Should I write a memoir?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I feel arrogant when I consider writing a memoir. Like, who am I? But I've had some pretty unique experiences (as all nurses do), but I'm also a writer. I've written several books. So, I know how to write and publish a memoir, just in general.

Is it arrogant to do something like that? On the one hand, I think it is--on the other, I think it's almost a sin if I don't. Like, if I've been given the ability to write and the experience to write about, to keep it all to myself would be totally selfish--to just let it all die with me.

What do you think?

Here's what I wrote just to jot down my reason for writing:

A very honest memoir of my life as a nurse. I discuss the things I've seen, experienced, and done in hopes that others who read this and are starting their own journey in nursing will find the understanding I've found to be a light that helps them find their own understanding. I hope that this will be a book I can share with future students that I teach, perhaps CNAs, perhaps LPNs.

Or maybe I should just keep my head down, shut up, and be glad to have a job. I just don't know what to do.

Hey people buy all sorts of drivel "Mein Kampf" is getting near the top 10 again on i tunes. He might be a best selling author. Of course we may elect one of the Keebler Elves as the next President in light of our election of the current one

Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

Of course it's arrogant to write a memoir but that shouldn't stop you if you have the resources to write/publish one.

If your purpose is to set the world on fire with your wit at telling your story, it's very unlikely that will happen and only you will be disappointed.

If you want to memorialize your experiences for family/friends, they may find it exceedingly fascinating and eager to tell you so.

If you are asking if I think you should, I don't know you well enough to answer that question and after elkpark's analysis of your writing, I'm not sure I want to research your posts to form a bad opinion of you.

Good idea !

Writing your experiences (in any way) down, is a clever solusion for mental health.

No matter if you publish it - or not...

It helps you to reduce your pantoprazole dissolved in ethanol.:cool:

Good advice! Interesting cocktail! :)

Of course it's arrogant to write a memoir but that shouldn't stop you if you have the resources to write/publish one.

If your purpose is to set the world on fire with your wit at telling your story, it's very unlikely that will happen and only you will be disappointed.

If you want to memorialize your experiences for family/friends, they may find it exceedingly fascinating and eager to tell you so.

Yeah, I think it would be more for that reason, friends and family. I mean, no one may want to read it. But if I teach CNAs some day or LPNs, I could give it away if anyone wanted a copy. It's like the Madonna song, Live to Tell, you know? It's like you don't want to just die and take it with you. You want to leave something behind.

If you are asking if I think you should, I don't know you well enough to answer that question and after elkpark's analysis of your writing, I'm not sure I want to research your posts to form a bad opinion of you.

Hmmm. Well, follow the elk. It may be herd mentality, but at least you'll have company. :)

There is no down side to writing. It will clear your mind, clarify your memories, and is good intellectual exercise.

Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

"Should I write a memoir?"...I was going to say yes, why not?...until I read through your other comments. From what you wrote I am not sure you would be able to handle the negative fallout if it doesn't go well. I am afraid our society has lost the ability to hear differing points of view without having to find a safe space. I both read items that I don't agree with, and write items that others don't agree with, this not only is OK, but is important for all people to hear and listen to both sides, the more info you have the better to form an opinion, that it how a civilized society works, we should all strive for that!

I personally found the thread you started about advanced practice nursing "Beyond bedside? advanced practice? really?" quite refreshing, as I think did a number of other people. You brought up a very good question. I actually wish there were more topics like yours. Of course, some people were upset because you dared to challenge the status quo. A lot of people are heavily invested in maintaining the status quo. So I think some people find your ideas very threatening and feel they have to oppose your expression of your thoughts as vigorously as they can, particularly as you received support from a number of posters. Congratulations to you for succeeding in provoking such a response. It takes courage to go against the grain. This is a forum for all nurses, and that means nurses who hold a variety of views.

I wish you the best with writing your memoir. To those who suggest that it is arrogant or inappropriate to do so, I don't see how writing truthfully from one's own experience to make a point about what one's experiences have taught one can be considered so. People reading a memoir have the choice to stop reading it if it has no value for them.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Staff note - multiple posts have been removed as off topic. Please keep to the topic at hand. Thanks.

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Sure, why not? I've thought about doing it myself. I've had a fairly interesting life.

Specializes in retired LTC.

I don't see much difference among a memoir, an autobiography, journal writing, or a diary. But if you feel like writing provides you a pleasing outlet for self-expression, then I'd say "GO FOR IT".

Now if you plan to make money off it, or to leave your words for posterity, that's' up to you to determine if that's viable.

Writing can be plain ole' fun or something serious. I like the fun part. Now having said that, I just wish more folk here would partake in the fun of contributing to the Novella over on the blue side. (I don't want to be the only one having all the fun!)

I personally found the thread you started about advanced practice nursing "Beyond bedside? advanced practice? really?" quite refreshing, as I think did a number of other people. You brought up a very good question. I actually wish there were more topics like yours. Of course, some people were upset because you dared to challenge the status quo. A lot of people are heavily invested in maintaining the status quo. So I think some people find your ideas very threatening and feel they have to oppose your expression of your thoughts as vigorously as they can, particularly as you received support from a number of posters. Congratulations to you for succeeding in provoking such a response. It takes courage to go against the grain. This is a forum for all nurses, and that means nurses who hold a variety of views.

I wish you the best with writing your memoir. To those who suggest that it is arrogant or inappropriate to do so, I don't see how writing truthfully from one's own experience to make a point about what one's experiences have taught one can be considered so. People reading a memoir have the choice to stop reading it if it has no value for them.

Susie, thank you. I truly appreciate your response. And I can tell by the way you write, and the way you express yourself, that you are a very intelligent person. So, your opinion means a great deal to me. Thank you again.

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