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Writing Your Way: A 40-Day Path of Self-Discovery
Do you have creative ideas but struggle to make them a reality? Do you long to know yourself a bit better? Are you trying to figure out what’s next in your life? If so, this book is for YOU! Using the sacred number forty, Writing Your Way contains 40 short chapters with insightful writing prompts, all designed to help you go within, listen keenly, and act on your own internal wisdom and guidance. Writing Your Way ’s author Renée Hartleib has worked with countless writers and other creatives. She’s also battled her own inner demons and tells relatable personal stories that will captivate and inspire you. This isn’t a prescriptive self-help book. Instead, it asks you to do the daily work of looking inside yourself and being honest about what you find. Curiosity and vulnerability are required! With specific content about the inner critic, fear, and shame, you’ll also learn more about what might be holding you back. Wherever you are—longing to write a book, craving time alone with your journal, or wishing you could be more creative— Writing Your Way meets you where you are and helps you walk the path of becoming.
198 pages, Paperback
Published August 11, 2022
16 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Renée Hartleib
3 books7 followersRenée Hartleib is a writer, editor, and writing mentor. Her greatest passion is to inspire others to take creative leaps and she has helped many people fulfill their dream of writing a book and being published. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada with her family, one dog, many felines, and a “book nook” in front of the house.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 29, 2022
This book is a gift to yourself. Today I re read my first entry. I was so lost, had zero confidence in myself or my abilities. Now 40 days later I am lighter, confident and greet each day with a new found freedom. Renee's prompts led me on a wonderful journey that sometimes led down secret paths, made me listen to myself and be very real and honest. That realness and honesty has now become part of me that guides me without fear. Thank you Renee for pouring your heart into this book, listening to your soul voice and overcoming your inner critic to publish this book.
October 14, 2022
I had not intended to set a foot on Renée Hartleib’s 40-day Path of Self-Discovery. I bought the book because Renée and I collaborated professionally some years ago and I had followed her subsequent career. Writers know how hard it is to finish a book. We admire tremendously a colleague who brings a creative idea to fruition. We support one another. Besides, how could I not be curious about what advice Renée was offering?
I read the introduction slowly and carefully with a cup of tea. A paragraph grabbed me: When you clear time for yourself every day and reflect through writing, you grant yourself a pause in an otherwise busy and distracted life. And it’s in this pause that you can hear your own truth and develop the capacity to choose responses that are more in line with who you are and what you actually want.
“…busy and distracted life…what you actually want…” That certainly resonated. Most of my career was as a writer, first in the corporate trenches, then as a freelancer. I have been retired officially for more than a decade. Retirement quickly evolved into a hamster wheel of responsibilities and volunteer activities where the worthiness was satisfying but personal time evaporated. It had become hard to see a way out. Slowing down is a prelude to stopping. Stopping is giving up, bowing out, becoming irrelevant – isn’t it? I desperately wanted something different but didn’t know what or how to get there.
The following morning, with notebook and pencil, and another cup of tea, I turned to the next page. Forty days later, I am grateful beyond words. Renée doesn’t lecture or prescribe. She doesn’t sound like a therapist, a fitness coach, or that keener with her hand up at the front of the class and all the answers. Her writing is like the voice of a friend you’ve known for years and trust implicitly. With honesty, warmth, and generosity, she shares her experience and experiences, good and bad, and primes your creative pump with carefully chosen prompts. You will laugh and you will probably cry. Occasionally you may roll your eyes — but follow her suggestion and you’ll discover the sense of it afterwards.
This is not just or even a book for former, current, or aspiring writers. It’s a book for anyone craving some clarity, some mental or emotional space and a way to both decompress and expand.
Writing your way is a wonderful title. Say it three times but emphasize a different word each time. See? I have no idea where my new way will take me. It doesn’t matter. The journey has begun and I’m smiling. Bless you, Renée. Your book was just what I needed. Thank you!
I read the introduction slowly and carefully with a cup of tea. A paragraph grabbed me: When you clear time for yourself every day and reflect through writing, you grant yourself a pause in an otherwise busy and distracted life. And it’s in this pause that you can hear your own truth and develop the capacity to choose responses that are more in line with who you are and what you actually want.
