Ask Jerry
Writing a biography
Asked by Melodie Vervloet on September 24, 2020
Hi Jerry, I'm writing a biography of my grandmother who lived a colorful life in the 30's. Although I know the main events in her life, I obviously do not know her conversations and other details. How much liberty am I allowed to take when writing her life story?
Jerry's Answer
You have lots of liberty, Melodie, because readers intuitively understand that you weren't there to hear conversations, etc. Just make them as realistic as possible, based on what you do know.