Tag: Autobiography

9 Reasons Why You Should Write an Autobiography

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

Academy Award-winning actor Sidney Poitier once remarked, “My autobiography was simply the story of my life.”

Indeed, an autobiography is testament to a life well-lived. However, some erroneously believe that an autobiography’s subject must be a celebrity or wealthy person.

The truth is that anyone can write an autobiography. After all, there is nothing egocentric about chronicling one’s journey through life. The ups and downs that characterize lives provide sufficient reason to produce an autobiography.

In this article we will explore nine reasons why writing an autobiography in 2021 is a worthwhile endeavor.

9 Reasons Why You Should Write an Autobiography in 2021

1. It provides a legacy for future generations.

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A legacy is an important part of a well-lived life. After all, a legacy is an indelible memento that lives on for generations.

As the great poet Maya Angelou put it, “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” Undoubtedly, a legacy can serve as an enduring fingerprint.

Indeed, future generations can recall truly remarkable lives. Nevertheless, memories tend to fade with time. Eventually, these amazing lives may get lost in the sands of time. Thus, it is crucial to chronicle such lives in a lasting format.

Consequently, the foremost reason for writing an autobiography is to set the record straight. An autobiography should serve as a personal, first-hand account about valuable life experiences. As such, the enduring legacy morphs into pearls of perpetual wisdom.

An autobiography allows these pearls to move from generation to generation. After all, words recorded on a page cannot fade away easily.

2. It helps you take your place in history.

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Every person that has ever existed occupies a place in history. Sadly, the vast majority of them lose their voices over time. Memories fade and die away with each passing generation. And over time, each current generation forgets the contributions their ancestors made in shaping who they are today.

Writing an autobiography enables the author to claim their rightful place in history. Moreover, the author can tell their story in their voice. As a result, autobiographers plant flags that no one can remove. Future generations can then take these flags as the roadmap to a brighter tomorrow.

Greek statesman and general Pericles famously said, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

Unquestionably, time decays even the largest of monuments. Nature can destroy them. However, no force can shatter the fabric of the human spirit.

Time will inexorably pass. With it, memories of great people will perish unless they claim their rightful spot in history. An autobiography is an ideal means of asserting one’s position in the scope of yesteryear.

3. You can better understand your life’s journey.

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It is highly common for people to feel disconnected from their identity. After all, it can be somewhat difficult to carve an identity without understanding the journey leading up to the present.

The immortal Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Knowing oneself leads to understanding one’s journey.

Of course, there are times in which the past is murky at best. However, clarity can come from an autobiography.

An autobiography is an exercise in self-discovery. It allows the author room to explore their journey. As a result, knowledge of oneself emerges as the journey comes into focus. The written chronicle enables the reader to glimpse into the magical path of self-discovery. Hopefully, this path will also help the reader discover their path.

It is worth noting that an autobiography should not be a bullet-point list of events and facts. Instead, an autobiography should provide a narrative that facilitates exploring the journey of self-discovery. The reader can then take this journey and use it for their benefit.

The most inspirational autobiographies give readers an opportunity to reflect on their journey. Most importantly, superb autobiographies profoundly connect with readers. Wonderful autobiographies are like mirrors in which readers can see their reflections.

4. Writing an autobiography is great therapy!

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Psychologists often recommend that their patients write their thoughts and feelings. The aim is for individuals to make sense of their emotions by articulating them.

At first, these thoughts might lack clarity and direction. Nevertheless, they begin to take shape as the writing process continues.

Writing an autobiography is a process that requires the author to explore their emotions at various junctions of their life. However, the autobiographical process reviews the author’s life with the benefit of hindsight. Hence, the healing process can consequently emerge.

As a renowned writer and journalist Graham Greene put it, “Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic, and fear which is inherent in a human situation.”

Indeed, human nature is rife with a myriad of emotions, both negative and positive. Therefore, writing serves to dissipate such emotions and achieve clarity.

Often, autobiographies emerge from journaling. Personal journals are the ideal source material for great autobiographies. After all, journals allow autobiographers to go back in time to see their state of mind at the time of writing. From there, hindsight can begin to make sense of it all.

5. It helps you establish connections.

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Modern technology and on-the-go lifestyles can often lead to isolation. It is quite easy to lose focus due to the multiple distractions that abound. The ensuing disconnect can lead individuals to miss their place within society.

When writing an autobiography, the author must establish a connection within their immediate social circle and society as a whole. After all, the surrounding social environment directly influences the author’s actions and reactions.

