Anna Marie Tendler reveals the emotional toll of telling her story

Anna Marie Tendler, an artist and author, recently expressed surprise at the backlash from some women to her memoir, Men Have Called Me Crazy.

While giving an interview to Elle, the 39-year-old multimedia artist articulated her thoughts on the criticism by saying, “Publishing a memoir is not for the faint of heart.”

Notably, Tendler’s memoir delves into her personal experiences and challenges societal norms.

She noted that while she anticipated varied reactions, she was taken aback by the offence some women took to her narrative, quipping, “I didn’t expect certain women to be offended by my story.”

Then she went on to emphasise the importance of sharing personal stories, despite potential criticism, by noting, “It’s crucial to tell our stories, even if they make others uncomfortable.”

Tendler also reflected on the vulnerability involved in releasing a memoir as she explained, “Exposing intimate parts of your life to the public is daunting.”

“Our stories are valid, even if they challenge the comfort zones of others,” she concluded by encouraging others to embrace their narratives.

It is pertinent to mention that in spite of the unexpected reaction, Tendler continues to engage with her audience through various platforms and maintains an active presence on Instagram, where she shares insights into her art and life.