The Power of Writing It Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life

by Allison Fallon

Discover the power of (finally) getting unstuck, claiming your clarity, and becoming the person whose life you want to live--all through a simple self-care practice you can build into your daily routine.

For anyone who's trying to make sense of their life, who wants to get unstuck from the patterns that hold them back, hear this incredible news: everything you need for the freedom you want is entirely within reach. This practice and pathway is free, it's readily available every day of your life, it takes just minutes of your time, and anyone can do it.

Author, writing coach, and speaker Allison Fallon's life transformed when she discovered the power of a daily writing practice. As it turns out, using your words is one of the most powerful means you have for unlocking your life. The Power of Writing It Down is your guide to this transformative tool available to us all. In as little as five to twenty minutes a day, scientific research shows this daily practice can help you:


Identify your ruts and create new neurological grooves toward better habits
Find fresh motivation and take ownership of your life
Heal from past pain and trauma
Relieve anxiety and depression
Contextualize life's setbacks and minor frustrations
Live a more confident, balanced, and healthy life
...and so much more
Drawing from years of coaching hundreds through the writing process--from first-timers to New York Times bestselling authors--Allison shares tried and tested practices for getting started, staying inspired, and using this simple habit to shift how you feel and show up to your life. Pen and paper is simply the method, but the reward is the real magic: new depths of self-discovery, creativity, and intentionality for living.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Self Help, Audiobook, Psychology, Personal Development, Mental Health

Audio CD

First published January 12, 2021

About the author

Allison Fallon is the author of The Power of Writing It Down, as well as Packing Light and Indestructible. She is a speaker, and the founder of Find Your Voice, a community that supports anyone who wants to write anything. She has helped leaders of multi-national corporations, stay-at-home moms, Olympic gold medalists, recovering addicts, political figures, CEOs, and prison inmates use the Find Your Voice method as a powerful tool to generate positive change in their lives. She has lived all over the country in the past decade but now lives in Pasadena, California, with her husband and daughter. You can follow Allison at www.allisonfallon.com.

Reviews

[Anne Bogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to provide an endorsement for Ally. This is what I said:

Good things come to those who write. I'm thrilled that this book will help so many people benefit from the power of putting words on the page, learning through Allison Fallon's firm but friendly instruction both why and how to develop their own writing practice—because words can change everything.

If you're looking for inspiration or for how-tos, you'll find both here.

[Themountainbookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not your average self help book. I would love to see more books published about this topic. While I enjoyed the book and would still recommend others read it, I found the book to have some major flaws. The flaws made me think this book needed some more editing.

-no cohesion between chapters it felt very choppy to me. The chapters could have been standalone short stories

-brag much? A lot of the book felt like bragging or promoting her business. I get it you work with “real writers” and famous people. We only need to be told once

- the author kept saying but I won’t bore you with the brain science and I wish she would of. I would have loved to have read more about the science.

-I would rate this book at 85% filler. Filler stories trying to prove the point instead of data or even tricks and tools.

-it’s a slow read. It was hard for me to read more than a couple pages at a time.

I should note 📝 I got this as a free book for an honest review. Feel free to let me know what you thought of the book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful this book landed in my lap when it did. It was honestly just what I was looking for (and as a full-time teacher and mom of two under 3, I’m really choosy about what I invest my time in). As someone who has daily arguments with myself about how I should be writing more, this book did so much more for me than just remind me why I should write. The author actually taught me several tools to help me get out of my own head and onto the paper. She shows exactly what to do when you’re stuck (in writing OR life) and what to try when you don’t even know where to begin (“the drama of the blank page,” chapter 4). I was particularly drawn to Chapter 3 on creating space, and Chapter 5 on why making sense of your life/writing starts with questions, not answers. For anyone wondering if their story is actually worth telling— chapter 6. I could go on; this book is full of genuine nuggets of writing (and life) wisdom. It’s not just for beginning writers (I would challenge the reviews that say “great for beginners!”)— it’s for all writers and every person in any stage in life. Even if you’re not interested in writing anything for anyone else to ever read, this book is still for you. The research on the benefits of a regular writing practice, also discussed throughout this book, are fascinating and worth the time to learn. The effects, I’ve found personally, are powerful and profound.

