Has anyone every read about themselves?

[jackokent]

I hope my parents never write autobiographies. It would be too creepy. Although, I don't think they'd say anything too bad or embarassing about me... I've always been a rather steady person...

I was terrified. For a while I couldn't even open the book for fear of what she would have written. I have not ever been a steady person so she had plenty of amunition. However after a while I was so absorbed in reading about my mum's childhood I kind of forgot all about the fact it was anything to do with me. Even the bits about me didn't feel like me. It was completely weird. There was so much I never knew.

I think it's really helped me understand where she is coming from. We were never really close but I am starting to realise that's a mistake and this Christmas I intend to do something about it. All because of a book.

It is extremly well written and also interesting. Her life reads like something out of a Catherine Cookson novel, only more exciting. I wish I could post bits up but she's had it printed, not published so I am guessing she wants it kept private.

 

[Curt Chiarelli]

First order of business: Congratualtions are due Jack on your mother's successful write up!

Secondly, to answer your question: Yes. The emotions that best represent what I've endured when reading others' comments about myself and my work have hovered somewhere north of relief, appreciation and embarassed delight and someplace south of revulsion, anticipatory dread and cold rage.

Everybody's a hayseed critic when it comes to art, but things can take a vile turn for the worse when a portion (I repeat, A PORTION, NOT ALL) of your fan base happens to be a throng of poorly socialized, developmentally stunted and narcissistically disturbed fanboys. Essentially, the problem boils down to that I am constitutionally incapable of ordering my life for the immediate and fickle gratification of complete strangers - especially ones with poor manners and even worse hygeine.

But on the bright side, for every toad still living at home with his mommy, sitting around in his underwear all day flaming his favourite authors and artists on public forums there's always 2 or 3 other intelligent people of substance who appreciate me as a person, respect my perspective and what I'm trying to achieve as an artist. The artist's life has never been an easy one, but supportive folks like this make all the struggles worthwhile!

 

[Tau Zero]

Congratulations to your mother, Jackokent!

As a state official (of sorts) i regularly see my name in the papers after interviews. It always seems strange to me, even when they get the quotes right. Even weirder is hearing myself on radio interviews. And the weirdest is seeing myself on TV News (which has happened only once). I often feel like i'm reading someone else's comments.

 

[chrispenycate]

Yeah, I've been interviewed a couple of times for television (in french and in english, done a series of radio programs about the evolution or recording techniques - I hate my recorded voice, but they won't let me do my own settings - and even been written up (with the studio, I was onla a footnote) both for french and english specialist magazines; not very deep, I know, and I probably wouldn't have recognised me if I hadn't been there.

 

[billbunter]

Well done your mum Jacko. Writing anything longer than an e-mail always strikes me as a miracle. I've had the unfortunate experience of being written about and reviewed. Initially, I believed everything they said when it was nice and disbelieved all the nasty stuff. Nowadays I can just about stand back and ignore it - except that ..... fellow who said 'don't give up your day job'. I still want to meet him...

 

[Spartan27]

I know this isn't fantasy (well it might be I haven't read it yet), but my mum's just had her autobiography printed and I've just received the book in the post.

This is the weirdest experience, I know my life is in there. I'm almost scared to read it as it will be from her viewpoint. Has anyone else had this experience?

PS I am very proud of her of course.

Well yes actually, when I fell and hit my head rather hard, and then awoke on a bed reading a story about me hitting my head.....

hey just kidding nice to hear about your mom...