This is really valuable. One of the reasons I research my family history is to understand the horrors that my mother and her siblings experienced. Fortunately one of my aunties shared her story, which was a view of what happened from her POV. The hint about writing it just for myself (and maybe my sister) feels really right. Get it written, put it away, look at it later, and maybe re-write -- or maybe tell another story altogether. Thank you both!
I'm finishing a book about my grandmother and her siblings. And oh the pushback and animosity from my cousins! I have asked each to review the chapter on their grandparent. Anything negative is generally met with outrage--even if they provided the info! I've been careful not to dwell on the negative but to show how they grew or moved on.
Ha! Even if they provided the info - for shame! I'm sorry that cracked me up. The cousins shouldn't be too upset as long as you're writing in a balanced way.
