Writing to Save Your Life: How to Honor Your Story Through Journaling

I have noticed a pattern in my own life. During those periods of my life when I am journaling, I am much more focused and willing to examine those parts of myself that need healing or parts of my life that need to be revamped. Therefore, I wholeheartedly agree with the author that writing is a healing process that can save a life or can help recreate an unhealthy one. Writing to Save Your Life takes the reader through various exercises to get them started with the journaling process. It provides tips on how to get to the crux of the real problem in order to reduce unnecessary distractions and to quicken the healing effects of the process. The author also provides various strategies and general themes to start journaling as well as strategies about how to deal with the raw emotions that will come up when exploring the past and present issues. I have to say that the part of the book that I found most relevant and useful was the story about the pillows. Basically, the author had been making countless pillows to fill her time so she never actually had to deal with her pain. We all have our pillows. There is always some excuse why we can't face ourselves or follow our dreams. What is your pillow?

It's true. Last year I took one of Ms. Weldon's "Writing To Save Your Life" workshops. Her workshop appeared in my life at a time when I knew I needed to give voice to my life experiences, but I didn't know how or where to start. And I was scared. As a writer of romance novels, I've always invented stories and been in control of a paper world. I knew it was time to write something for me, about me, but I was paralyzed with fear.With Ms.Weldon's guidance, something broke inside of me and I started writing and writing, and during the journey I met someone I thought I had lost -- me.Michele Weldon's workshop was a gift. I'm thrilled that her workshop is in book form to guide people everywhere! Her wit, honesty, and down-to-earth sensibilities come shining through in every chapter. Ms. Weldon showed me that exploring and giving voice to my story, my emotional truths, was an act of power and courage. She is the guide-friend you've been waiting for.

Michele Weldon makes you want to write. With funny anecdotes, touching personal stories, and practical advice, the author jump starts stalled writers. The message she communicates is one everyone should hear: Your own life is worth preserving in words. I did my fair share of life-saving writing when my children were small and now regale them, as teenagers, with readings about our lives in those days. Michele Weldon's book is a delightful reminder to me that it's time to get back to preserving memories on paper.

I've read Michele Weldon's previous work, and I've heard her speak, so I ordered this book as soon as I heard about it, long before the actual publication date. When it came, I wasn't disappointed. Here's a book that speaks honestly about writing and what it can mean in our lives.This book works on so many levels. Even the title is layered. When I first read that phrase, "Writing to Save Your Life," I thought it referred to Ms. Weldon's own heroic struggle to survive her abusive marriage. But as I read through the book, I realized that we all can write to save -- to preserve -- our lives. When I write in a journal, I'm creating a private historical document. I'm saving my life as I experienced it, even if no one ever reads it but me.Ms. Weldon performs an incredible feat by making the act of writing seem so, well, do-able. She makes writing sound as natural as breathing -- and I suspect, for her at least, it is. Her own writing style is so clean and unfussy and fun, you can almost imagine her just talking her essays into a tape recorder as she drives her kids from soccer to piano lessons. But then, as you read and reread a piece like "A Cushioned Life," you start to see the quiet depths of meaning that she deftly weaves into her stories. As a would-be novelist myself, I was inspired by Ms. Weldon's advice on the writing process. I've read a lot of other books on writing, and sometimes the advice seems rather condescending: "Here, little woman. Although you'll never be as gifted or witty or perceptive as I am, I will give you this opportunity to plunk down your (money) so that you can be awed by my astonishing cleverness." But when Ms. Weldon writes about writing, she makes it seem like a true craft -- a skill you can learn and improve and enjoy, especially when you're working under the patient and encouraging supervision of a master craftswoman. Read this book if you want to write -- or if you just want to read. I found my own life captured in these pages, and I believe you will, too.

A refreshingly honest and original book about writing as a healing act. Michele Weldon is the perfect guide for this journey. She's been there and back, and is generous in sharing her own personal stories. If you want inspiration and courage for your writing life, this is the place to look. I especially like the writing exercises, which strike me as fresh, authentic and thought-provoking.