How to Write an Autobiography
First and foremost, one must understand what an autobiography is. Merriam-Webster’s definition is simply the biography of a person narrated by that person. Writing an autobiography can become an obsession for some if they feel strongly about what they have to say or have something of importance to tell the world. Maybe their family history needs to be told. Perhaps their grandfather or great grandfather invented a certain product. Maybe it’s a behavior or trait that has been passed down the generations in their family.
Whatever the case may be, writing an autobiography is a demanding and daunting task. It’s also a private and personal task not many want to undertake.
Five Points to Remember
You will have to dig deep into your memory bank.
Discussions and descriptions of places and locations will add interest to your story.
Think about the style or voice used in discussing your story.
Discuss with others the characters described in the autobiography.
Every family has a story to tell. Genealogy is always a fascinating topic.
Look through Your Journals
If you have been writing in a journal for many years, you will not be at a loss for topics to write about. Your journal will be filled with incidents in your life that had a certain meaning. Pick two or three memories from the journal and write about them. Describe how these incidents influenced your later life. It could be the death of someone you love or the birth of a child. It’s amazing how memories can flood a person. Sit down and write about 500 to 1000 words on those memories and what emotions they evoked.
The Importance of Geographical Location
Places are of vital importance in the story line. Show the reader what your “place” was like. Use descriptive words that will evoke an image or a scene. Describe what thoughts occurred to you then.
Characters: Make Them Come Alive
When you discuss characters, describe them to the best of your ability. They may have had a certain way of speaking or walking. Capture these images as word pictures. How did they affect you? Characters can be used to flesh out an autobiography with the help of emotionally charged anecdotes.
The Role of Technique
There is a definite writing technique when it comes to autobiographies. However, preparing an outline is one way to begin. This outline should contain relevant questions such as:
What do I want to share with the world?
What are some specific milestones in my life I want to discuss?
What changes have I undergone?
How have I helped influence other people’s lives?
Where do I end my story?
No matter what the topic, writing has a way of digging out memories some would rather forget about. That said, writing about oneself can be an arduous, fulfilling, and enlightening exercise. Joe E. Lewis said, “You only live once - but if you work it right, once is enough.”