You Probably Think This Article’s About You
Posted: Saturday, September 17, 2011
by Brianna Popsickle
I wasn’t a writer. I only started writing as a favour to a friend. He needed someone to write the women’s portion of a website he was developing. Two years later the site’s gone, but I’m still here and still writing.
I don’t write about government or the economy. I don’t write about war or religion. I write about what I know, and that is my day-to-day life and the people around me.
It’s ironic, years later I’m writing about everything and everyone in my life, and putting it out there for anyone to see.
Sometimes it’s difficult writing about my innermost feelings, but more often I find it’s difficult not to. I guess that’s when you know you’re a writer.
Writing the kind of articles I do can be a risky business. Although I change names and minor details to protect the innocent (and the guilty), people close to me want to know who I’m writing about. Or, more specifically, who were the couple that had us for dinner, which friend called me while trapped in the executive washroom, and what woman had the affair?
Initially when I began writing on-line, no one knew me. But then came my book and several book signings later my friends and neighbours (who are often in my stories) are reading me, always aware they might recognize themselves in a story.
I’ve made friends through my writing and as far as I know, I haven’t lost any yet because of it.
I was startled at work once when a woman I didn’t know came rushing up to me and gave me a hug. She told me she loved my book and that I was every bit as funny as Ellen.
Another time a woman say she’d laughed out loud so much while reading my book, her husband wanted to read it. He said it was as though it had been written about her, because she’d had many similar experiences.
I love it when people can relate!
One guy told me reading my book made him want to be a better man. (Now that had to be a good thing).
For all the positive moments, my writing has caused me some embarrassing moments as well.
When I’d written ‘Annual Physical – Piece of Cake’, no one where I lived, knew I was writing. But by the time I went for my next physical, the receptionist had a big smile on her face and had read my book. (Awkward, to say the least).
I asked her if the doctor had read it. She assured me he hadn’t. Still, I felt more uncomfortable than usual when I assumed the position for my examination.
“So you haven’t read my book eh?” I asked, staring at the ceiling.
He stopped what he was doing and grinned ear to ear. “What book?” he asked, as if he knew much more than he was letting on.
The question I’m asked most is, ‘Did you really hire a tree-trimmer, and was he really all that?’
The answer is yes, and yes!
And as it turned out he belonged to my gym. I’d only seen him work out a couple of times and even though he was completely unaware of me, I felt my face go red each time I saw him.
Imagine my surprise when he came into the boutique where I work. I had to smile knowing he was completely unaware of the story I’d written about him.
I offered to assist him (after leaving the other cosmeticians in the dust). He chose a couple of items and said he’d browse a little longer and come back to ring through.
I started fanning my face and my manager asked, “What’s with you?”
“You’ve read my book. That was Luke,” I explained.
“Oh my God,” she said. “You’re too funny.”
He brought the rest of his purchases to the counter. I asked if he was busy cutting trees. We chatted a little then he remembered me from the time I’d hired him. I mentioned we worked out at the same gym. When he said I’d have to be sure to say hello next time, I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face.
To make a long story short, he ended up telling me of the break-up with his girlfriend and he showed me pictures of his children. I was all thumbs as I rang in his purchase. I said I’d forgo the fancy packaging and ribbon, as he probably wouldn’t want that.
“That’s okay,” he smiled. “My masculinity has never been in question.”
Did he really just say that? I thought.
Without hesitation I said, “No. No. I’m sure it hasn’t.”
I fainted the minute he left.
Of course I’m kidding. Little did he know, he’d given me yet more fodder for another article.
I’ve been asked if I’d ever consider writing fiction. Maybe one day I will, but for now, my reality is more than I can handle most days.
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)If you turned your reality into fiction, it would then be doubly awesome...like your personality.
Love it! I don't say it, unless I mean it- Always- EllaThere are some things I'd like to write but would be hesitant to publish, maybe fiction is the way to go. Hmmm, something to think about. Thanks for your support Ella, I truly appreciate it.
If you didn't say it, we wouldn't know it too but Brianna, I think by writing incidental acquaintances is easier than writing fiction. That gym guy, yes, I read about it some time back.I think it is probably easier too Hilda, but I will eventually take a stab at fiction. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Go, Brianna. Another fun article Thanks.You're welcome Suzi. Thanks!
Hi Brianna.
This was so much fun to read. I really enjoyed it. You really are a great writer!
Big hugs,
DianneThank you Dianne for the very generous comment.
and your reality is really funny most of the time. i remember reading some sad ones, i'm pretty sure.
i, too, have had strict orders not to include certain people in my writing.
maybe one day, I'll do an article all about them!
thanks for sharing. i always love reading your thoughts,
my best to you,
sue
i don't know what i'm doing wrong with these stars-this is a 5Yes, some of my articles have been sad, but such is life. (The whole roller-coaster thing). :) Thanks for reading and commenting Sue!
Brianna I think it's brilliant that you write so honestly about your world - and brave of you! Although the way you write is so beautiful, who could possibly take offense?
I laughed when I got to the bit about the doctor - but actually it's his wife you have to worry about!!! As for Cool Hand Luke...
And it's really nice to hear that you're getting better known. You deserve it.Not to give you the wrong idea, I'm certainly not well known, but there are more people aware of the fact I write. There is so much more I"d like to write, maybe some day. :) Thanks Jennifer!
and i love your reality....it's a breathe of fresh air, even , or especially, when YOU are the one in trouble :)
i also write about what i know and non fiction. i can be much more passionate, i find, if i write about what i know.
I'm glad you do, too,
my best to you,
sueI enjoy reading about other people's reality as well. It doesn't take long to realize we all have a lot in common. Thanks for reading and taking time to comment Sue.
Wonderful as always! You have a wonderful gift of storytelling and the ability to write them out.Thanks Lorrie. I'm glad you enjoy reading my stuff! :)
I can relate to the difficulty of writing about friends/family etc. I also do some of this in my analysis of ordinary lives and find I have to leave out the best stories and change up some of the details. I enjoyed reading it. Well done.I change names as well, although I"m sure those I write about recognize themselves. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. Also thanks for joining my fan club. I appreciate it.
Awesome, amazing and I'm loving your stories. Don't stop. Fiction? Try it - you'll be good at that too and you could really cut loose!Glad you're enjoying them Heidi. Life has gotten in the way of my writing recently but I may be posting one soon. I've missed spending time reading here as well. I need to get caught up. :) Thanks!I'm reading as I can. The writing's still tough right now but I'm working on it. We do what we can. I look forward to your new writings.
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