The social environment can provide valuable clues to understand the context in which the autobiographical exercise takes place.

Humanitarian and philanthropist Melinda Gates once said, “Deep human connection is… the purpose and the result of a meaningful life – and it will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity.”

Undoubtedly, having a deep human connection with the world helps individuals express their humanity. Consequently, an autobiography can become a vehicle for such connections.

The writing process enables authors to see where they fit within their social context on a personal level.

More often than not, autobiographers realize they have played a far more important role than they could have ever imagined. As a result, the writing process is nothing more than a record of their noteworthy contributions.

6. It gives you a new sense of purpose.

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It is not uncommon to go through life perceiving a lack of purpose. Whether conscious or not, all people go through life with a purpose driving them.

Naturally, everyone’s purpose differs. However, that purpose does not generally come into focus without careful and dedicated reflection. Hence, the autobiographical process affords those moments of reflection.

Legendary Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky penned, “The mystery of human existence lies not just in staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”

Indeed, everyone lives for a reason. The issue is that not everyone is fully aware of this reason.

Writing an autobiography allows the author to explore their life’s purpose. Furthermore, it allows the reader to assess theirs. In the end, the autobiographical process permits a two-way conversation in which each interlocutor can reflect on their purpose.

Please bear in mind that developing a sense of purpose is an ongoing pursuit. As such, an autobiography is akin to a collection of snapshots. Once put together, each snapshot articulates an overarching purpose.

7. You’ll make new contacts.

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It may seem somewhat surprising to think how an autobiography can lead to making new contacts. A published autobiography (self-published, digital, or traditional) promotes exposure. On the surface, making new contacts may not seem like an obvious consequence, but it can certainly happen.

For some professionals, a memoir or autobiography serves to boost their visibility. As a result, their work helps create more awareness. Also, writing a book, any book, is an important milestone, especially in academic fields.

Some writers may struggle with putting pen to paper. To remedy this situation, they seek writing groups or communities. In these groups, writers find support from other like-minded individuals.

Consequently, this support allows struggling autobiographers to get through any obstacles standing in their way.

Overall, making new contacts may appear to be an indirect consequence of penning an autobiography. Ultimately, though, it may prove to be the most valuable result of all.

8. It’s an exciting process!

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There are times when life seems stuck in a rut. Perhaps long-put-off projects lurk in the back of one’s mind. Or one may even be at a crossroads in life.

Whatever the case, writing an autobiography is an important box to check off one’s bucket list.

In the words of renowned actress Mia Farrow, “My father always told me I should be a writer, and I found I loved writing my autobiography; writing is such an interesting process.”

These words echo a truth regarding the autobiographical process: One does not need to be a writer to produce a quality autobiography. Writing an autobiography should not be a chore. Instead, penning one’s life story should be a labor of love.

It is the culmination of many memorable chapters while looking toward the following ones.

Indeed, writing an autobiography should bring a sense of joy and excitement into one’s life. Undoubtedly, some may find the writing process difficult at first. Nevertheless, that is where the beauty of the process lies.

The writing process is just another memorable journey in a wonderful existence. It is a process worth cherishing. Ultimately, the reader will imbibe the genuine emotions contained on every page.

9. It’ll unleash your creativity.

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Producing autobiographical work is an exercise in creative writing. Thus, an autobiography should never be just a collection of facts and dates. If anything, such a work would resemble a résumé instead of an autobiography.

As novelist and essayist Chloe Thurlow put it, “An autobiography is a precious broken vase pieced painstakingly together still showing the chips and cracks.” As such, presenting a laundry list of data does little to reveal the uniqueness of that broken vase. Incorporating creative writing allows the author to fit the pieces together as neatly as possible.

In contrast, presenting a list of facts leaves many gaps in the overall picture. As a result, the reader will never fully grasp the real person behind the data. Therefore, autobiographers must unleash their creativity.

Of course, it is important to differentiate between creativity and embellishment.

Some authors use outrageous language to create an effect. While that approach is certainly valid, the main objective is to present the truth. From there, readers can build their assumptions about the true character.

In the end, an autobiography should resemble a novel. The narrative grows in the author’s voice. By the last sentence, the entire painstaking process of fitting each piece together will have become evident.

Helpful Tip: Don’t be afraid to hire a ghostwriter.

