Cathy Rentzenbrink's book gently takes the reader - or more accurately in the context of this book "Dear Writer" - through how to start to write a memoir. It considers the barriers to even starting to put pen to paper and how to think differently about capturing what to include in a memoir. But this book isn't about "should or shouldn't". The book isn't prescriptive and isn't a set of rules to follow. It includes suggestions on approach but leaves space for the writer to find their own voice and style.

I write a lot for a living, but in a very different context, and I found it helpful to think about how to shape my writing and overcome barriers and procrastination, particularly as I embark on a new project. But, I also found the pointers helpful to think about how to capture more personal aspects of my life whether in smaller or larger ways.

If memoir interests you, there is a discussion on BBC Woman's Hour, including contributions from Cathy Rentzenbrink on this and her other books https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001326p

The book also includes a number of suggestions of memoirs to read, which has greatly increased my list of books to read. So, my memoir might be on hold for a while.

This book offers itself as a guide to helping you write, but goes much further, instead feeling like a warm hug from a good friend.

Rentzenbrink very much practises what she preaches in this book, encouraging you to be bold in your vulnerability while being incredibly vulnerable herself, encouraging cheerfulness and empathy whilst doing the same, and telling you to get your first draft down while showing you her draft versions of certain parts.

This book feels immensely generous, encouraging you to go and read but without that feeling like a hollow goal- you get the sense that if you get stuck, you can come back and read the book all over again, and she’ll be there to cheer you on.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There's a passage that stood out for me in this wonderful book about writing by Cathy Rentzenbrink and it's this - 'Writing functions like anti-anxiety medication for me. If I take my two hour pill of it every morning, then I have much more chance of enjoying the rest of the day.'

Whether you are an established writer, someone hoping to write a book or someone who wants to simply start writing and keeping a journal, there's something in this book for everyone. The main take home message for me was to simply write and keep writing, everyday if you can. I found this book to be really comforting and I loved the journal/writing prompts. Many self-care articles talk about keeping a daily journal for mental health but actually getting started can be hard for a lot of people and writing innermost thoughts can be intimidating. This excellent book has given me tips for how to get started with regular writing practice. I finished it last night and have already purchased a copy for a family member who is in the process of writing a book. The author's insights from her own writing practice are invaluable and I loved hearing tips and ideas from other writers at the end of the book.

I have no doubt this book will be a success and thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Having read Dear Reader, I was looking forward to reading this as I really enjoy the authors writing style. This was like a perfect little handbook with many helpful tips and advice for writers and a book I will no doubt keep returning to.

Write It All Down is a guide to putting your life on the page. It offers helpful guidance on how to write memoir. It is a guidebook that is easy to follow and understand with lots of information on the different challenges memoir writers face. I loved the reflections and anecdotes and even found myself absorbed in many of the exercises. I loved the conversational tone of the book and found it a real pleasure to read. I also know that it is a book I will be returning to time and time again. I loved the ease of reading this book and also the confidence I came away with on completion and the numerous stories that were floating around in my brain. I even found myself wondering if memoir might be my next adventure, even though fantasy and romance are my passion. I loved all the little nuggets of wisdom and how to deal with self doubt and procrastination. All in all, this is a real gem and would make a brilliant gift for yourself on any writer in your life. I look forward to adding this book to my shelves in hardback format.

Cathy Rentzenbrink says in her introduction: ‘I hope this feels more like a conversation than a set of instructions, an offering of things to think about rather than a list of rules.’ It absolutely does. It is a slim volume: approachable, entertaining and very encouraging. It’s a pleasure to read as a narrative even if you have no intention of writing. Just don’t be surprised if, by the end of it, you are wondering if it might be rather interesting to have a go at writing a memoir, even if the only person you are writing for is yourself.
There is just enough structure to help people who like to organise the way they work but not so much that you feel pushed into working in any particular way. Rentzenbrink manages to pull off the feat of explaining that writing is like alchemy, mysterious and inexplicable and hard to corral into a set of steps but also give you enough of a framework to feel as if you are approaching a project properly and not just wasting time. I love her little similes along the way which help to illustrate her points: writing a good story is like lighting a fire: making lists, writing snippets and digging away at your memories is like setting kindling alight – you need it to get the big logs of your story to burn.
My friends who are authors say that the most offensive thing that people say to them (surprisingly often) is ‘Yes, I could write a book. I just don’t have the time.’ Cathy Rentzenbrink makes it very clear that writing is far from easy, requiring hard graft, practise and discipline but she also gives you the rather exciting feeling that it is eminently achievable. I imagine on her courses, there is that marvellous sense of possibility, embarking on an adventure with like-minded souls and having a coach cheering you on. This is the next best thing. A book to set you off on a writing journey and to dip into as you write to keep you on track. Brilliant.

