement. I loved it. It’s pithy (in a sharp way), at times funny and at times heart-breaking but always optimistic. Above all, it’s inspirational.’ —Bob Selden, bestselling author of What to Do When You Become the Boss After a failed suicide attempt, author Hedley Derenzie decided rather than escaping life, she would write her way through it, every day for the next thirty-one days. What started out as a simple yet challenging exercise soon turned into a life-changing adventure. It became an exploration of the creative process and what it means to find true fulfilment. Write Way Home is a personal, engaging story about one writer’s quest to navigate her way back from the brink with the help of a daily creative practice. Written in clear and simple language, it offers insights and practical suggestions to anyone who might be feeling stuck or lost and looking for a way out — as in, a way back to life.

270 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Betty Tzavaras · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5☆

[Alyson S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a joyous book! Perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed they could do something creative or those already in the creative arts. It's an inspiring coming of age story about the author's journey as she steps into her own potential as a writer. It's a powerful story from darkness to light; from despair to re-birth. For anyone who ever dreamed of letting loose their creative inspirations - this book is for you.

[Little Birdie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard the author interviewed on RN and thought she spoke so well it would be worth buying the book. Unfortunately not. Such a worthy topic and endeavour handled in a superficial way; my heart sank within four chapters, along with the lattes, g-strings, memories of promotional modelling, and wealthy friends...

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found that I really enjoyed reading this book. It is more a memoir than a book about writing. It traces the author's pilgrimage from attempted suicide to "finding her way home" through a month of intensive writing. Highly recommended to anyone struggling with the challenges of creative life.

[Letiesha Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I have now read it 3 times over the last few years, and every time I find something new that I didn’t the previous time.

I hope if you have read it, read it again a year or so later.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I picked this up in the bookstore but was pleasantly surprised. Easy read and some inspiring points.

[Thomas McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Kirsty Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I interviewed Hedley about her book and the life disruptions that lead to her temporary spiral. Beautifully written, and important discussion to be had by all ages.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for someone wrestling with where they fit in life.

[Jaydan Salzke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great ‘one part at a time’ novel, where you pick it up and give it the time of day for a chapter or two (or a day or two in the context of the book) and then return to it when you next feel called to. The power in it is when it gets vulnerable and it’s an example, a lived experience, that proves the power of creativity.
By reading it, and travelling with Hedley on her creative pilgrimage, you almost feel a similar sense of accomplishment. I think it’s worth seeing it through to the end for this reason. In some way, you get to celebrate and breathe a sigh of relief alongside her.