The Doctor is In

I sometimes give workshops and seminars in my Brooklyn Heights office on topics of interest to writers. If you would like to be notified about upcoming events, email me at Dr.Sue at mindspring dot com.

Dear Doctor O'D,

I just read a short story which has an unattractive character most definitely based on my spouse, and a more minor unattractive character most certainly based on me. I am a writer myself and I know that fiction is derived from many different sources and inspirations, and I know, too, how easily readers can project onto my work and find meanings and connections that I didn't consciously intend at all. Nevertheless, there
is no mistaking the intention here. These characters are us. The descriptions are very specific in unmistakable, provocatively unflattering detail. (The writing is actually very good.) The author was formerly employed by my spouse and the relationship
between them ended badly a few years ago. The author has only published a few things, and has another professional identity, but this story has now appeared in a prominent literary publication, one I would love to be published by. Ironically enough, I was so
excited and pleased for this author when I heard through mutual friends (we are no longer in touch and no longer live near one another) that the story was appearing in this publication, I wrote a postcard of congratulations. I'm hurt. What is your advice?

Stabbed by Words

Dear Stabbed:

Of course you are hurt. It’s painful enough to be attacked in private. The perception that this author set you and your spouse up for public disparagement or ridicule is, I imagine, a particularly nasty twist of the knife.

The author may have written and published the offending story with the aim of embarrassing the two of you. As I’m sure you are aware, there is a long and still-thriving tradition of disgruntled underlings skewering their former employers in print. Alternatively, the story may have begun as a private letter or journal entry, a way to safely let off steam without confronting the boss directly. The realization that this material contained the germ of a compelling story may have come later. The lure of a good story can override a writer’s judgment, taste, and consideration, and can cause even decent, compassionate professionals to rationalize that the details of an unflattering portrait have been altered past recognition, that they aren’t really that damaging, and that the subject will never find out about it anyway.

In any case, I would advise you to take the high road in public. If others recognize you in the story (which is less likely than you may think: the casual reader will be oblivious to details that are glaringly obvious to you; and, unfortunately, even the best literary journals are not read widely), respond in the language of your letter: “I am a writer myself and I know that fiction is derived from many different sources and inspirations, and I know, too, how easily readers can project onto my work and find meanings and connections that I didn't consciously intend at all.” This gives you the advantage of showing yourself to be a high-minded adult and places the author squarely in the role of spiteful, petty child.

Privately, you can take solace in the knowledge that if the author is a person of conscience, your congratulatory post card will have served as a sharper rebuke than any complaint, confrontation, or answering story of your own could possibly have done.

Susan O’Doherty, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with a New York City-based practice. A fiction writer herself, she specializes in issues affecting writers and other creative artists. Her book,  Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued: A Woman's Guide to Unblocking Creativity, will be published by Seal Press this spring and is now available for pre-ordering. Send your questions to her at Dr.Sue at mindspring dot com.

Comments

[Ruthie]

Lordy, beautiful blog!

I'll put Lip Service on my list. I'm like you, I think characters are EVERYTHING in a story!

www.ruthieblacknaked.blogspot.com

[nbm]

beautiful response, Dr. Sue! and it's nice to see the querier is detached enough to recognize the quality of the writing, even as she, or he, suffers from it.

[Dr.Sue]

Nbm, thanks. The generosity of the letter writer struck me as well.

[Dr.Sue]

Nbm, thanks. The generosity of the letter writer struck me as well.