Cathy Rentzenbrink has a fab way of connecting with her readers and this book is no exception. I will definitely be dipping in and out of this one before I write my own story

This book wasn't at all what I expected. I thought this book would be more like prompts for writing, but it was actually uplifting and inspiring short chapters. Ideas and thoughts that can help you focus or get started with writing.
I enjoyed this book, and its definitely inspiring. I would have liked some more practical tips though.

This book is at its core all about managing procrastination. I’m a black belt in procrastination—although I prefer the violin to the ukulele—so when the author says that her ‘work feels like 95 per cent struggle with self-doubt’ (and alcohol) or how she would believe that if only she had a shed, the right desk, was in the woods, whatever, then she’d be able to get on and write her book, it feels like the book was written just for me.
If only I’d had this book when I first started writing my own memoir, maybe it would be finished by now? It’s always quicker to learn from someone else’s mistakes rather than your own. Even so, there were some great little nuggets in the book that I’ll be taking away with me. I’ll definitely be browsing on Amazon soon for the right egg timer.
But then, instead of reading books, writing reviews, or looking for egg timers, perhaps I should just get on and do some writing!

Engaging, well written and full of words of wisdom. This book would make an ideal gift for any aspiring writer and an enjoyable read.

This is a lovely, warm, wise, and useful book about writing. And not just relevant to memoir either:

Anyone whose read any of Cathy’s books knows you don’t just stop at one. Out of her five published works (including this one), I have read four and own - but yet to read - the other one. Her talent stretched across memoir, grief and heartache, family, books, work, memories, writing, and more recently, the fiction world, and they’re all as brilliantly written as the last. Cathy is a writer who I would love to emulate in my own work - that ability to touch every fibre of ones heart and soul, no matter the topic.

Cathy is very genuine and honest in her exploration of becoming a writer. Writing may seem like an easy profession at first, but anyone in the business (or trying to break into it) can attest it is not. Cathy doesn’t hide away from this, and yet still makes it an exciting and achievable goal.

You know hundreds of thousands of people will be reading this book, but it gives you the feeling that Cathy is writing it directly for you and only for you. She seems approachable, like she would be happy to read through your work for you without evening having to ask. There is simply no ego. She has also provided small exercises, which aren’t pushy or complicated in any way, and they give you something to ponder whilst you’re working.

Like her, I also dislike when people say “If you’re meant to be a writer, you’ll find the time to write.” I understand the logic, but it doesn’t always work that way. Life, unfortunately, gets in the way, and sometimes our brains won’t even come up with the words we need. By sticking with this mentality, there’s extreme pressure and a worry you’ll never get started. So remember, write what you want to write, when you want to write, how you want to write it, and for whom you want to write it for. As long as you’re writing - whatever way you choose - you’re doing alright.

This book is a gem. Written in a fluid, conversational style, Cathy Rentzenbrink guides you through the process of writing your life. What I loved the most was the emphasis on the spiritual process, and emotional side, of baring oneself on the page. This book doesn’t tell you how to write, it tells you how to get through the process of writing, with your mind intact,
If I had one criticism, it would be that the beginning of the book needs to be more confident, and the author needs to trust that the writer really wants to hear what she has to say. Although, I have to admit I found the vulnerability touching.
Beautifully honest, the book works best for me where the author describes her sense of conflict between writing and social media, writing and motherhood, and writing and drinking.
The further reading and words of wisdom from other writers is an absolute bonus. If you are stirred to write your life, for whatever reason, this is the book which will hold your hand, wafting scented candles and hiding your phone in a box, as you get started.

I loved this book by Cathy Rentzenbrink. This is full of her insights on writing and this would make an ideal gift for any budding writer, or anyone interested in the craft of writing. She clearly is a master of her trade and I found her wisdom to be incredibly inspiring.

Full of tips and advice and how to utilize your exciting skills to get your life on paper. A great non-fiction page-turner, which I found myself taking notes from as I read. This is definitely a book to keep on the shelf for future reference. Highly recommended!

Although this book is directed at adults (I think), Rentzenbrink's tone is quite juvenile, more as though she were addressing a class of teenagers rather than adults. She trots out all the usual cliched writing advice, about finding the time you do your best writing, trying to have a routine, freewriting and not being put off by unhelpful criticism, etc. Along with bits of reminiscences from her own life, Rentzenbrink provides writing prompts which some may find useful. She also discusses the difference between memoir and autobiography which, for this reader / writer, is perhaps is the most helpful thing this book offers.

Many thanks to Bluebird / Pan Macmillan and Netgalley UK for my ARC.