Grieving the Write Way Journal and Workbook

by Gary Roe

Your world has changed. Someone special is missing.

How do you do this? What does this mean? Who are you now? What’s next?

Multiple award-winning author, speaker, and grief specialist Gary Roe experienced multiple, devastating losses in childhood.

Gary says, "By the time I was a teenager, I was slogging through each day carrying a massive amount of grief. Then my dad dropped in front of me of a heart attack. He was a single father and my one functional parent. When this lightning bolt struck, I thought my life was over."

Then Gary picked up a pen and started writing. The next day, he wrote some more. 

"I found myself emoting as I wrote. Sadness, confusion, anger, fear, anxiety, and guilt spewed out of me, one word at a time. I felt lousy, but expressing what was inside me felt good and relieving."

Unfortunately, the losses just kept coming. And Gary kept writing.

Now, almost a half-century and 20 books later, Gary gives us a gift - a unique grief workbook born of his extensive personal and professional experience of using writing as a tool to recover from the losses of life.

Whether you're an avid journal writer or have never used writing to process difficult events, you'll find the Grieving the Write Way Journal and Workbook a heartfelt, compassionate, and practical resource for your grief journey.

In Grieving the Write Way, you'll learn...
- The role writing can play in your grief and healing process.
- How writing can steady your heart enough to express your emotions in a productive way.
- How writing can slow your mind down enough to get your thoughts on paper and begin to process them.
- To practice writing as a safe place to express and process questions, doubts, and fears.
- To use writing as an avenue to vent frustrations about your relationships in an honest and uncensored manner.
- How to use writing to work through your thoughts, wonderings, and concerns about the future.

Writing can become a powerful habit that can help us navigate life in general. What we don’t express stays locked in our hearts and often becomes the baggage that weighs us down.

Grieving the Write Way is about you and the terrible loss you’re enduring. It was written to help you...
- Express your heart, mind, and soul.
- Navigate the relational changes and upsets you’re facing.
- See that you’re not alone, you’re not crazy, and that you will make it through this.
- Take the next steps in your grief process, whatever they might be.

In these pages, you’ll get many opportunities to experience the benefits of writing about your loss and what’s happening in your heart and mind.

Take the next step. Read on...and write.

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2021

About the author

Hi. My name is Gary.

My story began with a childhood of sexual abuse and numerous other losses. When my life began to unravel as a teen, another family took me in and changed the trajectory of my life. My healing journey began.

Eager to help others heal and grow, my heart turned outward. Over the next three decades, I served as a campus minister, a church-planting missionary in Japan, an entrepreneur in Hawaii, and a pastor. I'm currently work as a writer, speaker, and hospice chaplain.

After walking through deep valleys with thousands of people, I can say the following with confidence:

• We've all been wounded
• Healing isn't for sissies
• We’re all designed for impact
• The world needs us
• We must heal

I'm here to help. I'm no guru or master of anything. I'm a fellow struggler. I still bear the scars of my wounds. I grieve, get anxious, worry, and battle fear regularly. But I'm healing, and I'm growing.

Stop by my website. Drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one to journal or write my thoughts down, but this book has completely changed my mind about the value of taking the time to write through your thoughts and feelings. Gary walks you through your feelings and thoughts with short, compassionate introductions, which are followed by sections of questions to think about. He guides you with questions that follow a natural progression of your pain and has even a skeptic like me appreciating the value and ease of journaling. I had a major loss just as the COVID shutdown occurred, which made me more isolated and alone with my grief. Grieving the Write Way has been a tremendous help and allowed me to grow through this painful time as it helped me take a deeper look at what I was feeling. Even though I help other people through their times of grief and loss, I was not giving myself the same caring compassion I give to them. Gary's book has helped me do that for myself. I will definitely recommend it to others.

[Dennis Baer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Grieving the Write Way 20 months after the loss of my wife of 50 years. Grief is a lonely and traumatic experience that rears its ugly head without warning at the most unexpected times. This book, with stories and quotes from other grief-stricken individuals, tells you that you are not alone on this journey, and gives you hope that somehow you will survive this ordeal, and that there will be a future. In his caring, thoughtful, and affable way Gary draws you in to the writing exercises in the journal portions of the book. Writing about my grief is something I had never considered, but it is so helpful and thought provoking to actually get your feelings down on paper. I know this book will be a constant companion and resource for me as I, over time, reengage in the writing exercises and measure my progress.
Dennis Baer-bereaved spouse and survivor of many close losses