Since I completely devoured it in digital form, I am really eager to get my hands on the physical copy this week to make notes and (with my aforementioned limited time) go through it a second time. It’s a book I will continue to refer back to for a long time to come. The book is equal parts inspiring and practical, like a manual or a guide but written in your best friend’s narrative voice. An easy/quick read (maybe because I felt like every single chapter was written for me?), though it deserves to be taken and digested more slowly than I did. I couldn’t put it down.

I don’t call many books life-changing, but I think this one makes my list for two reasons. 1) I resonated intently with the content and know I can actually continue to use it to change my own life, and 2) It’s exactly what I needed during this season of my life as a new mom in an uncertain world, trying desperately to just figure things out moving forward. This book is full of words and ideas that make total sense to me and connects deeply with what I know to be true. I’ve been waiting for this book. Maybe you have been, too.

[Ashley G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought the subject matter was going to be completely different. I am guilty of constantly reading books without reading the description first, but what an unexpected delight this was.

[Dana Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are paragraphs in here that are stunning. Truths to hold onto.

And then there are other moments where I think I just disagree with the author. It posed a confusing read. I went from irritated and critical to moved and taking notes every few pages.

The larger prose is disappointing. There a repeated apologetic tone for the brain science the author engages to make her point. I think it was meant to be approachable but came off as uncertain.

The repeated use of "most people perceive writing this way" was alienating because I didn't connect with any of the perceptions outlined--but maybe the book wasn't for me. And that's fair.

I will be referring it to certain people in my sphere asking questions about writing.

An aside: in moments of offering examples of how we may seek to change our lives, she mentions weight loss multiple times. While a common objective in American culture, the normalization of diet and weight management is harmful. Unaddressed narratives of health and change are left unchallenged here. And even better left out entirely.

[Steph R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I’ve read a lot of books written by people whose goal is to motivate me to write more, better, faster, etc. This book is different. It inspires us to dig deep within ourselves and simply practice writing, and in turn to be transformed by it. It can help us heal, it can show us perspective, and it can help us change our lives. I can not recommend this book enough.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first heard Allison Fallon talk about the immune-boosting benefits of writing, I was hooked. She promised more fascinating research in her book, and I was drawn to the data. To be sure, Fallon delivers many such insights in "The Power of Writing It Down," and they are well worth reading.

That said, most of Fallon's information comes from other people's research, particularly James W. Pennebaker (who has his own books on the subject of expressive writing - I have not read them myself). I was disappointed when I realized she hadn't contributed scientifically to this body of work but still appreciated her laymen's application (and explanation) of the current research. Paired with her own experiences drawn from her workshops and clients, the book was a reasonably well-rounded call to expressive writing.

While I enjoyed a lot of the things I learned, I couldn't help but feel bogged down by some of Fallon's over-explaining, speculating, and imagine-with-mes. There was also something that read a bit out-of-touch in her examples, probably due to the fact that she and her clients seem to inhabit a wealthier, more connected world than I'm accustomed to. It seemed that she tried to make up for it by that over-explaining I mentioned earlier, as well as one-too-many examples to conjure relatability. While none of this should disqualify her experience, expertise, or counsel, I had to catch myself from questioning if everything she said really applied to me too.

Lastly, the tip-toeing around Christianity was another disappointment. She seemed to keep just enough in there to appease Zondervan's audiences, but leaving enough out so that secular readers don't pin her as the white, evangelical preachy type of Rachel Hollis fame. It felt a bit disingenuous or dumbed down (her alluding to the "creation myth" and calling the Bible the "Hebrew Scriptures" were particular offenders, as if non-Christians wouldn't know what the Bible is but are perfectly familiar with the Torah and Koran).

All in all, I'd recommend this book to a tentative writer, someone in need of self-guided therapy, or someone looking for a confidence boost. To me, this book is less about priming someone for the writing life and more about encouraging someone teetering on the edge to take the plunge.

[Saipriya N · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who are aspiring to be writers this is a great book to start with. I liked the way how the author have given so many examples and benefits behind writing on regular basis. She also adds that everybody has got some story to say and guide others which can be put in form of writing.

The author encourages each one of us to start writing and reminds us over and over that how therapeutic it could be. My most favourite chapter is the sixth.


Tears are words that need to be written."
-Paulo Coelho

[Bobbi Salkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

In its practicality, this book may very well change my life.

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t find it engaging or enjoyable. It did not make me want to write. It felt like a long infomercial for her business.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like much of her advice, though I don't think I buy all her claims. Much of what she says is probably true, but she hypes things too much. Writing as a way of processing emotions, changing habits, increasing awareness, and gaining perspective? Yes! Writing as a way of healing trauma and accomplishing major life changes? Maybe. Writing as a way of healing your nervous system? Ehhh...

