Comment by Catherine on 18 May 2011 at 2:44 am

What did you think of Oprah’s last shows and why do you think you were not chosen? Do you think James Freys book had anything to do with your story not being chosen. I think James Frey ruined all chances for nice people like you to be interviewed. Sad today.

Catherine.

Prosper, TX

Dear Catherine,

I didn’t watch every one of Oprah’s last shows, but of the shows I did watch, I either enjoyed them immensely or had mixed emotions. But I didn’t have any negative thoughts about why I wasn’t chosen to be a guest. I felt privileged to receive more than a few calls from Oprah’s staff during the last three years.  I was considered time and again, but in the end it simply wasn’t meant to be. Maybe my story will be considered for Ms. Winfrey’s new network. Time will tell.

I did, however, watch Oprah’s interview with James Frey. My thoughts were more on forgiveness for him. The interview also left me feeling glad I didn’t appear on her show years ago. I was not ready. I’m on a much better emotional level today for an interview than before. When my story was first published, I felt a bit overwhelmed with fear of what others may think. That may have caused an interviewer to not see me for who I am. In my opinion, that may have happened between Oprah and James. Skepticism is inevitable when it comes to sharing a unbelievable story such as mine, a woman with seventeen personalities.

I don’t believe James Frey ruined all chances for people like me, but he did cause red flags in many areas. I believe it’s best to share the truth. When my story was in the process of being published, we had to verify, prove, and provide documents to validate my story. Switching Time would not have been published without proof and verification on many levels. That’s not sad, just reality.

Karen