The Dawning of a Brand-New Day
Hello hello! This is the first (well, actually second) time I have ever posted something personal on the web that bears my name. The first was earlier this week, my discussion of the Top Ten Examples of Unresolved Sexual Tension. (Actually, there were only 9, since I forgot that a number came between 8 and 10, but it's the thought that counts.) Anyway, I had a weird experience from writing that: two people I didn't expect to be reading it dropped by! I had thought, "It's just for the Tenners, and I don't know them, but it will be fun and fine and dandy." When the two others told me that they saw the post (which was no problem--I like them both mightily), it was my first inkling of the future that lies ahead of me: namely, that other people will be reading what I write.
Wait. No. Stop. Other people will be reading things you write? How does that happen?
Yeah, I know. It should have struck me sooner. I just imagined NICE AND MEAN (Simon and Schuster Summer 2010!) would find its way into the hands of lots of strangers (that is, I hope lots) and the friends I know. It certainly wouldn't fall into the hands of anyone I knew and liked only so-so. But more than that, talking and writing about myself in public means there's sort of a public record. People will know what kinds of dorky things obsess me. They'll catch on to my inconsistent views my own experiences. ("High school was a great time to experiment with a lot of different things." "High school sucked! I was miserable!") Etc. It made me understand why actors and politicians hire publicists to put out a consistent message.
I wonder whether the big cahuna writers do this, with or without consultation. Do they decide what personal information they will and won't reveal with regard to the book they've just put out? I've definitely had the experience of hearing an author speak more than once on the same book and felt disappointed that they veered right into their pre-packaged story. In an afternoon radio interview and an evening reading, David Sedaris told pretty much the same story about people pooping in box stores, and neither time was it really apropos, even aside from the grossness factor.
And see! There I go, trash-talking David Sedaris. I like David Sedaris. If I had that reaction to his self-duplication, should I restrain myself from stating it publicly? And what should I do about people I actually want to criticize?
I'm sure I'll look back at this one day and think, "Honey, that's just the tip of the iceberg. You poor, poor ignoramus." But this is where I am now, and I wonder if anyone reading this (hopefully just Tenners--my fine new anonymous friends) has similar thoughts.
Off to search for cheap beaded curtains (don't ask.)
~ Jess