Writing Mentoring

“I reached out to Renée because I needed someone to hold me accountable. Despite being a professional content writer, I couldn’t seem to find time to write my own book. Renée helped me break the project into bite-sized morsels that fit more easily into busy days. But more than that, she encouraged me to prioritize my writing ambitions and kept me excited about the process. Renée’s advice and insights were delivered with kindness and were always spot-on. I can honestly say that I couldn’t have done it without her. She is the BOMB!”

—Kim Scaravelli, Author of Making Words Work: A Practical Guide to Writing Powerful Content

“I was half way through a novel when I started working with Renée. I didn’t know where it was going, why I was writing it, or whether it was any good. I was feeling really blocked and insecure. Renée supported me once I started consistently writing, and kept a discerning, yet kind, eye on my progress. She has a gentle and supportive way of working that empowered me as a writer and didn’t make me feel reliant on her – which is such a generous and rare way of working. With Renée’s support and her clear and attentive notes, I’m happy to say I have been able to complete a first draft of my novel and have an agent representing my book.”

—Kate Hardie, Writer, Filmmaker, and Tutor, London, UK

“Renée offers many gifts as a writing mentor. She is flexible in her approach and meets you where you’re at. Her encouragement and accountability strategies are invaluable to empowering you to get things on the page, even when you are struggling. Her sense of story, structure, and character strengthens each draft.  I believe her unique strength is in her love of the written word and authentic belief that your story belongs in the world. I have been thankful to draw from these gifts and grow as a writer through her mentorship.”

—Sara Martel, PhD, Writer, Researcher, Psychotherapy Student, Toronto, Canada

“As a new writer, I didn’t understand the importance of working with a writing mentor. I thought I could just write my story and engage an editor when my book was almost complete. Renée‘s guidance and encouragement has given me the confidence to go a layer deeper and unearth the story beneath my story. Working with Renée has made my writing more intentional and engaging. She has shown me the importance of strategic storytelling and helped me structure my book in a way that will keep the pages flipping.”

— Lynn Flewelling, Writer & Aspiring Author, Halifax, Canada

—Sarah Baillie, Naturopathic Doctor and Writer, Halifax, Canada

“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, Mentor, and Research Consultant, London, UK

“Renée validated my story. Not only did she make me feel like it was a story worth reading, a story worth writing, but a story that only I, alone, could write (and write it well!). She guided me with her gentle direction and suggestions, helped me see what pieces I should show and what ones were okay for me to keep for myself. Above all, Renée provided a supportive container for me to be the writer I want to be.”

—Hannah Paré, Writer and Entrepreneur, Edmonton, Canada

“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 and Singer/Songwriter, Nova Scotia, Canada

“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. Renée 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 a publisher. 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 and The Burnout Antidote, Halifax, 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 and Business Mentor, Nova Scotia, Canada

“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, 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’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.”

—Regan Leard Goodwin, Interior Designer and Spiritual Counsellor, Nova Scotia, Canada

“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, Soul-Centered CPA, CA, New Brunswick, Canada