[Susan Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I lost my 18 year old daughter to respiratory failure 10 months after a double lung transplant, my world came crashing in on me. My emotions, my mind and my thoughts were all over the place and I sometimes felt like I was going crazy. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t concentrate and I couldn’t focus on each day’s most basic functions. Gary’s book, “Grieving the Write Way,” helps to not only validate the feelings experienced throughout the grief journey, but also provides a fantastic way to focus on specific areas of grief, thoughts and emotions one a time. This interactive workbook/journal is a must have for anyone experiencing loss! So take a deep breath, pull out your pen and get ready to take that step towards healing the “write” way.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have lost two family members in two years. The first was my brother who died of colon cancer and the second was my 89 yo mom, who died of dementia during Covid. Both of these were as hard as I expected , but in different ways.
I have read many of Gary Roe's grief books and all of them are excellent. This one is the best yet. There is just something about writing, letting it all come out of our brain and on to paper that is so healing. I noticed there were some pages to write letters and this has been very therapeutic for me in the past.
As Gary admonishes us many times in this book, "just breathe". I recommend this one and all of his books. He is a kind soul who has been in the trenches himself.

[Louie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grieving the Write Way is a wonderful resource for both one going through a loss and one who leads or resources Grief Support groups. I have been leading and resourcing Greif Groups for close to 30 years and wish I had this resource earlier. This workbook very succinctly goes to the topics that need to be touched and gives one a place to write out their feelings and thoughts. This is a workbook “full of healing.” It takes you from where you currently are and helps you to look to the future. As you “walk your road” through recovery you can look back to see how far you have come. I highly recommend Gary Roe’s “Grieving the Write Way” to anyone going through a loss.

Rev. Louie Lyon
United Methodist Pastor
Sun City, AZ

[Louie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grieving the Write Way is a wonderful resource for both one going through a loss and one who leads or resources Grief Support groups. I have been leading and resourcing Greif Groups for close to 30 years and wish I had this resource earlier. This workbook very succinctly goes to the topics that need to be touched and gives one a place to write out their feelings and thoughts. This is a workbook “full of healing.” It takes you from where you currently are and helps you to look to the future. As you “walk your road” through recovery you can look back to see how far you have come. I highly recommend Gary Roe’s “Grieving the Write Way” to anyone going through a loss.

Rev. Louie Lyon
United Methodist Pastor
Sun City, AZ

[Mhines11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Grieving the Write Way” was the perfect way to slow down and focus my hyperactive brain and to put into words all of the confusing emotions. Gary Roe’s books have been very helpful in my journey, but this one with it’s built in interactive component is a plus. The stand alone chapters are very short and specific and do not need to be read consecutively. Just read the chapters that speak to you and write out your answers to the prompts if you want. After 3 years into my journey I found I had some unfinished business. Another hit, Gary! You are a blessing to the grieving!

[Myra Seaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Roe provides an easy to understand format of books, videos and now an excellent workbook to help through the rough grieving process. This workbook provides a guided resource to "write" my thoughts, feeling, fears etc. as I gain strength to understand where my life is and where I'm going since the loss of my loved one. No matter the type of loss, Gary's resources offer a helpful way to understand this process while offering suggestions and assistance to help me regain my sense of purpose in life.

[Bonnie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been so powerful and so helpful during my grieving process. I journal often anyway but the prompts were so helpful. Greiif is messy a new confusing and the prompts were helpful in putting not only how O feel but sorting my emotions was easier this platform. I have a lot of Gary Roses books. He has a way of filling you hope and encouragement in all of his books and this one is yet another. This book is a gift and a blessing. This is one that I would like to pass out to those I know who are so deeply hurting in grief. Thank you so much Gary Roe!

[Barbara Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Roe's new book, Grieving the Write Way Workbook and Journal is, as the title indicates, a book on grief and a journal that can be used to put down a person's own thoughts and feelings. There are many aids to help those grieving organize feelings and thoughts during a time where there may be confusion and doubt. Some include, Memory Exercise, Letter Writing Skills, Managing the Future and Using our Grief for Good. This book is a complete source for those who have recently lost a loved one or who have been grieving for years. It's intensely personal and can be reviewed again and again.

[Cindy Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I get that writing my thoughts and feelings will help me with my grief. But so many emotions, thoughts, physical aspects -- where do I start? The Grieving the Write Way Journal and Workbook actually walks me through the process! I find a chapter for what I’m feeling and there are the suggestions for how to go about writing out those feelings. I don’t have to figure out how to start, the prompts are all right there! This is a book to help regardless of where you are in your grief journey.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Roe's books speak directly to the hearts of people who are grieving. Gary has a gentle and compassionate way of helping one to get in touch with the many emotions of grief. When I began reading Grieving the Write Way, I immediately picked up my pencil and started writing. The short chapters, each on a specific topic, provide questions and writing prompts followed by space for journaling through the process of healing. Grieving the Write Way gave me the courage to address grief on a deeper level through writing. It is a must-have guide through the sacred journey of grief and healing.

