Is it ethically wrong to use my service-connected injuries to promote myself?

[[deleted user]]

Hi everyone. I have a very important question to ask you experienced writers/readers. I’m being medically retired from the Army due to service-connected injuries that I received while serving in Afghanistan. After nearly two years of hospital stays and countless emergency room visits, I decided to give writing one more chance, hopefully saving my home from foreclosure (The Army doesn’t pay ALL medical bills). Due to my injuries, I “write” my books with speech recognition software. The question: is it ethically wrong to use my service-connected injuries to promote myself? Is it OK to mention it in my bio? Would you be turned off by this as a reader?

[[deleted user]]

That's a tough call. My opinion, use it in your bio, but don't overplay it. I could be wrong about this, but if you have potential readers dwell on your injuries and disability, your books may wander toward the back of their thoughts instead of being in the forefront. Would love to hear other opinions.

[Gideon]

No it is not wrong.. and it would definitely not turn me off.

BTW Welcome home brother and a JOB DAMN WELL DONE...

Fratribus Sine Pari.

[R.F.G.]

I'd say use it in the bio, succinctly.

Welcome back to the World.

Semper Praesto

[David]

I'd say it's not wrong, but the fact that you're asking the question would indicate that you think it might not be ethical. What you think is unethical maybe different than what others think is unethical. you should do what you think is right, not what others think is right.

[G.T.]

Arthur wrote: "Hi everyone. I have a very important question to ask you experienced writers/readers. I’m being medically retired from the Army due to service-connected injuries that I received while serving in Af..."

Just do a clean-cut bio mentioning your service to our country, list the years of service and where and that you are now retired. I have severe vision challenges. No mention of it is made in my bio. The only place it appears in conjunction with my name as an Indie Author is in an article on overcoming challenges with minimal functional vision. The article was in an international newsletter put out by a foundation dedicated to research on the disease. I do mention it in posts like this 'cause sometimes I make lots of typos as a result of not seeing the mistakes clearly.

As you go through the writing process and seek out help from others make them aware of the tools you use to accomplish your writing. Marketing tip -- once you publish, promote yourself to organizations that look for stories of human endeavors that overcome severe obstacles to reach a goal.

Welcome back. Thank you. Write well.

[Jim]

Arthur,

To do so would not be unethical; however, it would be unprofessional. Personal liabilities have nothing to do with the quality of your work. Stephen Hawking is living proof of that. Remember, even though your work is an extension of yourself, you are promoting your book, not you.

Thank you for your service to your country. You have every right to be proud of having been a good soldier. Now become a great writer.

[Renee E]

I agree, wholeheartedly, with the advice for the bio, and I'd take it a step farther — have someone else write it, and put their name on the bio.

Especially if you are writing about something that concerns your experiences and/or includes what you learned in your time in the service. For veritas

[Patrick]

It seems to be an often used detail, service and injuries or location of service. As past military, I mention that in my bio. Maybe military background has become a form of promotion for some, and it could be that such "promotion" is tainting the honor of service.

Thank you for your service.

[Renee E]

I really believe it's all in how you do it. It is part of who you are, what has made you the writer you are, and so it's valid. It's part of your uniqueness.

Now, if someone were to play the "feel sorry for me and buy my book" bit it would be a different story ('scuse the pun), but you don't come across as someone who would think to stoop so low — if you were you wouldn't have posted this thread!

[Groovy]

I agree with mention it, but don't overplay it and use it to get sympathy to bring attention to your books.

There's an actor on t.v. that got notoriety and became popular because of what he suffered during a tour in the Middle East. And I was so glad for him because something good was happening for him, and instead of people staring at him and pointing at his disfigurement, they applaud him.

But instead of concentrating on being a good actor, it seemed on EVERY episode he had to take you back in time and recount what he went through to gain sympathy, and then I got turned off.

So, don't do that, mention it, be proud of it, but let your work be the main focus.

[Gideon]

Also consider how you might encourage others to overcome and write using VRS or other adaptations.

bottom line for me is do not hide or be ashamed of what it cost you to serve our flag.

[Abigail]

If your story has a military element, you can definitely go into more detail on your experience, but if not, mention it in your bio. I like to know things like that.

Thank you for your service.

[Christine]

Follow your own sense of right and wrong. Jim is correct when he says promote the book, not the disability. There is a real satisfaction knowing the book is a success because it was well-written - not because people pitied you.

[[deleted user]]

Thanks everyone for your comments and encouragement!

[Isaac]

Yeah,I agree with the idea of using it, but using it lightly. It could come across as a hard sell.