Should I write a memoir?

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.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I think that would be great. Go for it.

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If you want to do it, why not?

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

What books have you written?

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Specializes in ER.

Write us up a chapter, and we'll give you better quality opinions.

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If you want to write one because you'd enjoy doing it, then go for it. I'm not sure about it making any actual profit, just because memoirs are a bit harder to market and sell from what I've seen and the increase in self-publishing on top of that.

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Specializes in Geriatrics w/rehab, LTC, hospice patient.

I don't think it would be arrogant at all. If you enjoy writing, why not? I think a lot of us enjoy reading the experiences of others and as nurses, we can always learn from each other to better our own practice.

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If you want to write one because you'd enjoy doing it, then go for it. I'm not sure about it making any actual profit, just because memoirs are a bit harder to market and sell from what I've seen and the increase in self-publishing on top of that.

No, I don't think it has any marketing potential, per se. But it might be something I can give to students some day or leave behind when I'm gone--that kind of thing.

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I don't think it would be arrogant at all. If you enjoy writing, why not? I think a lot of us enjoy reading the experiences of others and as nurses, we can always learn from each other to better our own practice.

Thanks. I mean, when I was a nursing student, I read a couple of memoirs by nurses. So, others might. Thanks for then input.

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What books have you written?

A book about happiness, a novel, and a few spiritual/new age books. None of them sold worth a da.. though. And I don't want to say what they are, because I want to remain anonymous. I'm sure you understand.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Neuro/Oncology floor nursing..

Definitely go for it. I love medical memiors. I have a stack of medical memiors by doctors and nurses that I bought and read before I went to school. Now obviously I live it everyday I think I could write my own!

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I've been a factory worker, horse trainer, waitress and nurse. I'm gonna do that, too. I've got stories, I tell ya..

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