[Kim Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a psychiatric provider for over 20 years. I frequently find that journaling thoughts, feelings, and actions in an organized way, helps people move along in their process, even if they are resistant in the beginning. Gary’s book, gives a clear pathway when you are feeling confused by your own emotions and how to organize them. It keeps you moving forward, without rushing your own grief. Take your time and work through Gary’s book, you will be glad you did! Kim Holland, APRN-CNP

[Hadassah Treu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved journaling and writing. That’s why Gary Roe’s “Grieving the Write Way Journal and Workbook” is the perfect fit for me. I love the journaling prompts and the many creative ways included in the book, like poetry, letters, and stories designed to help in processing my emotions and sorting out my thoughts. When I feel alone and grief overwhelms me, this workbook is the perfect companion to steady my walk and help me express my mind, heart, and soul.

[Cj · Rating 5 out of 5]

The personal statements at the beginning of each topic seemed to make it more relatable. I know I am not good at expressing my deep hurts or feelings but the writing prompts helped me start. In part two of the Journal, “Managing the Thoughts,” the writing prompt was so simple, it made it very easy to express myself. Thank you, Gary, for how much you care and share so many helpful strategies to travel through this crazy grief journey!

[Lynette McCombs]

"Once again, Gary Roe has been able to reach into those difficult places in the journey of grief and offer real-life help and encouragement. With genuine compassion and wisdom drawn from his own journeys through grief, Gary prompts the reader to look at the emotions and realities of grief and process them with healthy, honest, and productive methods and suggestions. Written in short topical chapters, this is a tool that you must have as you navigate the hard season of grief."

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary’s wonderful book is very comprehensive, covering all aspects of the grief journey. You can go through it sequentially or pick out topics that jump out at you. “Managing Relationships” was the most significant to me. Very few resources help with the unexpected, agonizing, secondary loss of changes in relationships, including disappearing and unsupportive people. “The Anticipated Future,” was also especially helpful and brought hope. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Scott A · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing my son, I was searching for something and someone to guide me through all the thoughts I was having. I found Gary and read his book Shattered: Surviving the Loss of a Child. It helped me understand, but I was still missing an easy way to express my thoughts since it isn't easy for me to do that. This journal and workbook has been a step by step guideline allowing me to put my thoughts on paper in an easy and simple way.

[Leslie McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should have Grieving the Write Way in their toolbox for healing from the loss of a loved one. This practical workbook guided me in processing my grief actively through a series of insightful writing prompts. Topics are well-organized in a way that makes sense, with just enough thoughtful and compassionate narrative to help me feel understood without being overwhelmed. Take your time with this beautiful gem of a resource. It will do your grieving heart good.

[Floy Creveling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past 14 months of grieving my husband has taken me through so many emotions that I totally relate to the author's statements of "feeling a bit unhinged" and "like someone rearranged everything overnight." I have not journaled in the past but this book has influenced me to give it a try. The prompts kick start the thinking/writing process for me. Writing down what is going on in my heart and head is helping me work through the hurting and confusion.

[Liz]

This wonderful book is a wonderful grief guide for the grieving heart. To me, it's as if Gary's book "Grieving the Write Way" is a gentle guide leading me through the places in my thinking/grieving process that help me to get clarity and focus, and relief in the midst of all the pain and emotions from my losses, the most painful of all my son's death by suicide. I highly recommend this as a powerful grief resource for all who are in the grief process no matter how far out from their loss.

[Nancy Breedlove]

Chocked full of helpful hints for anyone who is grieving, this guidebook/journal can help actively process the myriad of feelings that arise with loss. Author Gary Roe knows that writing to express one’s feelings can be very cathartic. I suggest you help yourself by buying and using “Grieving the Write Way.”

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it hard to process grief, as when I'm in the thick of it, the waves of grief seem to drown everything out. In “Grieving the Write Way”, I especially found the writing prompts Gary provides to be an incredibly helpful means of beginning to process grief when I didn’t know how to articulate it. I highly recommend for anyone who feels like they need help to process any kind of grief.

[Belinda Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent who lost a son 3 years ago, I recommend this journaling book to anyone who feels numb inside. Get in touch with your feelings you have stuffed down deep and start to heal.All things are possible when we trust in God and find the right tools .

[Joyce Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this format in this book. I can't wait to start doing this writing journal to understand my own feelings. It has different ways to write your feelings such as letters, poems and notes about how you feel about the lost your dealing with.

[Brian Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Grieving the Write Way" was mesmerizing to me. I found myself absorbed in the readings, exercises, and activities. This workbook is an invaluable tool in guiding the grieving heart on its journey to comfort and healing. Brian Kenney, Pastor & Chaplain

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books and journals on grief