I loved helping new families through pregnancy and childbirth as an obstetrical nurse. In addition, the intensity and energy needed for my job, especially in a high-paced unit like labor and delivery, required a level of focus and knowledge that energized me. One of the non-nursing tasks I enjoyed included writing a newsletter for my unit and articles for our hospital-wide quarterly. Other pieces found publication in nursing journals, and seeing my byline in national magazines gave me joy.
I continued to practice nursing while carrying a decades-old diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. As happens with the disease, even when controlled, a worsening of my health ensued and caused me to leave my job. Too young to retire, I gathered my resources once I stabilized again. I found a path from nurse to novelist along the way.
Returning to College
I enjoy writing essays and short stories and had decided to tackle a novel but did not know where to start. I’d never entertained the idea of getting an English degree until my best friend urged me to apply to a program at Mount Holyoke College. The concept of building upon a strong literary foundation drew me in.
As I learned about The Victorians, The Modernists, and took courses in other subjects like Art, Music, and Chicago Politics, my 60-year-old view of the world expanded and fed me with new discoveries. My life overflowed with academic input as non-traditional students in my program carry the same requirements as the traditionally aged ones.
I took gym classes and explored library nooks to write short stories and my first novel in. Those compositions garnered awards at Mount Holyoke, and I met people who would affect me for the rest of my life. Despite the demands of adjusting to homework and strict class schedules, I continued on to graduate school after receiving my diploma.
An academic path is not feasible or enticing to everyone though auditing one writing class, at a local college or high school, can inform if you enjoy the practice well enough to pursue additional education. I highly encourage testing your interest before taking on a larger commitment.
Start Where You’re At
If you’ve never written a novel, a short story, or an essay before, start small. The professional publishing industry demands high standards, and it is unusual to score a publishing deal, paying the author up-front, without building credits. I continued to publish short stories and essays and submitted to higher tier journals and magazines with limited success.
Though lucky enough to find a top agent, my first manuscript did not sell to my target – a large, traditional publisher. The best practice is to keep writing through negativity. My fourth manuscript is near completion, and my agent and I hope to sell one of my novels in 2026.
Rejections Are Key
Subsequent feedback from editors positively impacted the development of my writing, despite rejections. Editors know what their readers want to read. Remember that their comments are not a direct insult to the work, and persisting through the sting of their words is important.
Use the criticism as an opportunity to develop technique, pay attention to detail, and to practice perseverance. One of my favorite stories had rejections from over 50 journals before its acceptance in a short story collection. I found the right niche for my older protagonist among readers who share a similar demographic.
Write for Yourself
Multiple avenues exist for placing your work in blog posts, journals, and diaries. Use your stories to record family history. Write what’s important to you and what you like to read, and it will enrich your life. If you’re interested in a professional career, learn all the rules of writing the tropes, the genres, and harness the grit that it takes to pursue this job.
You’ll find people who want to read your writing along the way. Many people self-publish these days or what is termed “Indie publish,” and I know several authors who’ve had success following that model. The path is available to everyone, though in order to have a lovely cover and edited prose, one might need to hire outside help. Focus on your writing. Ultimately, you’ll know if it’s something you want to continue to do as a job or if it suits you better as a hobby.
You Don’t Have to “Write What You Know”
Contrary to the popular saying, many authors create books out of extensive research and a place of deep curiosity rather than direct experience. I add medical scenes to many of my stories and novels because it is a territory that I am familiar with. However, I’ve stepped outside of my personal knowledge with a list story about cremation or dug deep into themes of widowhood and resilience in my manuscripts. Consulting the right experts and utilizing reliable sources enables you to do the same.
Enjoy the Journey!
Readers and writers exist in community. Find your people through book clubs or libraries or through formal writers’ organizations. Opportunities abound. Form your own online group. You don’t have to go it alone, and the path is full of supportive writers from all walks of life.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you always wanted to write a novel? Or maybe you have a story to tell from a memoirist’s point of view. What are your plans? I’d love to help!