Stephanie Flood's Blog
November 11, 2025
“The Unexpected Moments That Made Writing My Book Worth It”
Becoming a published author has been full of surprises, laughter, and lessons I never saw
coming. Each event has been different, full of vulnerability, humor, and moments of insight that I could never have anticipated. They have reminded me that no matter how much you prepare, the experience will always unfold in its own way.
My first book signing was at Brewery Vivant, combining three of my favorite things: books, beer, and beloveds. Next came Signing Day Saturday at Schuler Books, my favorite local
independent bookstore, where I met store patrons and friends who came to cheer me on. At both events, I was deeply touched by how many people made the time to be there.
The third event, the Women Who Write and Create Expo, was hosted by Hook A Sista Up.
Before this expo, I had the privilege of being interviewed on a local PBS radio show and on TV, sharing the story of my book and the upcoming expo. The radio interview was live, and I felt at ease, enjoying the conversation with the energetic host and two other authors. The TV interview was a very different experience, with me and one other author, leaving me feeling more vulnerable and self-conscious, but it was a valuable and memorable part of the process. The event itself was a whirlwind of networking, panel discussions, and new ideas for reaching readers. I also officially launched my new author website, www.stephflood.com, giving my platform depth, reliability, and legitimacy.
At the expo, the women authors took turns introducing ourselves and sharing why we wrote our books. I spoke about my professional nursing background and emphasized the importance of acknowledging race, culture, education, and socioeconomic status when caring for each person, approaching every patient with a clean slate. Afterward, a tearful woman came to my table, moved by this perspective, and shared a heartbreaking story about her dear friend, an African American woman who had twins, was sent home despite appearing very pale, and tragically passed away seven days later. The conversation was a stark reminder of why this work matters.
Later, another woman approached me with a question about swinging in my community. I was completely stunned and had to admit I knew nothing about it. It was a reminder that you never really know what is going to happen at these events.
The next day, at church, I was in line to receive communion by intinction. An elderly woman from the row behind me grabbed my hand, stood to give me a hug, and said, “I just read your mother’s book and thought it was wonderful.” My husband and I laughed, and my daughter rolled her eyes. Afterward, during coffee hour, I explained to her that I had actually written the book. She smiled, noting it made sense why I looked like the woman on the back cover. We laughed and hugged.
Becoming a published author has been full of surprises, vulnerable moments, and unexpected connections. Like birth, you can prepare all you want, but you never truly know how it will unfold. That is part of the thrill, the growth, the laughter, and the chance to touch lives in ways I never imagined.
coming. Each event has been different, full of vulnerability, humor, and moments of insight that I could never have anticipated. They have reminded me that no matter how much you prepare, the experience will always unfold in its own way.
My first book signing was at Brewery Vivant, combining three of my favorite things: books, beer, and beloveds. Next came Signing Day Saturday at Schuler Books, my favorite local
independent bookstore, where I met store patrons and friends who came to cheer me on. At both events, I was deeply touched by how many people made the time to be there.
The third event, the Women Who Write and Create Expo, was hosted by Hook A Sista Up.
Before this expo, I had the privilege of being interviewed on a local PBS radio show and on TV, sharing the story of my book and the upcoming expo. The radio interview was live, and I felt at ease, enjoying the conversation with the energetic host and two other authors. The TV interview was a very different experience, with me and one other author, leaving me feeling more vulnerable and self-conscious, but it was a valuable and memorable part of the process. The event itself was a whirlwind of networking, panel discussions, and new ideas for reaching readers. I also officially launched my new author website, www.stephflood.com, giving my platform depth, reliability, and legitimacy.
At the expo, the women authors took turns introducing ourselves and sharing why we wrote our books. I spoke about my professional nursing background and emphasized the importance of acknowledging race, culture, education, and socioeconomic status when caring for each person, approaching every patient with a clean slate. Afterward, a tearful woman came to my table, moved by this perspective, and shared a heartbreaking story about her dear friend, an African American woman who had twins, was sent home despite appearing very pale, and tragically passed away seven days later. The conversation was a stark reminder of why this work matters.
Later, another woman approached me with a question about swinging in my community. I was completely stunned and had to admit I knew nothing about it. It was a reminder that you never really know what is going to happen at these events.
The next day, at church, I was in line to receive communion by intinction. An elderly woman from the row behind me grabbed my hand, stood to give me a hug, and said, “I just read your mother’s book and thought it was wonderful.” My husband and I laughed, and my daughter rolled her eyes. Afterward, during coffee hour, I explained to her that I had actually written the book. She smiled, noting it made sense why I looked like the woman on the back cover. We laughed and hugged.
Becoming a published author has been full of surprises, vulnerable moments, and unexpected connections. Like birth, you can prepare all you want, but you never truly know how it will unfold. That is part of the thrill, the growth, the laughter, and the chance to touch lives in ways I never imagined.
