I journaled throughout my career as a method of managing my own emotions as I sometimes dealt with tragic outcomes and emotional situations.

Carolyn Larkin Taylor MD – 17 September 2025

The Back Flap

Do you hear them? The whispers that tell the untold stories of the human mind? In Whispers of the Mind, neurologist Carolyn Larkin Taylor shares stories, both professional and deeply personal, about her journey through the labyrinth of neurology. Composed of essays spanning from medical school to private practice, this memoir reveals Taylor’s growth as both a healer and a human being and, through vivid and compassionate storytelling, captures the essence of neurology—a field rarely associated with joy but rich in profound rewards.

Each essay in Whispers of the Mind chronicles true events that highlight the intricate connection between the brain, heart, and soul and illustrate the resilience of the human spirit, lessons learned from patients, and the beauty found in the courage of those facing neurological challenges. In sharing her stories, Taylor invites readers into the mystique of the human brain, providing a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a neurologist dedicated to understanding and healing the most complex organ of all—the mind.

About the book

What is the book about?

Whispers of the Mind is a neurologist’s memoir told in a series of essays dealing with true patient stories spanning three decades from medical school, through residency training and private practice. Whispers provides an intimate look at the fascinating world of neurology centering on the bravery of patients facing sometimes devastating diagnoses while exploring the emotional journey of a doctor learning from them.

Whispers of the Mind isn’t just about neurological disease – it is about the courage, grief, and hope that connect us all.

When did you start writing the book?

I started putting the stories together about two years ago from cases I journaled throughout my career as a method of managing my own emotions as I sometimes dealt with tragic outcomes and emotional situations. There were also struggles in my own life that affected me as both a family member and a neurologist.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about six months to put together a rough draft from my journal entries.

Where did you get the idea from?

While attending a writer’s workshop, we often spent the evening reading small pieces we had written such as essays or poetry just for the fun of it. I had nothing to offer so I opened my computer and read from some of my journal entries. Surprisingly, these were so entertaining that the other writers requested that I read a journal entry every evening.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I mostly struggled with trying to explain some complex neurological diseases in layman’s terms because I wanted my readers to easily understand the conditions so they would appreciate the difficulty my patients faced.

What came easily?

The easiest part for me was when I wrote about my own life as it was affected by my career. I describe the struggle of combining a demanding career and training with motherhood. I also describe the difficult task that often falls on the only physician in the family – managing the death of a loved one.  I had three family members die from complications of neurological disease during the years.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

My characters are real patients as I journaled their stories as they happened. I changed any identifying information such as names and places to conceal their identity. Most of the patients I write about are now deceased.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I have been a fan of Richard Selzer, M.D., a surgeon who devoted the end of his career to writing essays and short stories about his experience and reflections on surgery. His style was unique in that he managed to combine sophisticated prose with graphic details.  Although the medical story was the center of his narrative, he used this to convey a much broader meaning, exposing the humanity of the surgeon and highlighting the patient – doctor relationship, illustrating that doctors are no different from their patients. We all have personalities, families, problems, and aspirations. By bringing his readers into the surgical suite with him, the author allows them to feel the emotions that accompany the ethical dilemmas that confront doctors every day.

Do you have a target reader?

• general readers interested in medical memoirs, and true stories of human resilience and courage
• healthcare professionals interested in neurology and the emotional aspects of medicine
• anyone interested in neurology as a career seeking insights into the reality of medical training and practice
• patients and caregivers of neurological conditions looking for understanding and inspiration from real life medical experiences
• book clubs looking for thought provoking and emotionally resonant books that spark meaningful discussions
• anyone fascinated by the complexity of the brain and neurological field
• lovers of inspirational stories: overcoming adversity, human strength, and the beauty of the human spirit

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I really don’t have a set process. I write about things I know and am passionate about. I get my thoughts and feelings down on paper first and then I go back and rewrite in a more literary style with vivid images and metaphors to try to evoke the emotions of the reader.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I loosely outline in the sense that I put together chapter titles and then I write a few sentences about what I plan to accomplish in each chapter.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I wait until I’m finished. I think excessive editing during the writing process disrupts the flow of the creative thought process.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I always hire a professional editor. That has been invaluable to me, especially pointing out sections where a layman might have difficulty following my neurological explanations.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I often do – classical music inspires me. My favorite thing to do is play music, light a scented candle and curl up with one of my big furry pets while I write on my laptop.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

After thorough research, I discovered that approximately 2.2 to 4 million books are published worldwide each year, including both traditional and self-published works. The traditional publishing route often requires working with an agent, a process that can be time-consuming and lengthy. Wanting to avoid delays, I chose a hybrid publishing approach from the start.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?

I was drawn to hybrid publishing because it offered a better chance of bringing my book to market within a reasonable timeframe while allowing me to retain more autonomy over content and design. Additionally, the royalties available through independent publishers are typically more favorable. The hybrid publisher I chose managed the proofreading, book cover design, printing, and distribution. However, this approach did require me to cover some costs myself, such as printing expenses and hiring an editor and publicist.

Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I decided to go this route from the start.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

The cover for my book was professionally designed by my publisher. They provided numerous design samples and collaborated with me to incorporate any preferences or ideas I had. Ultimately, the final cover selection was my own.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I hired a publicist who is helping me with marketing.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

For those considering the path of indie publishing, I recommend researching publishing options thoroughly and weighing the benefits of autonomy, speed to market, and royalty structure against the costs you may need to cover yourself.

About Me

I grew up in Spring Lake, NJ, and now reside in Bellingham, WA. Animals, especially dogs and horses, are a passion of mine. Currently, I share my life with Riley, a year-old golden retriever, and Darby, a four-year-old Bernese Mountain dog. For the last fourteen years in full-time clinical practice, I had the privilege of working with Prancer, a certified therapy dog for patients and my own golden retriever. Prancer was incredibly intuitive and brought great comfort to my patients. I miss her every day.

Current Projects

At present, I am writing essays on medical topics relevant to the evolving medical landscape. I am in the process of having a book edited that focuses on addiction as a brain disease.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Whispers of the Mind from Amazon US.