Thoughts on Self-Portrayal (or why your readers will accept you as you are!)

I’d like to share two reactions to an article I had published two months ago.

Exhibit A.)

@SudburyFDN (better known to me as “Mom”) Yes! This is why we sent our college student abroad! RT@matadornetwork 10 Rome Bars for the Young Guzzler http://is.gd/9KxcO via @lysscm

Exhibit B.)

Me: “Part of me being a writer is that you’re not allowed to disown me for this.”

Dad: “disown you!!!!!   Hell, I want to hug you…..you’re my hero!!!!!!!”

*

Remember when I was worried about writing unflattering things about people I love? What about unflattering things about MYSELF? Oh wait, I think I’ve about got that covered. In the article, I advocate for a bar where I often “scored free champagne.” Okay, so I’m far from a sinner. But we’re talking about my mother and father’s eyes here!

I am reminded of this great post by Alexis Grant on revealing embarrassing details in memoir. Not that my drinking tendencies are embarrassing. More baller. But anyway.

Then again, questionable morals lead to excitement lead to adventures lead to story ideas? Don’t question me; I’m an expert on hard beverages in Rome.

Part of being a writer is putting ourselves out there. We’ve got to be willing to share our flaws openly and without hesitation–for the benefit (or entertainment!) of our readers. We’ve got to be selfless. We’ve got to be, in short, un-bashful–something I’ve never been in the least. But, with the blog as a forum, I’m learning. I hope my wonderful parents’ supportive reactions have convinced you that if they can accept (even embrace? odd.) their daughter’s semester of near-alcoholism, then your readers will accept you too.

Tagged as: family, self, Writing