How Does a Personal Biography Tell a Life Story?

Selecting a Subject

Unlike an autiobiography, which is written in first person, a biography is written in third person narrative. The writer must choose a person to become the subject of his biography. Usually, a writer is inspired by his subject.

Research

The writer compiles research on his subject. If the subject of the biography is still alive, the subject may assist the writer and aid in the writing process. Nevertheless, living subjects of biographies do not have to grant a writer permission to write a biography. To the contrary, the writer can write anything he wants, as long as the details are factual.

The Outline

Once the writer has compiled names, places, dates and details of factual events, he can create an outline. The outline is part of the pre-writing process. The writer uses the outline as a guide to ensure the biography follows a logical order.

Writing

The biography begins with the life of the subject. The writer will include as many details as possible, to describe the events that took place at the time of the subject's birth. The personal biography will reveal information about the subject's childhood, family life, adolesence, education, achievements, failures, adulthood and marriage. If the subject is alive, all of these details will lead to the subject's present life. If the subject is deceased, the writer may include the details surrounding the subject's death.

Resources

• How to Write a Biography
• The Biography Channel