No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.
MaryJo Koch
Our hummingbird hatchlings, 13 days old
Oy. Two more memoirs have been exposed as elaborate fictions, both of them this week. Unbelievable.
I can’t begin to understand why these writers positioned their invented stories as fact. Why not present it as a child’s fantasy? Why not write it as a novel? And, for that matter, why introduce a memoir as “intensified reality,” when it’s more appropriately placed in a different genre altogether? Whatever their individual justifications, I’m sad about their decisions. I worry that they might negatively impact those of us who enjoy memoir, readers and writers alike.
It’s true that each of us views the world through a unique lens, that our perspectives are therefore limited. But when memoirists purposefully blur the line between reality and imagination, they risk compromising the truth about who they are. I don’t want to come across all holier-than-thou, but I do think it’s essential to keep this in mind. Sure, I want to sell my memoir, CAN I GET A WITNESS? I’d like to think that my personal story will someday have big-tent appeal. But my integrity? It’s not for sale — not ever, and not at any price.
Memoirist Rachel Manija Brown says, “Fiction which is not emotionally honest is artistically bankrupt. Memoir which is not factually honest is morally bankrupt. It is a writer’s moral and artistic obligation to tell the truth in the manner that is appropriate to the story they wish to tell.” What else can I add but amen?
Good for you M!
((THANK YOU!!))
You were far nicer than I was darling. Far, far nicer. 🙂
Have I mentioned lately just how much I adore you and all your beautiful integrity?
I loved your post. It was a raw rant, wonderfully written.
((HUGS))
Thanks for placing your faith in me and my story. I won’t let you down.
That is just so unfortunate. And crazy…why why why would someone ever do that, anyway??
It’s a good thing there are memorists like you around. 🙂
I can’t figure it out, either. Each of them laid out their reasons, but…?
Thank you for keeping confidence in me.
I wonder if the ghostwriter found Mischa on Craigslist.
You crack me up.
You’re absolutely right.
If they have a compelling story to write, tell it – and who cares if its fiction or memoir? Just tell the truth either way!
Years ago I read in the NY Times Magazine an article in which a fiction writer said he gets paid to lie, and therefore has the best job in the world. He elaborates from there on inventing reality and the love of it. It’s simple and the basis of fiction.
I hate seeing the public fooled and hurt, and the ripple effect of other writers getting the impact of “is this real?”
Great insight from that fiction-writer! There’s benefit and challenges in writing for any genre, and there’s no shame in choosing one over the other. But it seems to me that you’re courting problems when you decide to cross over the line.
What a mess! You have to wonder if these women (and one man) feel the need to create an alternate integrity — as if their own isn’t good enough. Which is sad…the whole thing is just a big mess.
I’m glad that you’re grounded, Melodye — and that your story is real.
It’s a mess, that’s for sure — one of their own making. That’s the tragedy, isn’t it?
It’s sometimes hard to face our truths, much less write about them. But when you decide to write a memoir, accuracy is so important!
I don’t understand it either. But then again, much about human nature’s a mystery, isn’t it?
I smiled when you told me your girls like the hummingbird photos. It’s great that they appreciate the wonders of nature.