Are you interested in how to write your own biography, or a biography for someone else? While many people have the desire to write their biography, or are being asked by family members to do so, they ultimately shy away from the task, fearing that writing a biography is too difficult or too ambitious a project for them.
If you feel that way, you're not alone. But you can do it. If writing a biography is on your “to do” list, the 9 tips on this page will help.
Step #1 Decide on your core concept
The core concept of your biography is what professional writers call a ‘hook’. The easiest way to identify your core concept is to answer this question: who am I writing this biography for? If the answer is family, your core concept will probably be your role as a father / mother / son / daughter, etc. If the answer is the general public or the business community, the answer will probably be your role in the business, or military, world.
Step #2 Just start
Most biographies never get off the ground because the task seems so daunting. Procrastination wins out over determination. So when I say just start, I mean “DO SOMETHING!” Put a box on your living room floor, or wherever, and start putting material in it. Photos, recipes, mementos, golf cards, reports cards…whatever.
There is no right answer, only what's right for you. Think outside the box (no pun intended). Include audio and video in developing your biography. Ask family members to add items to the box. Don’t worry about organization at this point, you are simply gathering information. Note: Your box might be your computer. Think of the box as a metaphor in this instance.
Step #3: Get organized
Now that your ‘box’ is full, it’s time to get organized. To simplify this task, separate the information you’ve gathered into 10-year chunks. Birth to 10, 10-20, 20-30, etc. Don’t worry if there’s a gap, there probably will be.
Step #4: Write one paragraph at a time
One of the most daunting aspects of writing any lengthy article, including writing an biography, even for the pros, is the idea that you have to start at the beginning and work your way through to the end. Not so. Just write one paragraph at a time.
Think of these paragraphs as pieces in a puzzle you can put together at a later date. And your paragraphs don't have to be in chronological order either. Jump around. You may want to categorize them as you write (age 30-40, for instance), but even that isn't imperative. Get your puzzle pieces on the table and put them together later.
Step #5: Show, don’t tell
Whenever possible, use photos or other graphics when writing your biography. One of my most cherished possessions is a binder of my grandmother’s recipes, with her handwritten notes on the back. (Sidebar: when I talk about the tools you need to write an autobiography, I include a scanner to handle items like this.)
Step #6: Tell stories
Everyone loves a good story, and your biography should be full of them. Stories are a great option for less-than-confident writers, too. For instance, when writer’s block hits, just use one of these easy ‘starters’:
- I remember the time…
- People don’t believe me when I tell this story, but …
- It was December 6, 1946. I love to tell the story of what happened that day…
- One of my favorite memories is…
Use these examples to come up with ‘intros’ of your own. You’ll be surprised how easily the stories will flow!
Step #7: Warts and all
Good biographies are not fairy tales. They are sincere and truthful (sometimes painfully so). Unless you’re the first perfect human being on the planet, don’t avoid the less-than-flattering details of your life. You’ll be cheating your audience – regardless of who they are – if you do.
Step #8: Understand the power of arcs
Every good story has an ‘arc’. Up, down. Down, up. Keep in mind as you’re writing your biography that arcs make it compelling, and keep your readers wanting to know more.
Step #9: Done is better than perfect
Finally, if you find yourself stalling at any of the steps above, remind yourself, “Done is better than perfect.” You will always be your own worst critic, and there will always be reasons to stop, or put off writing your biography, but your family and fans are waiting! Don’t let them down.
There you have it. These truly are all the steps and tools you need to write your own biography. And remember, I’m here if you need me. Many people contact me for help in starting, editing or completing their autobiographies, and my services are available to you, too. (If you're interested, please fill out the form above left.)
Whatever you choose, I wish you all the best in writing your own great bio or biography.