What is the “advice from a 19th century female doctor” that is useful for creative writing?



Since creating requires a certain amount of energy and relaxation at the same time, it can be difficult both physically and mentally to create. Author Ritu Mukherji, who has degrees in history and medicine, talks about the ``lessons of 19th century women doctors'' that helped her become a writer.

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Mr. Mukherji holds a bachelor's degree in history from Columbia University and a medical degree from the Sidney Kimmel School of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. While working as an internist for the next 15 years, Mukherji began writing a mystery novel, which he had dreamed of for many years, but with no background or qualifications as a writer, he found it difficult to get started.

Mr. Mukherji, who was suffering from such worries, came across the words of Dr. Anne Preston, a 19th century female doctor, while doing medical research. Dr. Preston later became a university dean and was an active advocate of women's medical education, but around 1860, her personal intentions and professional issues began to conflict. . Additionally, from 1861 to 1865, the United States was in the middle of the Civil War, and medical schools had limited funding and insufficient enrollment, and universities sometimes closed year after year. did.



Dr. Preston wrote in his diary at the time: ``It is with great sadness for my country that I have been slow to learn the wisdom that will bring prosperity.'' I am saddened by the prospects for Tako’s medical institutions.” At the same time, he said, ``My words of encouragement to myself right now are, ``Do your best.'' Work where your work begins. Whether you are praised or criticized, ration, speak and write your noblest ideas.'

Mr. Mukherji described Dr. Preston's words as 'old-fashioned and heavy with religious overtones,' but added, 'Dr. Preston's words inspire courage and help us move forward in the face of an uncertain future.' 'I was struck by the call to keep going and to focus on what I can control.' In particular, Mukherji was strongly influenced by the phrase ``work where the work opens'' and immediately realized that ``there is no ideal time to start writing a novel.'' I found some time between work and childcare to start writing.



From the lessons learned by female doctors who were in difficult situations at the time, Mukherji said, ``I received the will to act boldly without being limited by circumstances, to try and fail, and to free myself from the consequences.'' Masu. Gradually, writing became a place where he could release his creative thoughts, and it began to feel like a spacious space rather than a cramped one.

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