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Book Publisher Appears Wilfully in Public With His Pants Down
“A person who publishes a book appears wilfully in public with his pants down.” (Edna St. Vincent Millay)
That struck me as a rather odd statement from Edna St. Vincent Millay, an American lyrical poet, playwright and feminist. She received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, and was known for her activism and her many love affairs. She used the pseudonym Nancy Boyd for her prose work. Her fame goes back to 1912. Yet somehow I see her point of view when considering how many times I nearly threw away my memoir. It's well known that writing memoir and autobiography takes a great deal of guts just to be brutally honest with yourself. Being prepared to take the flak is a prerequisite if your life story is likely to offend or annoy people appearing in it. If it offends or annoys readers as well at least you've reached an audience!
Comments
However, you may have stirred up a TB hornet's nest with that quote - it doesn't take much with this lot. Quick - behind the sofa with a pan on your head and a soggy dishmop to the fore!
*pulls up pants*
Hello, Gerry
I expect Edna means trousers though. Those Americans often say one thing and mean another.
Welcome, Gerry.
What an entrance!
*pulls up braces*
*smooths creases in pants*
Pleased to meet you, Gerry
Hello Gerry Pantlsless!