Out here on the Fire Escape, I strive to be authentic, a word defined by Merriam-Webster as "true to one's own personality, spirit, or character." We could use that definition to apply also to an author's voice, and I'm convinced that blogging should offer a sample of that voice.
In this blog, however, I don't share too many details about my private life. I almost never mention church, friends outside the children's book world, or family members (with two exceptions: pets and parents).
The dictionary goes on to discern a difference between authentic and genuine:
But what happens when I face a time of suffering or grief? How do I blog about that? Last year author Grace Lin (YEAR OF THE RAT) walked that fine line with courage and grace (she was named well), serving as an example for the rest of us. Thank you, Grace.
So here's my question: how do you balance authenticity with privacy in an on-line journal?
In this blog, however, I don't share too many details about my private life. I almost never mention church, friends outside the children's book world, or family members (with two exceptions: pets and parents).
The dictionary goes on to discern a difference between authentic and genuine:
Authentic can also stress painstaking or faithful imitation of an original (an authentic reproduction, authentic Vietnamese cuisine). Genuine implies actual character not counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated.The blogs of authors Meg Cabot and Laurie Halse Anderson resound with personality that can't be imitated, and they talk frequently about their families, inventing on-line nicknames for their children and husband. I'm wondering if sharing more of my day-to-day life might make my own blog voice more genuine.
But what happens when I face a time of suffering or grief? How do I blog about that? Last year author Grace Lin (YEAR OF THE RAT) walked that fine line with courage and grace (she was named well), serving as an example for the rest of us. Thank you, Grace.
So here's my question: how do you balance authenticity with privacy in an on-line journal?