Should a writer still try to post a hub even if someone close to them isn't comf

1. 81

   LisaKoskiposted 12 years ago

   Should a writer still try to post a hub even if someone close to them isn't comfortable with it?
   
   I wrote a short story (my first attempt at one anyways) and it's based on my past. The only thing is one of the people that was involved in that situation doesn't want me to post it, even though everything is completely anonymous and it's only loosely based on the facts. I feel like I shouldn't publish it without their permission but then it's my story and it's just as much my past as it is theirs. I also don't give names or any other personal details. What should I do?

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2. 61

   ChristGuidesMeposted 12 years ago

   One thing about writing is that it is not just a hobby or an activity, but to many of us, it is a passion and the best way of expressing ourselves that we have.  If we can't express ourselves, then how can anyone ever know who we are?    I don't know all of the facts, but I will say this - I do believe that if it has been place on your heart to write and reveal this story to others, that is what you should do and hopefully, the other person involved can not only accept your decision, but they may even find that it helped them in some way for the tale to be expressed in written form. 

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3. 68

   J Burgraffposted 12 years ago

   I would ask whether you are writing 'fiction' or 'memoir'.  Either way you are entitled to do it.  But I think you need to decide what it is.  If you are describing a situation in your 'short story' that is so close to home that someone doesn't want you to write it, then it's probably not really a short story but maybe an attempt by you to disguise the 'you' in this story, but not the 'they'.  In which case, I would understand where the other person is coming from.  If you decide to write it as memoir, then you need to be the main character and you need to be honest and up front about your involvement in this situation while maintaining a respectful anonymity for the others who were involved (unless it's some perpetrator of an evil crime in which case you don't owe them anything.)  Hope that helps, and by the way, it's just my opinion.

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4. 84

   rebekahELLEposted 12 years ago

   I think you should take some time before publishing the story.  I believe every author online or offline needs to evaluate why they want something personal published.  Even if you have left it anonymous, you know what it's about and so does the person who asked you not to post it. Will you feel comfortable publishing it knowing this person will know you have not respected their request?  Think about why you want it published, is it more important than honoring a request, despite whatever took place between you and this other person? Will you regret it later?

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5. 91

   kannanwritesposted 12 years ago

   In my opinion you should go ahead with it and publish it. We all are 'inspired' by our past and many authors take their past experiences and assemble them in their writings.
   
   For example authors such as Gregory David Roberts (Shantaram) and Chetan Bhagat (The story of my marriage) have written bestsellers from their past personal stories.
   
   Though it's only an opinion, the final decision is yours and the people involved in it.

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6. 61

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   If you are close to this person, I would respect their wishes even if you don't fully understand.  It would be a nice show of respect--they may change their mind later or you could ask what changes you could make that would make it okay for them.

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7. 65

   etherealdabiposted 12 years ago

   Honestly, I'd have to say that this question should solely rest on your shoulders.  None of us knows the story, the person involved, your relationship with them or their involvement in said story. I'd say the best thing to do is ask yourself a couple of questions.  How much does this story mean to you?  How much do you care for this other person?  Were the roles reversed, how would you feel?  Could it possibly break ties between you and this person?  If so, is it worth it?  Try talking at length with this person about it, if you haven't already.  Find out specifically why they are uncomfortable with it and how it makes them feel.  Take things like this into mind, and then answer your question.  You'll make the right decision.

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8. 88

   mattforteposted 12 years ago

   Ask yourself this question:
   What is more important to you, the other person's feelings, and maintaining respect between you, or having something for a bunch of "followers" to read?

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9. 81

   LisaKoskiposted 12 years ago

   The thing is, mattforte, I don't write to gain followers. The hub was deleted once the person said I couldn't publish it. Saying it would be disrespectful to publish it is in some way true but the hub itself wasn't meant to do anything more than tell a story. I think it's disrespectful to think I would want to hurt someone for the sake of followers or views. If I did, I would've posted it without asking. I just wanted to see how others would've reacted in this situation.

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10. 61

    DanielNeffposted 12 years ago

    This is a tough one.
    On the one hand, you need to be respectful. On the other hand, you will never please everyone.
    All writing (fiction) is somewhat autobiographical. Your experiences are always going to bleed into your stories.
    I assume you gave the piece to your friend/relative to read (or did you just tell them that all the names were changed).
    It's very difficult to give any concrete advice on which way to go without knowing all the details.

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11. 61

    Godzangelposted 12 years ago

    No, family and your loved ones are the closest ones to you.  If the dookie hits the fan your followers on hub pages aren't going to be the ones to comfort you or help you.  Loyalty and honor is what makes relationships healthy, happy, and profitable.  There's so many other things you could write about.  Besides, is a few paragraphs worth a dent in your relationship?  This is a good question but I believe it's wise to respect the person or people close to you.  1NELOVE.

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12. 61

    Matt in Jaxposted 12 years ago

    I've had this same situation arise and I published one that was up for about five months before I finally got enough crap about it that I took it down. Just understand that you might hurt this person by going ahead with it. If you respect them enough, I'd say not to post it up.

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