Hmm. This could be. You'd think that as empathetic as I am, I wouldn't have a problem stepping into the character's pain/love/desperation/fear/hope. I don't have any trouble writing third party song lyrics, for example, even writing in first person on their behalf. Maybe in drabble form, I don't feel that I develop my relationship with the characters enough to blaze forth with honesty.

I want a wife...

I remember the first issue or so of Ms. Magazine, there was a 1 page cartoon style article about how I want a wife who will do this, do that, support me through school, enable my profession, do all the chores without ever bugging me about them, keep the children pleasant, well groomed and quiet, and have sex enthusiastically but only when I want to, etc.

The last line was, "My god. Who wouldn't want a wife?"

Heck, skip the sex part. I just want somebody who'll clean.

Am I unable to be honest and impactful in fiction?

I have this same problem, but for me, I think, it's a question of vulnerability. I am perfectly willing to be honest about myself. I've already demonstrated my ability to screw things up for everyone to see. To be honest about a character seems more difficult. I haven't figured out why yet.

Heck, skip the sex part. I just want somebody who'll clean.

Preach on, sister. It's much more important to create art sit around in the sun than it is to get all the chores done.

I find it easier to be honest about Not-Me, actually.

Maybe it's because I used to be, and Liese still is, on display? I got used to using my life for examples of what not to do -- though, that could be a function of personality as much as anything.

To be honest about a character seems more difficult. I haven't figured out why yet.

Maybe it's subconsciously the issue of choice. Saying "here's me, it's what am I" is a done deal (and not a bad one), but maybe choosing to write those parts into a character forces you to look at things you wish you could change in yourself but haven't?

Uh, amateur psychologist, out.

Although you can't get much more on display than "Hi. What's wrong with you?"

Now I feel awkward. Any way I look at it, it says "you're insecure". Not something that's exactly hidden, but sometimes I can pretend it's not emblazoned on my forehead.

on edit, that's true Erika. You get to be an "example" and you didn't get to choose.

Huh. I'm going back to saying I just don't know.