This book is aimed at those who want to record personal stories, or for family and friends, or for fulfillment of higher literary standards. It is a book to open up conversations about memoir and a practical guide to the craft, the personal challenges, and the ethical dilemmas of writing true stories. The chapters deal with getting started, finding form, telling the truth, using fictional techniques, expanding language skills, developing sensory detail, writing about living people, placing a story in a larger context, getting feedback on stories, and steering clear of common pitfalls. Detailed writing exercises are included in each chapter, and guidelines for critique offer an invaluable tool for writers' groups. An appendix explains legal issues pertaining to memoir. (NKA)