How to Write an Autobiography

Learning how to write an autobiography can be challenging and rewarding. Breaking it down into steps can be helpful if you don't know where to start. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

Things You'll Need

• Computer or word processor
• Time
• Pens and paper

Instructions

Examine Your Life

1. Make a list of your ten best moments.

2. Make a list of your five worst moments.

3. Think about what moves you emotionally and write these things down.

4. Examine your life for meaning and purpose.

5. Look for connections between your best and worst moments. Outline any connections you find.

6. Interview people who know you. Sometimes we need another perspective on our lives.

Write Your Autobiography

1. Write your first draft. Stay on schedule.

2. Let your first draft sit for at least a month. This idle time lets you come back to the draft with a fresh outlook.

3. Read the draft and revise any sections that you don't like.

4. Let this revised draft sit for a few weeks, then read and revise it again. Repeat this step as many times as you feel necessary.

5. Give your polished draft to a trusted reader. Listen to their comments, and make further revisions.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a quiet and comfortable place to do your writing.

• Good, trusted readers will give you an honest reading of your autobiography, and let you know what's brilliant and not so brilliant.

• Make sure you have written permission to use quotes from people or copyrighted sources.