Should I Write a Romance Novel While in Healthcare?

The decision to write a romance novel is entirely up to you and your personal interests and goals. However, as a healthcare professional, it is important to consider the potential impact that writing a book with love scenes could have on your career if it were to be discovered.

In general, healthcare professionals are held to high ethical and professional standards, and their behavior both in and out of the workplace can reflect on their professional reputation. Depending on the specific policies of your employer or professional organization, writing a romance novel with explicit content under a pen name could be viewed as a violation of those standards.

The Ethical and Professional Implications

If you decide to move forward with writing a romance novel, you may want to consider using a pen name that is completely separate from your professional identity and taking steps to ensure that your personal and professional lives remain separate. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the policies of your employer and professional organization regarding outside activities and conduct to avoid any potential conflicts.

Navigating Ethical and Professional Standards

Get started with self-publishing can be a bit difficult but doesn’t have to be. After publishing 200 books on Amazon and running 120 million Amazon ads, I discovered the secret to getting books self-published easily and selling. The key is to break down the steps into easy-to-follow bite-sized chunks as I lay out in my free self-publishing secrets checklist.

Personal and Professional Freedom

Consider the view that your occupation at work does not own you. So, do what you desire in your spare time. If you're passionate about writing, you should focus on pursuing your goals. You have no guarantee that your book will be published at all, so you need to first write it before making excuses not to.

Don't let external pressures limit your creativity. For example, an MD in my critique group writes speculative fiction, and I, a nurse, write about murder and mayhem. If the concern is explicit sex in the book and you are in a managerial position, you might want to use a pen name to avoid discussions about sexually graphic content with high-up tense individuals. However, unless your book is explicit with multiple sex scenes, you should be just fine. The pen name wouldn't hurt, but someone will eventually find out who you are so be prepared for that.

Self-Publishing Strategies

Attempting to self-publish a book is both fulfilling and challenging. To make it easier, break down the process into manageable steps. For instance, you can refer to my free self-publishing secrets checklist, which can guide you through the entire process. Starting with planning and outlining, to formatting and uploading, each step is designed to be straightforward and actionable.

By taking a methodical approach, you can ensure that your book is well-received and marketed effectively. Remember, the path to success in self-publishing begins with a clear vision, solid preparation, and a step-by-step implementation plan. Embrace the opportunity to share your creativity and passion with the world, regardless of the field you're in.