In one of my favorite movies, V FOR VENDETTA, the anti-hero, V, reminds Evie of what her father said that artist do: use lies to tell the truth. When I first heard this, I say wide-eyed.

It was absolutely correct. Absolutely correct!

We change names, dates, cities, and details for those whom may be a little too close to the reality of the story you write.

Those tools–that shifting of the light–allows you as the writer to tell an accurate truth within a story which may not be truth. This is the power of story and storytelling.

Use them often–you don’t need permission.