‘Writing The trouble is that the freeing feeling of spilling yourself onto the page doesn’t last. And it doesn’t mean that your reader will see you. They’re just as likely to click away or turn the page. Some may become enraged or incensed by what you write. Others may feel they know you and encroach on your personal space – even resorting to stalking. So, why do we feel compelled to overshare? And why do editors increasingly want more and more from writers?
We’re now firmly in the age of authenticity. And personal sharing, in some form or another, has become a prerequisite for writers and authors. Even those who write fiction are increasingly called to show the person behind the characters, to vie with celebrities for editorial space.
As writers, we yearn for readers. So, it’s tempting to give the market what we think it wants – especially if it means landing a dream commission or being seen in all the rightcalled ‘The Crane Wife’. It was a beautifully constructed piece about the breakdown of her engagement, replete with all the abuses of power she swallowed up in the relationship. It went viral – leading to talk show appearances and a book of personal essays. But was this sharing, or oversharing? It’s hard to say, and it all comes down to your personal make-up as a writer, your state of mind, and how much trauma you hold.
