How To Write A Biography

By Author: Rahul
Total Articles: 9
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Long or Short?

Before you start to write a biography, there are a few items to take into consideration. First, you must decide how long you intend the biography to become (which may change depending on the amount of information you are able to collect). Very brief biographies present basic life facts and their importance. Often, this sort of biography appears in encyclopedia-type publications, as well as human-interest pieces for a newspaper. Longer biographies are full-fletch books that include basic information with loads of detail. In the end, many successful biographies tell a good story.

Analyzing the Subject

Once you have decided upon a biography subject, you need to analyze and understand the events within their life. Significant accomplishments, activities, surprising actions, and intrigue will attract reader to your writing. While the majority of biographies are on well known and famous people, an ordinary character is able to reveal details regarding a specific time and place in the world that many people are able to relate to.

Depending on the type of information you find on your biography ...
... subject, you will have a clearer picture as to the structure of the piece. Most biographies are written in chronological order, but some are arranged by major themes, such as "Achievements," "Personal Life," and "The Early Years."

Important Sources of Information

One of the most telling and helpful resources to rely upon when writing a biography is to have the chance to actually speak with or interview your subject. There is nothing better than hearing details straight out of the horse's mouth. It is also a great opportunity to collect particulars that no one else has ever uncovered before, which comes as a result of effective interviewing. A biographer will also draw upon primary and secondary sources of information. Primary sources for a biography include diary entries, letters, and newspaper accounts. Secondary sources include other biographies (when applicable) and reference books.

Basic Elements of a Biography

When researching a biography subject, there are certain basic facts to be on the lookout for, including date and place of birth (or death), family details, lifetime achievements, major events in life, and their impact on society (if any). These details are necessary to create a complete picture of your subject, but in order to formulate a high-quality biography - you need to dig deeper. When writing, it is suggested to always keep in mind why you chose the subject in the first place, such as their celebrity status, historical achievements, or interesting personal details.

Biography Writing Tips

Starting a biography with a hook to interest readers is very important. Never begin a biography with boring, empty sentences, such as "John Doe was born on March 2nd, 1955 in Jackson, Mississippi." A better approach includes stronger detail, such as "In a cramped one bedroom apartment, John Doe was brought into the world with 13 brothers and sisters looking on - an unlucky number that would continue to haunt him for the rest of his life." In the end, the writer builds continuous interest as to what sort of troubles John Doe has encountered throughout his life.

During the course of your research and writing, a range of questions may surface. Consider asking yourself: "why is this person unique or captivating," "how did they affect the world or other people," "what events in their life are most revealing and important," "what obstacles did they overcome," "what risks did they take," and "was luck involved in their success." Overall, the answers to these questions help create a strong and interesting biography.

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