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Aug 30, 2021 · Biographies are how we learn information about another human being’s life. Whether you want to start writing a biography about a famous person, historical figure, or an influential family member, it’s important to know all the elements that make a biography worth both writing and reading.
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How to write a biography about a living person?
- Choose Your Presentation Format
- Choose Your Subject and Conduct Research
- Develop Compelling Themes and Motifs
- Conduct Relevant Interviews
- Develop A Clear Structure
- Craft Captivating Prose
- Build A Balance of Objectivity and Empathy
- Respect Truth, Privacy, and Sensitivity
Presenting your biography can take on various forms, the most traditional being written form. The basis for this article assumes you’re writing a conventional biography; however, this foundation can also help you create a multimedia presentation or website as well. Consider these various formats to present your biography: 1. Traditional Written Bio...
To create a vivid and accurate portrayal of a person’s life, conduct extensive research. Dive into archives, read letters, examine diaries, explore photographs, and immerse yourself in the historical and cultural context surrounding your subject. This will help you unearth the small details that breathe life into your biography. Whether you’re writ...
Identify overarching themes or motifs that emerge from the subject’s life. These could be resilience, ambition, love, or societal change. Weave these elements into the narrative, highlighting their significance and impact on the person’s journey. Here are some examples: 1. Overcoming Adversity: These biographies feature perseverance, resilience, an...
Whenever possible, seek firsthand accounts from those who knew or interacted with the subject. Conduct interviews with family members, friends, colleagues, or experts in the field. Their insights and anecdotes can provide a deeper understanding of the person’s character and experiences. When conducting interviews for a biography, consider the follo...
Outline your biography, ensuring a logical and engaging narrative flow. Consider the chronological order, significant milestones, and turning points in the subject’s life. Organize your gathered information to capture the essence of their journey while maintaining a compelling rhythm throughout. A good outline for a biography can vary depending on ...
Employ descriptive language to transport readers into the subject’s world. Paint vivid portraits of their physical appearance, mannerisms, and surroundings. Use sensory details to evoke emotions and create a strong connection between the reader and the subject. Here are some examples: 1. “She was a force of nature, with a fierce determination and a...
Strive for an objective portrayal while infusing empathy and understanding into your writing. Remain aware of biases and preconceived notions, giving your subject the space to shine in their unique light. To check yourself, filter your writing and interviewing with these tips: 1. Verify Information: Cross-reference information from various sources ...
Remember, writing biographies carries ethical responsibilities. It’s important to maintain accuracy through credible research and gain consent while being sensitive to controversial or difficult topics. Here are some considerations: 1. Accuracy:Maintain a commitment to truth and accuracy. Verify facts and corroborate information from multiple sourc...
Jun 6, 2024 · A good biography talks about the person’s whole life. It covers early life, education, big achievements, and relationships. It also looks at what drove the person, what they faced, and what shaped them. Adding in personal stories, letters, and quotes makes the story real and relatable.
May 16, 2024 · Using what we’ve learned and examples from some of the best biographies out there, we’ll show you step-by-step how to research, write, and publish a captivating biography. Let’s get started! Biography Writing Steps:
- Reedsy
- A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar. Buy on Amazon. This biography of esteemed mathematician John Nash was both a finalist for the 1998 Pulitzer Prize and the basis for the award-winning film of the same name.
- Alan Turing: The Enigma: The Book That Inspired the Film The Imitation Game - Updated Edition by Andrew Hodges. Buy on Amazon. Hodges’ 1983 biography of Alan Turing sheds light on the inner workings of this brilliant mathematician, cryptologist, and computer pioneer.
- Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Buy on Amazon. Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton is not only the inspiration for a hit Broadway musical, but also a work of creative genius itself.
- Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston. Buy on Amazon. A prolific essayist, short story writer, and novelist, Hurston turned her hand to biographical writing in 1927 with this incredible work, kept under lock and key until it was published 2018.
May 16, 2022 · The answer to what makes a good biography is frustratingly nebulous. Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash. Biographies about the lives of important historical figures, celebrities, or artistic luminaries are a massive undertaking.
Apr 4, 2020 · Because a good biography will include stories from the subject’s experiences, be sure to collect personal stories and even anecdotes. These will surely bring greater credibility to your writing, and make your subject more relatable to your readers.
