Write your Life!

            Writing your autobiography is easier and less time consuming than it sounds. If you have a great story to tell, here are a few suggestions that may help. The best selling autobiography of all time was The Diary of Anne Frank. This book is a fascinating read because of: 1) A series of events in which the author was passionately involved; 2) Suspense that builds climactically, from beginning to end; 3) The genuine voice of the writer. Read autobiographies with similar characteristics and you can work out your own writerly style. 

Next, brainstorm about important events with family and friends. This will help you remember things of significance, as well as to see these events from the viewpoints of others. Your autobiography should grow into an intimate portrait, highlighting the peaks and valleys of your personal and professional journeys. 

Finally, keep in mind that, as a future author, you must bring two important things to the table: First, a list of life experiences that are most moving to you. These should focus on what made you feel pain, love or enlightenment most deeply, listed in chronological order. (As far as time, this task should not take more than one pleasant afternoon to complete. Over-thinking can compromise spontaneity so keep it simple). Second, a brief collection of writing samples. These samples should represent your natural style of writing, and embody the “voice” in which you want your autobiography written. They can include journal entries, notes and poems.

There you go! Follow these steps and the autobiography you dreamed about will flow, spontaneously, onto the page, mirroring your life in ways that complement your experience and emphasize your wisdom.