How to Write About Other People in an Autobiography

When writing your autobiography, it is inevitable that you will write about other people. After all, you are not the only person in your life. Take care to keep from hurting others and make your autobiography legally safe by following the tips below.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Release forms for each person (optional but important)
• A lawyer to protect your rights (optional but important)
• Patience
• Permission to write about each person (optional but important)
• Memories

Writing About Family Members

1. Keep in mind that when you write things about family members that are true but not positive, you could alienate your family members.

2. Decide if it is more important to you to write the truth or keep relationships.

3. If you must write the truth, talk to the person first. Let them know that you are going to write about them and what you plan to write. Discuss with them why you must write this. After you have their reaction, decide if you still plan to write it.

4. Remember that even if a family member is deceased, anything you write about them could still affect your family. Weigh the pros and cons before you write.

Writing About Other People

5. Decide, first of all, if you are more concerned about the truth or being sued. If you are more concerned about the truth, realize that you may be sued.

6. Decide whether or not to change names, dates or omit things altogether. Realize that doing so may cause your autobiography to be less realistic.

7. Write the entire truth when you need the truth to be out there for your life to be understood, justice to be served, or when it is in the greater good of the public. Realize, however, that you are at risk of being sued when you do this.

8. Get a release form filled out for anyone you plan on including in your writing. This is a good way to avoid being sued when someone doesn't like what you write about them. To get more information about this, visit with a lawyer.

Tips & Warnings

• Never write anything that isn't true. You can be and will be charged with libel and could potentially go to jail.
• If you write only the truth, and the whole truth, unless you can't write it because of libel laws, you should be safe. Realize, however, that anyone can sue for anything. That is why it is best to visit with a lawyer beforehand to determine what you should do to protect yourself.
• Be careful when writing things that involve other people. Not everyone wants their personal business out there. If in doubt, let the person you are writing about read what you wrote before you print it.
• Make sure you get a release form from anyone giving you permission to write about them. They could change their mind later.