Memoir can be an intimidating genre for writers due to the very personal nature of the content. Memoir author, writers group founder, and publishing consultant Patricia L. Brooks offers a workshop aptly named "Write the Memoir You Are Afraid to Write." Brooks strongly encourages aspiring memoirists to "write your truth," despite the risk of getting negative feedback from family or friends. Brooks advises that if you know your heart is in the right place, you can't worry about what others think. By writing about and sharing her truths Brooks has been able to help many women. To build up your confidence in your writing, she recommends finding a critique group that you trust for support and encouragement.
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Brilliant advice although I wrote a biography about my checkered naval acreer and was told not to use real names. I've had various comments about my story. But thanks again for your advice.
Good listening to your conversation. I like what you've said about the Memoir that it's segments of stories put together. Very useful in terms of all about truth.
Thank you for the encouragement and excellent advice. I totally agree with you, although it's easier said than done. I try to share my truth without hurting or further defaming the character of others, especially regarding abuse. The way I see it, they had to live it; I was just in their "path" of destruction. Likewise, when I rampaged, those unfortunate ones underfoot got trampled. I take full responsibility in both cases. Doing so has given me a sort of magical strength to avoid such paths in the future. Both in my own temperament and others.
That being said, changing names in a book doesn't necessarily protect individuals. Any recommendations on how to share painful truths in a most respectable way?