I do appreciate that she says not all writing must be published, and not all writing must be "perfect" or "legitimate" or "error free." We can write for ourselves, our eyes only, and that is valid and valuable. And we can write, then erase what we've written. It's a safe way of testing things out, with permission to get things wrong.

I wish she would have provided and discussed more types of writing. It seemed the only genres she considered are fiction (story-writing) or personal journaling. But there are so many other types of fictional or nonfictional writing out there which people should be encouraged to try.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is nonfiction. The author makes a lot of promises in the first part of this and I'm not entirely sure that she actually delivered on those. The first part was well thought out and was the perfect opening for the title of this book.

Then it started feeling a little choppy as she meandered through her topic of 'writing it down'. She had advice on changing your personal and/or your professional life. Overall, I liked the premise here. She had some interesting ideas but I don't think that I am in the target audience.

As a side note, I enjoyed the audio. The author did her own narration and she seemed very personable. So 3 stars.

[CatReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished reading this but could not tell you what its central thesis is. Its meandering narrative is reminiscent of Jack Kerouac's rambling stream of consciousness narratives.

[Jenna Gareis · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Writing will show you the stories you’ve made up about your life. It will show you how those narratives are just that - made up. And it will help you change the narratives so you can change the outcome. Writing helps us step outside of our stories and see them differently. It helps us reclaim our stories for ourselves again.” (P. 101)

Five things about The Power of Writing It Down by Allison Fallon.

1. Too much time is spent trying to “sell” and promote the author’s business, workshops, podcast, and services. Half this book is a glorified infomercial.
2. That being said, the other half of this book presents an interesting concept that I’ve considered for decades. That idea is encapsulated in the quote above.
3. Chapter Six in this book is the only chapter most readers who would pick up this book in the first place need/want. But it’s a strong chapter. It’s why this book is getting three stars.
4. Chapter Six is where it all gets practical but there are multiple anecdotes and plenty of research presented in the pre and proceeding chapters if you need/want that sort of thing.
5. I spent 20 minutes going through her Infinity Prompt after reading this book and already feel there’s something real there. Possibly life changing - depending upon the user. I can see myself recommending this process and possibly even Chapter Six of this book to friends and family and students but the whole book...nope. Just too much self promotion. No one wants to hand a book to their friend and say read this commercial.

[Donna Arcara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I followed Anne Bogel to this book and I expected to love it; I can't leave a 2 star review without doing right by the the author and explaining why I didn't enjoy it. Guilt keeps making me want to up it to at least 3 stars! I liked some of the information about the limbic brain and its importance in writing expressively; I feel sure the advice about environment and mindset is good. I'm sure the author is a lovely and talented person. But I walked away, an actual DNF of the audiobook, about 2/3 in feeling somewhat negative and dispirited, almost like depressed. Many books on this subject leave me singing (Stephen King, On Writing, is my favorite). I don't want to discourage anyone else from reading this book, as I feel sure it's a personality mismatch or maybe a generation gap. (I am older and I sure felt it!)

[Suzanne Mosley (Suzanne Shares) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book TRULY inspired me! It is NOT a book about “how to write a book,” but it focuses, instead, on sharing how the act of writing on paper helps us process life. My favorite takeaway from the book was the reality that our brain begins problem-solving when we start writing things down! Want to problem-solve a situation in life? Try putting pen to paper about it…and watch the magic happen!

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had good intentions and I had high hopes for it, but the author rambled on so much and it was very hard to find any useful information. I ended up skimming most of it.

[Sinead · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I was a little disappointed with this book. For some reason it didn’t really click with me. It felt like a long blog post with very little actionable advice. But I see most reviews of it are 5 star, so obviously it has been helpful for a lot of people.

[The Conch · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Reading makes a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man" - Francis Bacon

This book is interesting as it impels one to write only for 5 / 10/ 20 minutes a day. This book may serve as a great remedy for writer's block or several myths for not writing such as i can't write, i am not writer, who will read my writing, shame for grammatical mistakes etc.

Writing is not only related with publishing a book, it has enormous psychological impact on a person. It is called "expressive writing". Author develops a technique called "infinity prompt" through which a person can release pain, sorrow, frustration, ambition or even create future. This is backed by neurophysiology of 'limbic brain' and 'prefrontal cortex'.