“…busy and distracted life…what you actually want…” That certainly resonated. Most of my career was as a writer, first in the corporate trenches, then as a freelancer. I have been retired officially for more than a decade. Retirement quickly evolved into a hamster wheel of responsibilities and volunteer activities where the worthiness was satisfying but personal time evaporated. It had become hard to see a way out. Slowing down is a prelude to stopping. Stopping is giving up, bowing out, becoming irrelevant – isn’t it? I desperately wanted something different but didn’t know what or how to get there.
The following morning, with notebook and pencil, and another cup of tea, I turned to the next page. Forty days later, I am grateful beyond words. Renée doesn’t lecture or prescribe. She doesn’t sound like a therapist, a fitness coach, or that keener with her hand up at the front of the class and all the answers. Her writing is like the voice of a friend you’ve known for years and trust implicitly. With honesty, warmth, and generosity, she shares her experience and experiences, good and bad, and primes your creative pump with carefully chosen prompts. You will laugh and you will probably cry. Occasionally you may roll your eyes — but follow her suggestion and you’ll discover the sense of it afterwards.
This is not just or even a book for former, current, or aspiring writers. It’s a book for anyone craving some clarity, some mental or emotional space and a way to both decompress and expand.
Writing your way is a wonderful title. Say it three times but emphasize a different word each time. See? I have no idea where my new way will take me. It doesn’t matter. The journey has begun and I’m smiling. Bless you, Renée. Your book was just what I needed. Thank you!
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June 19, 2025found myself looking forward to the day's assignment. starting out writing one thing & winding up in multiple different directions by the end. If life bumped me off a day I picked it up the following day no issues.
January 8, 2023
Being able to take time to be with this book feels as though you are taking time to be with the important parts of yourself. This book is a journey that is different for everyone, but nonetheless leads us to an incredible place. I am grateful to Renée and hope that these books continues to reach more people the way it reached me.
If you want to get into a good journalling reflective practice, I highly recommend!
If you want to get into a good journalling reflective practice, I highly recommend!
December 21, 2022
Do yourself a favour and read this book! While intended to assist people with writing projects, Write Your Way also offers supportive, loving encouragement and guidance for anyone interested in connecting with their true self. A welcome and necessary balm in this world of constant distraction and disconnection.
September 14, 2022
Fans of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, and Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way will love Writing Your Way. Renée Hartleib invites readers to make time for quiet reflection and writing, promising that even just a few minutes a day of listening to “the inner, truest version of you” can be utterly transformative. While reading Writing Your Way, I was often reminded of one of my favourite quotations from Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park, in which the heroine, Fanny Price, says “We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be.” Hartleib suggests that writing can help us find our way to a “better guide” within—she says “Some might call it your soul, your spirit, or your essence”—whether we’re seeking answers about creating art, making changes in our lives, working to make the world a better place, or all of the above.
In the introduction, Hartleib explains that the book arose from the “40 Day Writing Project” she designed and has successfully shared many times with different groups over the last few years. Each chapter begins with an inspirational quotation—such as Rainer Maria Rilke’s famous advice about learning to “live the questions”—followed by compelling stories from Hartleib’s own creative journey, and concise, clear writing prompts designed to help readers explore their own lives, past and present, and their dreams of renewal and transformation for the future.
If Fanny Price is right that we all have a “better guide” in ourselves, then maybe it’s possible to learn how to listen to that voice without consulting anyone else, whether they’re offering advice in person or in the pages of a book. But in Mansfield Park, Austen shows how Fanny takes time for quiet reflection in a room filled with plants and “her books—of which she had been a collector from the first hour of her commanding a shilling.” Both plants and books serve as metaphors for growth and change. The journey of self-discovery can be a lonely one—why not make the journey in the company of wise and trustworthy friends, whether they’re people we know in real life, characters we meet in fiction, or kindred spirits we know primarily through books they’ve written.
Like Big Magic, Wild, The Artist’s Way (and Mansfield Park), Renée Hartleib’s beautiful, powerful book Writing Your Way is definitely worth the shillings or dollars you’ll spend if you add it to your collection.
