Building Quote by David Sedaris
“She's afraid to tell me anything important, knowing I'll only turn around and write about it. In my mind, I'm like a friendly junkman, building things from the little pieces of scrap I find here and there, but my family's started to see things differently. Their personal lives are the so-called pieces of scrap I so casually pick up, and they're sick of it. More and more often their stories begin with the line "You have to swear you'll never repeat this." I always promise, but it's generally understood that my word means nothing.”
About This Quote
The narrator feels exploited as a writer, turning family stories into material, while their promises are doubted.
In simple terms: Family stories become writer’s material, trust erodes.
Key Takeaway
Balance storytelling with respect for privacy.
Themes
family
writing
trust
Mood
thoughtful
somber
Type
confessional
reflective
When to use this quote
- memoir writing
- family gatherings
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
ethical storytelling
boundary setting
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers earn trust while using personal anecdotes?
- What boundaries should be set in memoirs?
A Different Perspective
The writer’s credibility is questioned, limiting future sharing.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
