If any ambitious man have a fancy to revolutionize, at one effort, the universal world of human thought, human opinion, and human sentiment, the opportunity is his own — the road to immortal renown lies straight, open, and unencumbered before him. All that he has to do is to write and publish a very little book. Its title should be simple — a few plain words — “My Heart Laid Bare.” But — this little book must be true to its title. —- Edgar Allen Poe 

Edgar Allen Poe was on the mark with this quote.

I think any author motivated to change the world bares her heart and soul.

I know I bared my soul when I wrote my novel. Still, I took liberties in writing the pat happy ending because my muse deserves that ending, and I wrote to inspire more kindness and understanding in the world. Real life is of course more complex.

You need so much energy and encouragement to write that if someone says something negative, some of that energy goes. —- Joyce Carol Oates

Yet, Joyce Carol Oates was brave enough to use the title, My Heart Laid Bare and like Edgar Allen Poe she tells the dark sides in her stories. Apparently this works well for her. People are still talking about My Heart Laid Bare on Goodreads.

You can go to Ese’s Voice to see more photos and quotes related to bare and to learn how you can join her challenge. 

I’m curious. Do you bare your heart and soul?