Several people from different compartments of my life have asked me to write my autobiography and I am finally feeling well enough to take on such a task. It will be a transgender (inter-sex) story, and it will also include every aspect of my life, including my success, failures and embarrassing moments. It will include all aspects of my spiritual journey.
I still have a lot to think about, but I think if it has to be sugar coated to avoid offending someone, then it is not worth the effort. It will include it all both smelly and fragrant.
So then comes the question of venue. Were I to publish it on BCTS, I know some would be offended, because I have some really definite views on transition, and feel informed enough to comment on such as I have lived as a woman since early 2005.
I doubt that the "Ensign" would want to see it, so then there is the question; would I want to self publish it on Lulu or Amazon? Who knows maybe this is an idea that will disappear the next time I visit the loo.
Gwendolyn
Comments
Well... you've hinted at
Well... you've hinted at stuff in some posts of yours so I figured yours wasn't a really happy transition. I don't see why someone would have problems with it, if they don't like it they don't need to read it. I guess that's what the Caution tags are for. Caution: unique view on transition.
I guess it would be interesting to read,
Beyogi
i would love to read it
From the comment you left on my blog, I can probably guess how you feel about transitioning, but I would love to read it.
Unless you are looking for the approval of others
You should write your story and YOUR viewpoint. It is the life YOU have led, and any conclusions that can be made are your own. I guess if you consider it important how others view your opinion it could be a problem. You have walked the path and survived it. Anyone who judges you for your own conclusions is not worth the effort of discussing it with. If they want to discuss their philosophy with you and you are willing to engage then that's fine. If someone says you're wrong, then ignore them.
I'd say go for it!! As long as you want to do it.
As for publishing you can do here, Lulu, and Amazon no limitations.
{{Hugs}}
I look forward to your autobiography...
...please do post it here; I cannot think of anything that is more suited to post than your own story. I am supremely blessed to know you even in such a small way, and I believe that your story will be a terrific blessing.
Love, Andrea Lena
I don't recall
I don't recall that Erin has made any rule or stipulation that everything posted on the site must appeal to and be liked by all.
There are some stories and blogs that I like, others, not so much. So what. Not everybody likes everything I have to say. Sometimes I don't like what I've written.
Being of limited means, I doubt that right now I would be able to read anything put up on Lulu or Amazon or any other pay site. That might limit your audience some, but your choice.
As for the other, it was my understanding that an autobiography was NOT fiction. Write it as it happened. If there are those who can't handle it, that's their problem. If it makes some people look bad, maybe it's time for that, too.
I have been writing chapters of my own autobiography and I am finding the process very therapeutic and mostly healing. If that can work for you, that may be an additional blessing that comes from the effort.
Loo, loo, skip to my loo... whups! Wrong loo.
Sorry, where were we?
Janet
Mistress of the Guild of Evil [Strawberry] Blonde Proofreaders
To be or not to be... ask Schrodinger's cat.
OK, I have decided to write the Autobiography.
It will not embellish anything, nor will I try to cover the pimples or the dirty drawers. On this one piece, I will ask Erin to shut off votes and comments because I do not want to be hurt, and I do not want those around me to be hurt either.
This will take some time.
Gwendolyn
Fact, not fiction
If you're writing about your life, how can anyone object?
They might second guess you and decide that they would have done things differently. So what? There are plenty parts of my life that I would have done differently if I had a chance to do them over. That's life.
Some may not agree with the lessons that you learned from the school of hard knocks. Again, so what? We all do our best to interpret the meaning of all the crap that is flying at us. That interpretation is bound to be different if you are watching the deluge, rather than being buried under it.
I know that stripping naked and dancing in front of all of us is a very difficult thing to do. No photoshopping. All warts and blemishes uncovered and on display. Honestly, you have more courage than I, Gunga Din. You have already been more open and honest than I expect to be. You have my honest admiration for that.
When deciding whether or not to do this, make your decision based on how willing you are to dance naked in front of all of us. Don't worry about whether or not someone else will approve. None of us are called to judge you. Any who do probably aren't worth worrying about.
There will always be loudmouths, and they will always be able to hurt us. That's just part of being human. We are all vulnerable. To be invulnerable is to be cold and lifeless. Trying to be a rock and avoid all the pain will end up taking away all the joy, too, leaving you with a stable and steady passage just a few feet under the surface.
I'm not telling you to go ahead and do it, nor am I calling you a coward if you don't. You are already showing more courage than I have ever shown.
What I'm saying is that you shouldn't refrain from doing it for the sake of political correctness. Nobody will be forced to read your story. If they choose to, and don't like what you say, they can always stop reading and go elsewhere. It's your story.
To be honest, some of the things you have said have caused me to take a look at my own opinions. That is a good thing, and I thank you for that. I like to think that, as I learn more, I am becoming a better person.
I know that you have been hurt deeply by those who should have been in your corner. Someone who made a solemn oath before God, family, and friends decided that she really didn't mean it when she said, "For better or worse." Even if she couldn't handle it and truly had to leave, she could have at least been human about it.
So hang in there. Make your choice based on your needs and comfort level. The people who want to read your story will be blessed. Your detractors may take some snipes at you, but you won't be truly hurting them. If they get hurt, it's their own fault.
I know that it'll be a hard read, and I know that 'happily ever after' hasn't arrived yet. It might yet arrive in this life, and will definitely be there in the next.
Do not let that thought go.
The rest can be flushed but the Idea is really good. Keep it real and in the words of Harry Truman people say I gave them hell, I only told the the truth and they thought it was hell. The truth will set you free and we all need a reality check so we know where the bear goes poo in the tall grass. It keeps us honest and safe. So tell us straight.
PS I went full time in 2003 we be sisters?
Misha Nova
The only bad question is the one not asked.
Autobiography
Post your Autobiography as a story and don't let the critics hurt you
May Your Light Forever Shine
Go for it...
I've thought about doing something similar (and trust me, my life is boring) just to put things in perspective. Mine would not be for public consumption. I suspect you will find new truths that were lurking, but never revealed. As someone on the standing on the sidelines I would find it interesting.