I am a multi-hyphenate artistic type who writes stories, plays, songs, etc. Like many fellow artists, this doesn’t provide my main source of income. While it may not fill my coffers, my endeavors do lift my heart and spirit, turning the drudgery of everyday life into endless creative possibilities.

My problem is that my writings often veer into personal experience, and friends and family sometimes recognize themselves in the finished product. Sometimes it is a flattering depiction, sometimes unflattering to the point of painful repercussions.

I struggle with the dilemma of censoring myself to spare my loved ones or writing unflinchingly the world as I see it, thus maintaining my sense of artistic integrity.

Tell me: Is it worth it?

Not Bob Dylan

Dear Not Bob Dylan,

Your pontification skills are out of my league, sir. Reading your question, I was forced to take the dictionary down off the top shelf and almost toppled off the ladder. I’m just an old mountain goat, happy to be able to stretch myself in the writing of this column. Of course, I do bowl once a week to keep myself well rounded.

In these woke days of censorship, putting the truth out there is truly a brave and honorable way to go. Who needs a whole bunch of friends and relatives anyway?

Good luck to you in your artistic endeavors (I had to look that one up).

Sidney

Send your questions for Sidney to [email protected] or by snail mail to Dear Sidney, The Alpine Mountaineer, P.O. Box 4572, Crestline, CA 92325.

This advice is intended for entertainment purposes only. No animals were harmed in the writing of this column.