Attributes of an Autobiography

The characteristics of your autobiography should match your personal characteristics. What will give your autobiography a chance to show who you were?

There are innumerable ways to construct your story. No matter which method you choose, if you incorporate these five simple traits into your story it will be meaningful to you and others:

1. Be Honest

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. Sound Like You

Sound like you. Your audience should see you in your words. Don't try to be someone else.

People appreciate you. Let them see you.

3. Figure Out Why You're Writing Your Autobiography

This will help with the direction of your story. It will give all of the work meaning.

In his famous autobiography, Benjamin Franklin stated 11 reasons for recording his life:

He liked reading about his own ancestors.

He hopes that others will get some benefit from his words.

To share how he went from poverty to wealth.

He wants to explain how he succeeded and found happiness.

He wants to reflect on his life and decide on what he would change.

Next to reliving one's life, recollecting one's life is the best thing.

He would like for his story to persist.

He wants to indulge himself.

He wants to acknowledge the hand of God in his life.

Even through his success, he realizes that it could be taken from him at anytime.

Perhaps one of Benjamin Frankin's reasons struck a nerve with you. If one did, use it. If not, be sure to find your Why. This is one of the most important of the autobiography characteristics. You'll need it to work through the slow times.

4. Figure Out Who You're Writing For

Knowing your audience is key. It will help you focus your writing. It will help you decide what to leave in and what to leave out. Benjamin Franklin decided to expand his audience beyond himself and his son. Now his autobiography is one of the most read in the world.

Who will you write for? Your son? Your daughter? Your grandkids?

5. Know Where Your Headed

How have the events in your life led you to where you are in life? Maybe your autobiography will demonstrate how your life was shaped. Or maybe you want your autobiography to just be a collection of stories. There are many directions to choose from - choose one!

To Sum It Up:

1. Don't lie to your audience (yourself or others)

2. Let You Shine Through

3. Find Your Why

4. Know Who You're Writing For

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.

Go out and create your story!

Article Source: http://www.yourarticle.info

Visit our article on Starting an Autobiography . Robert Brady's Autobiography Workshop is a fantastic tool for writing an autobiography .
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated