Dangers of Writing Too Close to Home

'That's me in your novel!'

Compliment?

There are dangers in writing too close to home or the loves in your life. Circumstances change.

I don't think I'd ever be brave enough to try autobiography.'Auto' is the writer's version of events,often with dramatic licence.Occasionally it's chronological boredom.That's a danger too

When interviewed, many writers explain where they got their ideas BUT candid revelations might be dangerous.

Danger No 1. Identification

Ironically readers often assume they are the 'nasty' characters. And complain? Or sue?
Occasionally they assume they are the hero.

Danger No 2 Misunderstood Process

If it's a novel, it's fiction.
If it's a history, it must be facts.
If it's faction, the setting and time may be accurate but the characters are composites, dramatically enhanced to retain story interest.

That's an option I suggest to those attempting to write their own family histories.

But faction cannot be called a history.

However it might be a less dangerous course.

So how honest is appropriate if writing about your relatives?