There is a theme that runs through my work, and that is: the toxic property of keeping secrets. Joyce Maynard More Quotes by Joyce Maynard More Quotes From Joyce Maynard When people ask what I write about, that's what I tell them: 'The drama of human relationships.' I'm not even close to running out of material. Joyce Maynard writing running drama I continued to protect him with my silence. Joyce Maynard protect silence At Home in the World is the story of a young woman, raised in some difficult circumstances, and how she survives. It tells a story of redemption, not victimhood. Joyce Maynard redemption stories home The painter who feels obligated to depict his subjects as uniformly beautiful or handsome and without flaws will fall short of making art. Joyce Maynard beautiful art fall Long after Salinger sent me away, I continued to believe his standards and expectations were the best ones. Joyce Maynard expectations long believe A good home must be made, not bought. Joyce Maynard cleaning made home Although Salinger had long since cut me out of his life completely and made it plain that he had nothing but contempt for me, the thought of becoming the object of his wrath was more than I felt ready to take on. Joyce Maynard wrath cutting long Some literary types subscribe to the notion that being a writer like Salinger entitles a person to remain free of the standards that might apply to mere mortals. Joyce Maynard salinger being-free might I believed my story would be helpful to young women my daughter's age, who are still in the process of forming themselves as women, and in need of encouragement to remain true to themselves. Joyce Maynard daughter encouragement mother My job is writing. I get paid to do it. When was the last time you heard someone challenge a doctor for making money off of cancer? Joyce Maynard cancer writing jobs Those who rhapsodize about the ease and joy of childhood have perhaps forgotten what it's like to be 12 years old. Joyce Maynard childhood joy years I was giving a speech one time, and the woman who introduced me said, 'Well, she used to be J. D. Salinger's girlfriend. I thought, 'God, is that all I've been?' I didn't want to be reduced to that. Joyce Maynard speech girlfriend giving Many women my age have known the experience of giving up crucial parts of themselves to please the man they love. Joyce Maynard giving-up age men Every child, woman, and man should possess license to speak or sing in his or her true voice. Joyce Maynard voice men children I'd known enough flush times and lean ones to understand that money came and went. And that one day I'd also lose my looks, my seemingly boundless energy and maybe the ability to catch the eye of an attractive man and the audacity to Rollerblade. My name would be forgotten. So would bad reviews, and good ones. But loving a child is something that lasts. Long after all the rest is gone, that's what endures. Joyce Maynard eye men children For a parent, it's hard to recognize the significance of your work when you're immersed in the mundane details. Few of us, as we run the bath water or spread the peanut butter on the bread, proclaim proudly, "I'm making my contribution to the future of the planet." But with the exception of global hunger, few jobs in the world of paychecks and promotions compare in significance to the job of parent. Joyce Maynard running jobs water I believe every one of us possesses a fundamental right to tell our own story. Joyce Maynard stories writing believe If I told you about all the stories I don't tell, I would be violating the very boundaries I set for myself. Joyce Maynard boundaries would-be stories Imagine if you succeeded in making the world perfect for your children what a shock the rest of life would be for them. Joyce Maynard rest-of-life inspirational children For 25 years, I did take my responsibilities as a pleaser of others sufficiently seriously. Joyce Maynard pleasers responsibility years