In the introduction, Hartleib explains that the book arose from the “40 Day Writing Project” she designed and has successfully shared many times with different groups over the last few years. Each chapter begins with an inspirational quotation—such as Rainer Maria Rilke’s famous advice about learning to “live the questions”—followed by compelling stories from Hartleib’s own creative journey, and concise, clear writing prompts designed to help readers explore their own lives, past and present, and their dreams of renewal and transformation for the future.
If Fanny Price is right that we all have a “better guide” in ourselves, then maybe it’s possible to learn how to listen to that voice without consulting anyone else, whether they’re offering advice in person or in the pages of a book. But in Mansfield Park, Austen shows how Fanny takes time for quiet reflection in a room filled with plants and “her books—of which she had been a collector from the first hour of her commanding a shilling.” Both plants and books serve as metaphors for growth and change. The journey of self-discovery can be a lonely one—why not make the journey in the company of wise and trustworthy friends, whether they’re people we know in real life, characters we meet in fiction, or kindred spirits we know primarily through books they’ve written.
Like Big Magic, Wild, The Artist’s Way (and Mansfield Park), Renée Hartleib’s beautiful, powerful book Writing Your Way is definitely worth the shillings or dollars you’ll spend if you add it to your collection.
September 20, 2022
I was so excited to order Renee's book (and one for a friend) because of how powerful her 40 Days of Writing course was. I took the course starting June 1, 2017. I knew it was powerful but as I sit getting ready to start this next 40 Day Journey, I decided to read Day 1 from 2017.
Mind Blown discovery 5 years later!!!! I hadn't realized that this journal entry was what changed my life completely. I wrote about my struggles of indecision of leaving a government job for full private practice. My fear and need for security kept me stuck in a very unwell workplace. My journaling a letter to myself created a deep shift... "Playing it safe is not always safe. It keeps you stuck. It's time to get unstuck so you can live your fullest life - more than you ever dreamed possible."
By the Fall of 2017, I left my job and never looked back. Since then my life has blossomed and changed in so many beautiful ways. I'm truly excited about this next 40 Days of writing. There are other desires within me (running retreats) that haven't fully manifested and I know this writing will help me find clarity. Even if I don't realize it fully until 5 years later!!
Thank you Renee for this gift!
Mind Blown discovery 5 years later!!!! I hadn't realized that this journal entry was what changed my life completely. I wrote about my struggles of indecision of leaving a government job for full private practice. My fear and need for security kept me stuck in a very unwell workplace. My journaling a letter to myself created a deep shift... "Playing it safe is not always safe. It keeps you stuck. It's time to get unstuck so you can live your fullest life - more than you ever dreamed possible."
By the Fall of 2017, I left my job and never looked back. Since then my life has blossomed and changed in so many beautiful ways. I'm truly excited about this next 40 Days of writing. There are other desires within me (running retreats) that haven't fully manifested and I know this writing will help me find clarity. Even if I don't realize it fully until 5 years later!!
Thank you Renee for this gift!
October 7, 2022
This sweet writing guide was a gentle companion which, instead of instructing me ‘how to’ or just ‘to’ write, stuck with me through the thick and thin of a daily practice and offered prompts to get me thinking about many aspects of life. It sparked my creative juices and more often than not, each day I wrote a poem or other ditty, after producing what the prompt asked me to consider. A thought-provoking warmup for the synovial fluids of my writing joints, Writing Your Way was a kind and constant voice that accompanied me as I cultivated a regular practice over a number of days. It helped me to discern and sometimes discover what intrigues me most as well as to explore how and why I want to write. Renée’s voice comes through loud and clear as a sage and faithful guide. The exercises solicit truth-telling, leading me to ponder and then write with clarity, from the inside out.
September 23, 2022
As a truth seeker always looking for ways of connecting with myself so I can connect with others, I found Renee Hartleib's 40-day path to be revolutionary. The carving out of time for myself, combined with her surprising and challenging prompts, laid a track for me to really connect with the writer in me. As a somatics practitioner always looking for ways into greater presence in my body, I was surprised to find that connecting with my mind through writing allowed me to be more present to myself in my body at the same time. This is a true gem!
September 14, 2022
I had always wanted to be a writer, at least that was my plan. Paths changed and now I am a teacher, doing lots of writing but all for, and about, other people. Renne Hartleib's book, "writing your way" is leading me back to daily writing and reflection. 40 writing prompts, one per day, to inspire you to take a journey of self discovery, reflection and journaling; thank you Renee for leading me back to writing!