July 22, 2025
Audiobook Coming Soon
The audiobook version of "When There Are Two Patients in One Body" is in the final stages of editing. I am working with the team to make sure the narration reads smoothly and feels just as natural and connected as reading the book.
I will share the release date here as soon as it is finalized. Thank you for your support and interest.
To stay updated on this and other news, please click “Follow Author” above.
I will share the release date here as soon as it is finalized. Thank you for your support and interest.
To stay updated on this and other news, please click “Follow Author” above.
July 18, 2025
The Story Behind My Book
I wrote When There Are Two Patients in One Body as a reflection of and tribute to my lifelong career as a Labor and Delivery nurse. Every shift brought a different mix of excitement, joy, frustration, laughter, and tears, shared with a wide variety of patients and a steady, dedicated team of nurses, midwives, doctors, techs and secretaries. It was a world where life and complexity collided daily, and it shaped me in ways I’m still uncovering.
This book is my way of honoring the field of nursing as a whole, Labor and Delivery nursing in particular. Nurses are the backbone of patient care, showing up day after day with skill, resilience and compassion. In Labor and Delivery, we stand at the threshold of life, navigating some of the most profound and complex moments a person can experience. I want to give voice to the work that often goes unspoken. I wrote it to validate that what delivery teams do every single day, deeply matters. Our work is not just clinical; it’s human and deserves to be seen and understood.
My book shares powerful stories from the delivery room, many filled with joy, others marked by heartbreak. Some of the hardest stories to write were those involving abuse, maternal and fetal loss, and certain culturally rooted practices that resulted in lasting trauma. Each carried its own kind of emotional weight and forced me to revisit moments that were not only painful, but profoundly formative, both personally and professionally.
More than anything, I want Labor and Delivery nurses to walk away feeling seen, valued and
validated. This work is physically demanding, emotionally charged, and often invisible to those outside the delivery room. My hope is that readers, especially nurses, see reflections of themselves in these pages: the quiet strength it takes to show up day after day, the grace required to navigate joy and heartbreak, often within the same shift and the profound impact we have on our patients even when we don’t realize it. What we do matters. If even one nurse closes this book with a renewed sense of pride, purpose or permission to feel the full emotional weight of this work, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.
I wrote this book for women and their partners, for the patients in these stories, and for those whose experiences may not include childbirth. Whether you’ve given birth, lost a pregnancy, made an impossible choice, longed to become a parent, or chosen not to, your story matters. I want readers to feel acknowledged, respected and understood.
When There Are Two Patients in One Body: A Nurse Shares Stories from the Delivery Room
Whether you’re reading as a nurse, a patient, a loved one, or simply seeking to understand
what happens when there are two patients in one body, I hope this book leaves you with a
deeper appreciation for the strength, sacrifice and humanity present in every labor and delivery room.
If you enjoyed this blog, click ‘Follow Author’ to see future posts.
This book is my way of honoring the field of nursing as a whole, Labor and Delivery nursing in particular. Nurses are the backbone of patient care, showing up day after day with skill, resilience and compassion. In Labor and Delivery, we stand at the threshold of life, navigating some of the most profound and complex moments a person can experience. I want to give voice to the work that often goes unspoken. I wrote it to validate that what delivery teams do every single day, deeply matters. Our work is not just clinical; it’s human and deserves to be seen and understood.
My book shares powerful stories from the delivery room, many filled with joy, others marked by heartbreak. Some of the hardest stories to write were those involving abuse, maternal and fetal loss, and certain culturally rooted practices that resulted in lasting trauma. Each carried its own kind of emotional weight and forced me to revisit moments that were not only painful, but profoundly formative, both personally and professionally.
More than anything, I want Labor and Delivery nurses to walk away feeling seen, valued and
validated. This work is physically demanding, emotionally charged, and often invisible to those outside the delivery room. My hope is that readers, especially nurses, see reflections of themselves in these pages: the quiet strength it takes to show up day after day, the grace required to navigate joy and heartbreak, often within the same shift and the profound impact we have on our patients even when we don’t realize it. What we do matters. If even one nurse closes this book with a renewed sense of pride, purpose or permission to feel the full emotional weight of this work, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.
I wrote this book for women and their partners, for the patients in these stories, and for those whose experiences may not include childbirth. Whether you’ve given birth, lost a pregnancy, made an impossible choice, longed to become a parent, or chosen not to, your story matters. I want readers to feel acknowledged, respected and understood.
When There Are Two Patients in One Body: A Nurse Shares Stories from the Delivery Room
Whether you’re reading as a nurse, a patient, a loved one, or simply seeking to understand
what happens when there are two patients in one body, I hope this book leaves you with a
deeper appreciation for the strength, sacrifice and humanity present in every labor and delivery room.
If you enjoyed this blog, click ‘Follow Author’ to see future posts.