It is not a simple self-help book, but it is a tool which may lead one to good psychological state with added advantage of possibility to build future writer.

[Cristian Gheorghiu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pure garbage. Horrible. I got the audio to listen as I go about my work day delivering mail, and I just had to stop the book at about the 40% mark. I just can’t do it anymore. This woman is sooooo insincere and out of touch. It feels like this book, and her coaching bullshit, is just a clumsy cash grab. I’m sitting in my mail truck and writing this quickly so I’m not going to be super articulate in my review, but, ugh, does this book suck hairy ass. It’s read by the author, and man, that adds to the feeling of this just being a cold blooded, no soul I’m-gonna-make-me-a-pile-of-cash book written by an entitled rich white chick that doesn’t have to work cause she has a rich husband and she’s just doing this shit cause she can and has the time and luxury to indulge in her whims. She even pulled some racist shit about little kids in an inner city school kinda early in the book that I wasn’t expecting, but definitely wasn’t surprised when it hit. Her advice, what little there is, is dribbling poop. No substance, empty platitudes and you-can-do-this hollow cheerleader shit.

Oh, and you’re not a Californian, just because you live in California, does not make you a Californian. Fake ass poseur.

Basically, fuck this book, and this slimy author. Ughh, she makes my skin crawl with her hyper-insincerity. It’s palpable.

Bet she’s a big time Karen (yeah, I know “Karen” is a kinda done term, but it still fits in this case, listen to the audio book, if you dare, and you’ll pick up the vibe quick) in real life.

[Carmen Liffengren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Words are powerful.

Fallon's book about writing isn't necessarily about publishing, but more, it's about using writing to unlock, to articulate well, and to dig deep within ourselves to find our stories. Her book is an excellent resource on the power of words and the transformative nature of writing it down.

[Kylie Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved reading this book!!!! I already feel so passionately about the subject material so I’m predisposed to like it haha but I honestly wish everyone would read and actually implement the practical things here about writing your story, writing to discover, writing to process, writing to become the person you want to be, writing to heal, writing to save your soul.
I’m inspired afresh for daily morning page-style writing after reading this.

[Janalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio. 3.5 stars. The importance of writing, and not necessarily because you want to get published. As a means of healing, remembering and creating your better life. Telling your personal story. even strengthen your immune system as you heal through releasing traumatic events by writing it down.

Your narrator voice. Whining and complaining that life is unfair vs. manifesting your life.

Time does not heal all wounds, awareness does. Writing is a full proof way to carry awareness.

Disclosure and telling secrets. Secrets kill and can do physical harm to your body. The less often we put words to what our emotional distress is the more it has an impact on our body and life. "Holding back what wants to be expressed within us, impairs our body mind, and spirit".

Influencers. Someday we will look back on our obsession with them and realize how foolish we were to put stock in allowing them to dictate what we wear and do. Better to influence privately then on purpose, for profit. Rather than go on social media and be influenced by a false reality and feel bad about yourself

"you may tell yourself, it's too tender, and personal a thing to do, to share the personal details of your life. To that I say, those are the only words I want to read. " amen.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this book! I like to write, more like journal and write down what is in my mind, my daily life and just to let it all out!! Just for myself. Never in a million years for a publication or for any other eyes!
She definitely got my juices flowing and lit a spark in me!!
She writes more for the professionals but I definitely enjoyed this and took some things away from her😊

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer, this inspired me to write. As a human, this inspired me to embrace my humanness. The audio book version is a special treat, because it's read by Allison Fallon herself and you can hear the passion and humor in her voice. I would recommend this book to someone who has ever written anything down.

[Mike Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Fallon’s book not only helped me think about the writing process with greater clarity, motivation and possibility but also revealed how the process would help me become a better human through the effort. Was not prepped to be this blown away.

[MrsWheats · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first note is I can’t believe this book isn’t higher rated in Goodreads - I think everyone can take something important away from it to help grow in their written word.
My favourite takeaway was the infinity prompt - how to assess your thoughts by objectively describing a situations details > exploring the narrative you believe about it > what are your feelings and emotional reactions to the narrative > how did you respond to this and finally > what are the outcomes to this response?

*Brilliant*

I will reread 📖

[Mike Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected, but maybe just what I needed.

[Sarah Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic for beginners who want to get into a writing practice! Allison Fallon offers some fresh ways of thinking about and approaching writing!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got more out of this than I thought. Overall it makes me want to write more.