Reviews
“Renée is a passionate and incredibly talented writer and writing mentor who is offering a great gift to the world. She is shepherding authentic voices that deserve to be heard and shared; voices that will then inspire others.”
Writing Challenges
“For me, the 40-Day Writing Project was like going on a long trip with myself, without taking any time off work. Renée’s prompts are beautifully truthful and probing, causing unexpected things to spring from within, to see the light of day! I’m deeply grateful for this guided process, in all its gentleness and intensity.”
—George Woodhouse, Singer-Songwriter and Co-Founder of The Big Sing, Nova Scotia, Canada
“I signed up because, although I love writing, I needed a ‘reason’ to write. Like the dance classes that I love and never make it to, like the sewing machine that is one of my closest allies but sits most often collecting dust on the shelf, my own writing mostly didn’t happen. Renée’s writing project gave me access to the kind of inner reflection I never thought there was enough time for.”
—Suzy Crocker, Bookseller, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
“I never realized how much time there was in an hour: Renée Hartleib’s 40 Day Writing Project expands time, so that the forty minutes (or however long) you commit to writing becomes (over forty days) a year, a universe. It’s a practical magic, and Hartleib’s good advice and thoughtful stories give you the spell for it.”
—So Mayer, writer/activist, London, UK
“This is a fantastic offering from Renée Hartleib. The daily prompts, from playful to deeply personal, delivered with thoughtfulness and generosity, have helped me create space in my life to explore and open up to my unique creative voice. I felt an immense impact early in the project that has continued to ripple out into my life.”
—Maureen Strickland, Manitoulin Island, Canada
“Last May I embarked upon a writing project journey with Renée Hartleib. I had no idea what to expect, and was completely bowled over by the journey of self-discovery I found myself on. Renée’s 40-Day Writing Project didn’t just get me writing again, it got me thinking deeply about a huge variety of things in my life – past, present, and future. I experienced an incredible voyage, one that greatly boosted my self-love. Renée is a wonderful writer, and I feel so blessed to have stumbled across her and the magic she creates with her fresh approach to mentoring.”
—Liz Creene, Writer and Mama of Ella, Nova Scotia, Canada
“Renée’s insightful writing challenges have been just what I needed to return to myself. She writes with compassion, humour, and love, and daily reminds me of what is truly important. If you’re someone who wants to nurture your own development as a human being, you will find all the inspiration and encouragement you need in The 40-Day Writing Project.”
—Lovena Harvey, Owner of Gathering Place Trading, British Columbia, Canada
“I have a long and maudlin history of taking part in creative workshops/classes and feeling like the least creative person in the room. You hear that inner critic talking? The 40-Day Writing Project gave me new tools for dealing with that voice, and hearing the others it tends to drown out. The exercises Renée constructs are surprising, provocative, useful and so nourishing that I expect to keep returning to them over the next 40 years.”
—Maddy Costa, Writer, London, UK
“The daily prompts and the challenge of 40 days were exactly what I needed to reconnect with this vital part of my creative expression. Renée’s supportive and inspiring voice invited the type of reflection and self discovery that helped me understand how and where writing fits in.”
—Sophie Pilipczuk, Artist and Art Instructor, Nova Scotia, Canada
“I enjoyed writing as a kid and somewhere along my journey to adulthood I lost the joy in it. This project came along at the perfect time, allowing me to practise writing and find clarity. The daily prompts challenged me to explore and finish work on a deeply personal piece that I wouldn’t have had the courage to write it if it was not for the 40-Day Writing Project.”
—Tyler Colbourne, Nova Scotia, Canada
“I looked so forward to the writing prompts each morning and love the richness and variety of material that Renée shares. It never failed to get me thinking and writing. And did I mention Renée is a beautiful writer? This is what initially drew me to this course and I haven’t been disappointed.”
—Meryl Cook, Writer and Artist, Nova Scotia, Canada
“With each day’s writing exercise, I am becoming more attuned to my neglected creative juices. It’s nice that they’re flowing a bit again, not unlike that first trickly spring thaw. Thanks for putting together this great course; it’s a real gift.”