Jennifer wallace
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Jennifer wallace
Halifax, Nova Scotia
September 14, 2022
Renée Hartleib’s incredibly gentle and thoughtful approach to encouraging creativity is spellbinding. Beyond that, this book is far more than a quest of creativity, rather it’s a deep and honest work of art. It is vulnerable and powerful. The author shares thoughtful insight, creates profound metaphors, and asks important questions which will fundamentally alter your perception of the life you are living. Get ready for laughter, tears, and some truly amazing revelations.
September 15, 2022
If you've been dreaming about a writing project, but are not writing yet, this is the book for you! Renee Hartleib offers expert guidance for writers and others on how to unlock their creative potential over a 40-day apprenticeship. Her daily writing prompts invite reflection and playfulness, and her tone is warm and encouraging as she guides those on the creative path through common pitfalls and mental blocks toward fulfillment. Enjoyed everything about this book!
September 20, 2022
It has been illuminating to dive into this book and the writing it compels us to do. I am easily drawn into Renée Hartleib’s personal accounts and reflections, followed by thought-provoking questions to guide my own writing. Each day there’s a new pearl of wisdom on offer, and allowing it to inspire writing lets it sink in, draw out my own wisdom, and help me find a renewed sense of peace and purpose.
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
October 19, 2024
A revealing and enjoyable 40 day exercise. Daily reflections and small assignments will assist in developing a practice of writing. And for a regular diarist, these questions help break away from the every day character we can fall into for our journaling.
I found lots of Aha’s in the answers to the daily questions - worthwhile at any level of personal investigation and writing practice I believe. I will look forward to rereading my responses down the road.
I found lots of Aha’s in the answers to the daily questions - worthwhile at any level of personal investigation and writing practice I believe. I will look forward to rereading my responses down the road.
October 10, 2022
“Writing your way” with Renée Hartleib is like catching up with a dear friend. Her personal stories create a safe space to share your own and help you dig deeper into what might be holding you back. Renée’s creative writing prompts gently nudge you onto the path to yourself and your inner calling. Highly recommend!
April 17, 2023
'Writing Your Way' surprised me in a good way. I was looking for a book that could add a bit of direction or purpose for a few days in my morning writing routine, and what I received was so much more. This exploration through gently guided prompts has lead me to a place of confidence and curiosity that eludded me. Where will it lead you?
September 18, 2022
This is an inspiring read and is beautifully written with an encouraging voice. A creative companion that unfolds into daily wonder with juicy prompts. With every page, I feel empowered by the author's call to practice compassion for the writing self. Highly recommend!
September 23, 2022
Find Yourself and Lose Yourself!
Renee encourages, inspires and invites you to write in your own voice. To be brave and simply write! In my writing course with Renee I found myself on a voyage of self-discovery which opened up new possibilities and dreams!
Renee encourages, inspires and invites you to write in your own voice. To be brave and simply write! In my writing course with Renee I found myself on a voyage of self-discovery which opened up new possibilities and dreams!
September 14, 2022
This book is an inspiring tool for healing and connection!
December 8, 2025
This was fantastic! Definitely recommend honestly to anyone that wants to explore themselves more and start a daily writing practice. :)
December 9, 2022
Reviewed in Israel on October 8, 2022
Renée Hartleib takes us on an insightful journey of introspection and expression. Each chapter seems to land exactly where it should. Her gentle nudge will reveal your truths - the ones you're ready to hear. Inspiring, this book is way up there with Julia Cameron's "The Artists Way", Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird", Stephen King's "On Writing" and Natalie Goldberg's "Writing down the bones." After you've gifted Renée's gem to yourself you'll want to gift it to all those you love.
Renée Hartleib takes us on an insightful journey of introspection and expression. Each chapter seems to land exactly where it should. Her gentle nudge will reveal your truths - the ones you're ready to hear. Inspiring, this book is way up there with Julia Cameron's "The Artists Way", Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird", Stephen King's "On Writing" and Natalie Goldberg's "Writing down the bones." After you've gifted Renée's gem to yourself you'll want to gift it to all those you love.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews