Joan Didion said that writers are always selling somebody out. How do the authors of memoirs walk the thin line between truthful disclosure and betrayal of trust, and what responsibility do they have to loved ones who appear in their work? Four authors talk about how they've grappled with these questions, the consequences of their choices, and the lessons they've learned. -- AWP catalog 2012
"Keeping up appearances is my family's religion," said panel facilitator
Krista Bremer, who cited god, sex, money, depression--even baldness and other banalities--as taboo topics. Add a woman's voice, for "women were supposed to hover like angels around men."
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| Aboriginal wall paintings, Australia |
The essayist couldn't ask her father's permission to publish what she was compelled to write, but his reaction--anger to the point of threats to sue--haunts her still. "Always assume everyone will read what you write," she said. You will deal with the aftermath long after the printed words hit the recycling bin.
"Truth is half of the equation. Compassion is the other," she said. Considering the ability to write a gift, a call to service, we must ask ourselves what is the most life-enhancing choice--neither allowing the continuation of abuses through silent condoning nor using words as weapons against those who may have hurt us.