—Shelley Meisner, Adult Education Specialist and Musician, Nova Scotia, Canada
“I started the project without thinking about it too much – and right from the first day, it seemed like someone inside of me had been just waiting for her chance! Renée’s prompts are wonderfully inspiring and supportive. The exercises and the new daily routine have truly opened a new world to me. I highly recommend the project for anyone looking for new experiences and self reflection.”
—Sandra Schürmann, curator and historian, Hamburg, Germany
“Renée’s kind and thoughtful words at the start of each day, helped me to write freely during the 40-day project. She had a gentle way of helping me to tame my inner critic and to just keep writing. I will think of her words when I feel stuck or that mean voice internal gets too loud.”
—Allison Lawlor, Freelance Writer, Nova Scotia, Canada
“A friend recommended this to me and I knew it was just what I needed – that little nudge to get started and get on a consistent path. Having a ‘ reason’ to write every day instead of waiting for the feeling to strike was so helpful to me. I looked forward to each morning’s prompt and wanted to get up early to spend that time with my thoughts and my pen.”
—Lisa White, CPA, CA, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
“Last year, I gave myself an early birthday present. I would write for the 40 days leading up to my fortieth birthday. It was the best gift EVER! The 40- Day Writing Project was an opening that helped me find my confidence and gave me the courage to dare to softly whisper to myself: “I am a writer.” One year later, I write. Renée’s project was a catalyst for creativity, healing, and growth that continues to support me. So much gratitude for those 40 days that keep giving.”
—Carole Surette, Grand Barachois, New Brunswick, Canada
“Renée’s writing programs help you look within yourself and examine everything from loves to fears and from problems to possibilities. She gets you writing so you can have a deep, honest conversation with yourself.”
Writing Mentor
“Renée is a passionate and incredibly talented writer and writing mentor. When I began working with her, I didn’t know I was a writer, I just knew I had a book in me. At first I was nervous to show her my work because I hadn’t shared my writing with anyone. But I trusted Renée from the moment I met her and I knew I could be vulnerable and open with her. She intuitively sees the writer within the individual and she skillfully and lovingly brings it out to be revealed. It was her passion for the writing process, her clear feedback, and her faith in me that allowed me to confidently find my unique voice and successfully get a book deal with Hay House. Renée is offering a great gift to the world: she is shepherding authentic voices that deserve to be heard and shared; voices that will then inspire others.”
—Anne Bérubé, Author of Be Feel Think Do: A Memoir
“I wish that every writer—aspiring, emerging, or established—had access to a mentor, a guide as gifted as Renée Hartleib. Ever patient, knowing, spacious (and yet uncannily present), she will come to know the fullness of your voice before you do. And she will shine the light on the dark path you will walk to reclaim it. If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be under her writerly watch, run, don’t walk, toward it.”
—Ainslie Stewart, Novelist Halifax, Nova Scotia
“When I completed the first draft of my new book I sent it off to Renée thinking she would help sharpen the focus, identify some inconsistencies and find a few typos. I was pleasantly surprised when she returned the manuscript with some of the most detailed and insightful comments I could imagine. She was particularly great at identifying plot problems. By the time I read through all of her observations, I realized that if I paid close attention she would help take my story to a whole new level. Renée is honest and forthright but guides with an intelligent and gentle touch. When I reach that final point where I believe my manuscript is complete, it will be Renée who I’ll trust to give it that one last look before sending it to a publisher. I highly recommend her to anyone needing one-on-one mentoring/coaching or professional editing.”
—Bette Cahill, Author of Butterbox Babies, News Producer/Journalist
“I would not describe myself as a ‘natural’ novelist – but then that’s the point, really. There’s no such thing. Renée has been the kindly voice encouraging me to pick myself up when I think I can’t do it. At the points where I feel blocked, she unlocks the places I won’t or can’t go, allowing the flow of the writing take on new swirls and eddies that I can’t reach alone. Renée has been willing to walk alongside my journey with the characters even when they haven’t fully revealed themselves to me. She is aware both of the intense spirituality and the intense pragmatics of writing, which is such a strange alchemy of faith and commitment. She has helped me to remember this.”
