What separates autobiographical writing from other types of writing? The biggest thing to thing to remember about an autobiography is that it should be reflection of who you are.
Once you've chosen the appropriate way your story, you'll need to remember five autobiography values to assure yourself that what you capture is an accurate reflection of the life you lived. Remember these five values:
1. Don't lie to your audience (yourself or others)
Everyone believes he's honest. Trouble is that we all tend to exaggerate our lives. Choose honesty from the get-go. Your audience will appreciate and you will respect yourself in the morning.
2. Let You Shine Through
We all experience times in our lives when we would rather be someone else. Now is not the time to try and be someone else. You want to preserve an accurate reflection of your personality.
It's you they want to learn about. Not someone else.
3. Your Why
This will help with the direction of your story. It will give all of the work meaning.
In his letter, he identified at least 11 reasons:
He enjoyed collecting stories about his ancestors. In fact, he sometimes traveled to find the stories he wanted.
He thought others might like reading about him.
He wants to tell his rags-to-riches story.
He wants to describe how he found happiness.
He remembers his life to see what he would change.
Next to reliving one's life, recollecting one's life is the best thing.
Make the autobiography "durable." He wants it to persist.
He wants to indulge himself.
He wants to acknowledge the hand of God in his life.
Success is fleeting.
Did one of these reasons resonate with you? If so, go with it. No matter what FIND YOUR WHY! It is imperative.
4. Know Who You're Writing For
While writing an autobiography can be a very personal experience, it's important to know that unless you destroy your work, someone will probably read it someday. Know this. Think about what you want that person to know. For Benjamin Franklin, he addressed his son. But beyond his son, Benjamin Franklin looked to a much wider audience. And he succeeded. His autobiography is one of the most read autobiographies in the world.
Who will you write for? Your son? Your daughter? Your grandkids?
5. Choose a focus
After you have collected your stories. You need to bring them together. They need to stick. Your life has led you somewhere. Where is that somewhere? Show how the sum of your experiences has led you to where you are today.
Autobiography Characteristics Summarized:
1. Be Honest
2. Let You Shine Through
3. Find Your Why
4. Know Your Audience
5. Know Where You're Headed
Write something that people want to read. By adding these attributes to your autobiography, people will appreciate your work.
Get started!
About the Author
Review our discussion on Starting an Autobiography . Robert Brady's Autobiography Workshop is a fantastic resource for writing an autobiography .
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