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MEMOIR – Do you use real names and places?
I am a newbie and am writing a memoir. With AI developing so quickly I am rather concerned about possibly giving scammers dinner on a plate by using real names, dates and places. Should this be a concern? Would you fictionalise this information and explain this?
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3 Replies
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I guess it depends on how the people in the memoir are presented. I am currently writing a short story of someone’s memories. Originally he wanted his name to be his real name, but after reading it for accuracy purposes, he decided he didn’t. The problem was changing his name would ruin the ending. So, it’s a bit of a dilemma for me.
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Thanks. I am thinking more of giving away too many details such as where I live, family names, that sort of thing that scammers could use to develop some kind of fake identity and use maliciously. I am sure it is not beyond the possibility of AI to piece things together. I am just being cautious. I won’t be writing anything that could cause anyone any offense and will get agreement from anyone featured in the memoir. I am just thinking of changing actual names to fake names.
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Hello
This is why my Memoir has been lying around for years. NAME and Which name.
I’ve finally worked it out after such procrastination. You firstly need to read books on how-to do Memoir.
Secondly, I agree with the above response. It depends on how you present it. Ifbyou stick to hard fact reality, then you are openingbyourselfbup to problems. Baby Reindeer is an example. He said ITS TRU and now the Courts have given permission to the protagonist in the series to sue the author. All he had to say was , its based loosely on facts not the absolute truth.
Thirdly, write at a distance not too close not too far. Subtly and do not specifically name anyone in it nor write in a way that would clearly identify them.
Fourthly, a pseudonym will not change anything if you don’t follow these rules. But it can give you that detachment and freedom from accusation and raising questions.
I hope it helps.
Absolutely get the consent of those close to events who may be affected. At least let them read it or the part affecting them. Again depending on HOW you process the writing, it may never raise any issues. You do not have to write everything.