—Jenny Chamarette, Writer and Film Studies Professor, London, UK
“I first became aware of Renée’s writing talent through her blog and learned later of her expert mentorship of other writers. When the time came to find an editor for my book manuscript, I had no doubt about who I could trust with it. Thanks to her wise guidance, a clear structure and direction has emerged from a piecemeal first draft. Renée offers compassionate support to writers via timely feedback, and thought-provoking suggestions for how to engage future readers in a way that is true to our own writerly instincts. Her skills have been invaluable to me.”
—Elizabeth Peirce, Author of Grow Organic: A Simple Guide to Nova Scotia Vegetable Gardening
“I sought out Renée’s support for my book because I wanted to work with someone who got me. Renée was a caring, yet discerning, set of eyes on my work, but perhaps even more meaningfully, Renee believed in my work. She helped me find the courage to continue forward with pitching and publishing my book. It’s a courage I still carry with me as I experience the vulnerability of releasing my heartfelt words into the world. Working from a place of soul and heart, Renée gently nudges writers into their fullest expression with nurturance and love.”
—Jessie Harrold, Author of Project Body Love: my quest to love my body and the surprising truth I learned instead
“I came to Renée with a big idea for a book. I asked her if she would hold me accountable while I went into seclusion to put my ideas into words. A little while later I handed the pages to Renée. She read them and then lovingly, fearlessly, pointed out what was truest and best, where the gaps and bumps were, and what stood in the way of my pages becoming a meaningful whole. She asked questions and made radical suggestions that left me breathless and inspired. As a result, I’m able to reach deeper, stretch further, and let go of my desire to be comfortable so I can write the book that wants to be written. Renée is a highly skilled mentor with a passion for truth. Her intuitive intelligence makes her unique style of mentorship/editing profound.”
Linda McLean, Writer, Singer/Songwriter, Founder of Women's Music Weekend
“Renée’s gentle authenticity and inquisitive mentoring takes me on a journey deep within solving inner mysteries, healing wounds, and unveiling truth. Renée is more than a writing coach. She is a tour guide on a soulful adventure.”
—Chrissy Anne Hollis, Spiritual Grief Coach, New Brunswick, Canada
“Renée is a fantastic writing mentor. With a compassionate heart, keen eyes, and courageous wisdom she is able to find the heart of the stories that need telling, and right pace to bring it to life. I highly recommend Renée to anyone looking to share their story with the world.”
—Travis Taylor, Intuitive, Host of the Divine Insight Show, Seattle, USA
“Sharing writing with others can be extremely nerve wracking. Sometimes what we hear can be incredibly debilitating, resulting in a loss of creative momentum. We stop writing because we don’t think we have what it takes to be a good writer. Working with Renée has had the complete opposite effect. I leave each mentorship session feeling inspired and with a fresh perspective. She provides me with the tools I need to keep moving forward and encourages me to tap into my innate abilities as a writer.”
—Tim Damon, Writer and Yoga instructor, Nova Scotia, Canada
“Renée intuitively understands how to protect a sensitive artist’s soul. She guides gently, but with clarity and enthusiasm. She helped me quell the fear and quiet my inner critic. And she helped me trust myself, and believe that I could be a writer.”
—Kim Danio, Artist, Nova Scotia, Canada
“Renée has a gifted eye for the written word, and also has a way of coaching that is fiercely genuine. She is by nature, very honest, and she will tell you when your writing sings, and also when your writing could be better. Renée will leave you with constructive comments that will help you, the writer, be able to take her feedback to improve your writing with. She will ask you questions about your writing and stories that will completely unlock areas of your writing that you aren’t even aware are inside you. I know that working with Renée will allow me to reach my full potential as a writer, and I am beyond grateful to share this journey with her.”
—Becky Keen, Writer, Nova Scotia, Canada
“Renée’s intuition and her innate ability to connect and ask the right questions combined with her compassion, creativity, and vast professional experience make her an invaluable resource for anyone on their writing journey.”
