Q&A with James Kunen discussion

I've written three published memoirs, one on my days as a student activist, one on my bried career as a public defender, and just now one on getting laid off and finding meaning teaching immigrants. I take notes on my life as I live it. When the book comes out, I worry that colleagues included in it (they know who they are, even if names are omitted or changed) will feel that I was a spy at work, that I had a hidden agenda, that I wasn't who I seemed to be -- even tho I say nothing bad about anyone. Some people do feel betrayed. Most are thrilled to be in a book and wish me all the best. How do you feel about this issue, and how do you handle it?

That's hard to know, Jim, since I've never published *any* memoirs. But, I do know in my heart that it's pointless to worry about what other people might or might not think, as you have very little say in thematter. . .

Personally - I'm with Bernard Baruch (I only recently learned that this is his quote, not Dr. Seuss'), who penned the immortal lines:

Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter.

Taking it just a step further, I'd argue that the people whose opinions matter most to me are the ones who don't mind that I. Am. Me. :)

Cheers

-Jeff

Jeffrey wrote: "That's hard to know, Jim, since I've never published *any* memoirs. But, I do know in my heart that it's pointless to worry about what other people might or might not think, as you have very little..."

Very comforting quote from Bernard Baruch. But what was he talking about?

Since I am not an author, only a reader, I have no real experience with this issue. I do agree with Jeffrey's comments. There is not much you can do about what other people think of your writing...even if it includes a bit about them...well, especially if it includes a bit about them. It is your opinion of life as it was happening to you at the time.

Having read "The Strawberry Statement" I can tell you are a fairly sensitive man that wouldn't purposely hurt anyone...so I wouldn't worry that what you would write about working with a previous colleague would upset them. Personally, I'd be one of those that would be thrilled to be in one of your books...:>

Just carry on, Jim, and I know whatever you write will be worth reading. You seem to have pretty good insight into the 'goings on' around you. Unless your previous colleagues were total jerks and/or unethical types...they shouldn't be too worried.

I look forward to reading your other books, too!

Cheers!
--Cecilia

Cecilia wrote: "Since I am not an author, only a reader, I have no real experience with this issue. I do agree with Jeffrey's comments. There is not much you can do about what other people think of your writing......"

Thanks, Cecilia. Perhaps you're right: I've had only good responses to Diary of a Company Man from my PEOPLE mag and Time Warner colleagues. (Of course, I don't know what the silent ones may be thinking.) Thanks for your vote of confidence. I'll remember your encouraging words as I write in the future.