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.

By the way, when I first saw this post title, my first thought was "if this is RubyVee asking, then YES 100% write your crazy nursing stories down in a book."

Scary. I had exactly the same thought. Maybe it's telepathy?

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

If you want to write a memoir, write a memoir. The purpose is only arrogant if you are assuming it is going to be a best seller. Do it because you want to, not because you think it will make you a millionaire and you are golden.

If you want to write a memoir, write a memoir. The purpose is only arrogant if you are assuming it is going to be a best seller. Do it because you want to, not because you think it will make you a millionaire and you are golden.

You need to read my other comments in this string related to this same old comment I've gotten now about 4 times.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
You need to read my other comments in this string related to this same old comment I've gotten now about 4 times.

I am working and did not have time to read this entire thread. I shall decline. It is a public forum and if the advice isn't to your liking you can simply move on. :)

Specializes in kids.
There are several of these types of books already on the market. Theresa Brown has written two such books. And she writes a column for the NY Times.

A publisher would ask: What is different about yours?

If you think you have something different to add to the conversation, then go for it!

Write a proposal, and sent it to publishers and see if you get any interest.

There is always the possibility to self publish.

Specializes in kids.

By the way, when I first saw this post title, my first thought was "if this is RubyVee asking, then YES 100% write your crazy nursing stories down in a book."

I think I would read ANYTHING that Esme12 wrote

umm (2).gif I was thinking about something today as I was out walking...

I have an issue with this memoir idea. Believe it or not, my biggest issue is that I feel it may be arrogant and presumptuous to think I have anything to really say that anyone needs to hear.

I mean, it's one thing to argue in here. I don't really care what my detractors think, so I say whatever I want. But publishing a book is another thing. And I don't know that I'm the man to do it.

But then I got to thinking, I mean, I felt a real impression on my spirit, if you will and it said: What about the nurses you know who were great influences on you? You would mention them in the memoir, you would tell about them. But not if you don't write it. They will go unsung as well. Everything to the grave. Irrecuperable.

So now I'm thinking its not like, "Should I write it?" but more like, "If not me, then who?"

writing1-smiley.gif

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I don't think I'd really be that interested in marketing it. It would be more what I might give to students or friends and family, or just something left over when I exit this mortal cage.

This is a great thread, EGspirit & Co. I stopped reading and liking the posts when I could no longer hold back wanting to give some input.

Being driven to express oneself to the point that we can no longer not do it is universal and cathartic. Richard Bach, in one article about his classic Illusions, said something like he struggles with not expressing himself to the point that he can't stand it anymore and has to express himself.

Over 20 years ago, I was fired from a nursing job and fed up with the whole business. I thought, "The heck with it! I'm going to see if I can make money doing Art!"

And I did. I was a successful free lance artist. Not enough to get rich, but enough to supplement my income once I decided to return to nursing.

As far as getting published, that's a little bit of a head trip thing. Not that head trips are bad- they're at least partially external gratification- but when we have something we create and believe others will identify and enjoy it, we need to share it. What's that thing in the Bible about not keeping your light under a bushel?

After the firing from my job, the first thing I tried was getting a cartoon published. I met with the editor of a local rag, showed him some of my cartoons, and got published.

What a head trip! I remember him looking at the first cartoon that was later published and laughing at it. I was overjoyed! His S.O., who was the assistant editor said, "I don't get it."

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You go for it, EGspirit!

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I personally love reading nursing stories or memoirs- like the Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul series

Or how about a book titled Chicken Soup for the Souls of Chickens Made Into Soup?

Just an idea, you know...

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
By the way, when I first saw this post title, my first thought was "if this is RubyVee asking, then YES 100% write your crazy nursing stories down in a book."

Can I hear an "AMEN!"?

I'm sorry. I'm getting too excited. I've gotta stop now.

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
Staff note - multiple posts have been removed as off topic. Please keep to the topic at hand. Thanks.

Hey- traumaRus- would AN.com consider starting a forum on deleted posts?

Sort of like The Rejection Collection?

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It's probably where the cartoons I submitted to the New Yorker are going to turn up.

If I'm lucky.

Here's an example. And it's kind of on topic with me being a psych nurse and all:

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I think there are a lot of misperceptions about nurses. Once a lot of people have cancer or a significant hospitalization, they realize that nurses are not glorified maids or doctor wannabes. They often wants know more about these people who do so much for them.

Heck nurses like to know how others live their lives. I loved the American Nurse Project! This could be your bestseller! No reason not to do it!

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