Should I Write a Book on Morgellons Disease or Not?

A little over a year ago I was prompted by a friend to start writing a nonfiction piece on Morgellons Disease. I outlined a book which I estimated would be between 125 and 200 pages in length. It would define Morgellons, present theories on cause and explore peer-reviewed research. I also planned on including stories of recovery, suffering and a chapter with entries by medical professionals titled “Thoughts on Morgellons”.

Fast forward ahead six months, I’d found a full-time teaching position and decided I needed to somehow find the means to get to Austin for the Holman Foundation’s Annual meeting (and make my trip worthwhile by arranging some interviews for my book while there). I worked extended days and over the weekends to accumulate enough comp time to get some days off. I saved money and cut costs enough to buy a flight ticket, pay the meeting fee and reserve a bed at a hostel. I was confident I would be able to have some finality and free myself from ever thinking about Morgellons again- for good!

I expected the meeting to motivate me further towards finishing the book. Instead it had the opposite effect. I felt shunned and belittled. While the foundation welcomed my participation fee, the “experts” appeared to rush down the hall in the opposite direction when I approached (a couple did give me a minute or two).  I felt my time, energy and money had been wasted; it sent me in a swirl mentally and I have hardly picked up my pencil since.

So here I am now. I have a new home and another teaching position. Returning to elementary teaching is truly a whole new challenge (I’ve been working nearly as many unpaid as paid hours). I feel pretty content though and have started to pick up my pencil again. My words are still less-than-smooth. My thoughts continue to be fairly scattered. Still, I am here to ask a question- Should I write a book on Morgellons Disease or not?

I need some motivation. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time (including my own). I have dedicated many hours and much money toward writing and publishing on the topic of Morgellons. Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,

Joe Keleher (AKA Morgellons Joe)

jwkeleher.com