On the Firing Line
Well, it's happened -- it's not the first time, and it won't be the last time. Something I wrote made a number of people uncomfortable, and I've heard about it. Boy, have I heard about it. My email inbox is burning up.
Because I'm not just a snark, I'm actually a generally sweet snark who likes to think of herself as a compassionate person, I'm never comfortable being called names for something I've written.
I know. There's a fine line between comedy and pain, and apparently I not only ruffled some feathers somewhere, but I hurt feelings. Not deliberately... but does that matter? I hurt feelings.
So today I'm thinking again about the Writer's Responsibility. About how, yes, we speak about our own experiences and truths, and not only do we have the right to do this but the responsibility to do it. I believe this. But I know these truths -- whether in fiction or nonfiction -- can hurt people, especially when my "truths" don't match the reader's "truths."
And then sometimes we writers get called out, "You wanna step outside?"
Look, I don't want to step outside. There's no way to fight about feelings, and I don't want to anyway.
It wasn't about you. It's my truth, not yours. But I'm still sorry for causing you pain.
But it's still my truth. Write your own.
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About Ericka
Ericka Lutz writes fiction (short and long), non-fiction (creative and commercial), and performance pieces. She's the author of the novel, The Edge of Maybe (March 2012), many short stories, columns, personal essays, and advice books. With a B.A. in...
Connections
Oh wow!! Of course now I am
Oh wow!! Of course now I am terribly intrigued. WHO flamed you? Aging Barbie? Dumpy goatee male? The skanky "Brick House" Dancers? hee!
Ah, the life of a writer. Never a dull moment!
This is along the lines of what we talked about
And yes, people do tend to mind when we use their lives. Usually not enough to fill and email box, but still.
And yet, yes. They can write what they feel, too.
Oy!
J
Jessica Barksdale Inclan www.jessicabarksdaleinclan.com
How can we write/teach without an open heart?
Ericka -
There's a quote I once thought was by Ernest Hemingway, along the lines of "The job of a writer is to learn the truth and then write about it. But that can be very difficult."
As you know, I've been there - including face to face, about stuff published in my newspaper. I tend to over-identify with my subjects, and - like you - want to wail, "can't you see my good heart?" It reminded me of when you teach a comp class, work your ass off, and XXX of the kids STILL turn in papers they pulled off the Web, assuming you're as dumb as they think you think they are.
Either way, if this is about your funnier stuff -- then none of this applies. As the guy said in the crappy Pink Panther sequel, "Never apologize for Cole Porter."
Just trying my best, here.
Thanks for the votes of confidence, you all. Yes, never dull! Hope those old folks in Oaxaca don't come after me next!
More on feelings
No worries here, Ericka. High school reunions must be to a writer what a wounded deer is to a pack of starving wolves. As one who made over 400 phone calls, sent twice as many emails, and spent an unjustifiable number of hours in searching and planning, I could not help but rise and protect my little doe. Your responsive note was greatly appreciated. I just hope that you did not take my writing as a flame-job because that certainly was not how it was intended. I support your premise in this thread without qualification: you are a writer, and you (as the good ones do) write what you see and feel. That may not make it easier for the folks who feel slighted by your earlier blog, or for you should you see them again soon, but I, for one, do get it. I am just happy that you came and spent the time because, after all is said and done, a reunion without diversity and spark is just rubber chicken and no fun.
Now I am going to open a new blog thread on the reunion website . . . want to guess the topic?
H.B.
Thank you, Rob
You're wonderful! And I totally get that you get it. I didn't feel flamed at all by your comment! This topic of responsibility and sensitivity comes up frequently for writers -- as it should. It's always a time to reflect. And to, hopefully, make us better and ever more responsible at what we do.