I have read a few articles where authors of memoirs have talked about the choices they made in writing about family and friends. Sometimes they say they ran it by their family members, and other times they say they ran it by their family members, their family members said change everything, and they said no. And then they felt guilty, but like, not guilty enough not to publish the memoir.

Also, hi! I’m glad you’re enjoying Blankets – I think it’s wonderful. 🙂

I was interested in your comment about memoirs making you anxious for the family of the writer – I’ve had these same thoughts. I think that is one of the main reasons I don’t write about my own life – at present, I couldn’t do that to my family. They would NOT be okay with it.

I must say, also, that I don’t think it is the case that most writers ask permission about the things they write about their families. That’s completely my own perception – based on no actual research.

Thanks for your thoughtful review.