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Writing an autobiography does not necessarily entail producing words. In fact, it is quite common for autobiographers to hire a ghostwriter to help produce a final volume.

In those cases, the author’s voice is still present in the narrative. The difference lies in employing the assistance of a professional writer to facilitate the process. After all, not everyone has the time, skills, or experience to produce a full-length book.

The most important consideration is to portray the subject as realistically as possible. As a result, ghostwriters should not take any creative license. The subject’s voice, personality, and character must be present at all times.

Often, ghostwriters conduct interviews to gain a clear understanding of the subject. Then, multiple revisions ensure the subject’s true character emerges on every page.

Therefore, the subject ought to be present throughout the entire process. Otherwise, the book will shift from an autobiography to a biography.

Additionally, ghostwriters may take a collection of journals or memoirs and articulate them into a single narrative. This approach would constitute an autobiography as the writing help mainly focuses on editing rather than creating.

Conclusion

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Writing an autobiography may seem like a daunting task at first. However, there is no reason why anyone should hold back. After all, there are countless individuals out there with extraordinary stories to tell.

There are plenty of reasons why anyone ought to pen their story. It is just a matter of allowing the creative juices to flow freely. And, if necessary, enlisting a professional ghostwriter to aid in the writing process.

The outcome will indeed have a lasting impact on people across generations to come.

Four Great Autobiographies Written with the Help of a Ghostwriter

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

“All of our experiences fuse into our personality. Everything that ever happened to us is an ingredient.” — Malcolm X

There is a common misconception about ghostwriting. In general, some people believe ghostwriting is one person taking credit for someone else’s work.

In reality, ghostwriting consists of an individual enlisting the help of a professional writer to aid them in finding their true voice.

For many folks, writing does not come easily. Therefore, the help of a professional writer allows them to get their message out to the world. The difference lies in the writer not getting their name on the book.

When it comes to autobiographies, ghostwriters make many of them possible. Ghostwriters help individuals write their life story, especially when they lack the time, skill, and experience to write for themselves.

In this article, we will explore four great autobiographies that were (surprisingly!) written with the help of a ghostwriter.

Four Great Autobiographies Written with the Help of a Ghostwriter

1. An American Life by Ronald Reagan

The world remembers Ronald Reagan as the 40th president of the United States. He is one of America’s most renowned and beloved presidents. In particular, his origins as an actor and entertainer diverged from a traditional political career.

After successfully running for governor of California in 1966, Regan held this office from 1967 to 1975.

Regan first ran for president in 1975. However, his unsuccessful bid did not stop him from running once again in 1980. This time, he succeeded in defeating incumbent Jimmy Carter.

Reagan became president in 1981 and left office in 1989 after serving two terms.

His presidency featured several historic events, including an assassination attempt. Additionally, Reagan was outspoken on several social, political, and economic issues. His beliefs cemented his position in American politics.

After leaving office, Reagan published his autobiography titled An American Life in 1990. The book received positive reviews. It reached the eighth spot on the New York Times Best Seller list.  Nevertheless, the most interesting fact about the book was its author.

Contrary to popular belief, Reagan did not write the book himself. Instead, former New York Times journalist Robert Lindsey was the author behind the cover. Though he did not receive credit for the book, it is a well-known fact that Lindsey was the book’s true writer.

A 1990 review by The New York Times’s Maureen Dowd offers the following opinion on the book’s prose:

“Reading this book is like listening to the stories of a kindly uncle: some are interesting, some are skewed, most are familiar. Capturing Mr. Reagan’s voice perfectly, Mr. Lindsey has strung together anecdotes, speeches, ideology, and accounts of the high points and low points of the Reagan Presidency — Lebanon, Grenada, tax reform, arms control, the Iran-contra affair, the assassination attempt, the summits with Mikhail Gorbachev, the romance with his wife, Nancy. Great care is taken to maintain the courtly Reagan image, even to blanking out the middle letters of such mild swearwords in his diary entries as ‘hell’ and ‘damn.’”

This evaluation of Robert Lindsey’s prose shows the great care that professional ghostwriters take in ensuring they capture their client’s thoughts and feelings.

Undoubtedly, great ghostwriters can take a stale collection of facts and transform them into literary artworks.

Indeed, “An American Life” cultivates Ronald Reagan’s public persona without descending into flattery. This book is far from a puff piece. While critics claim this book portrays Reagan in a favorable light, it offers valuable insights into the life of a prominent historical figure.

2. The Age of Turbulence by Alan Greenspan

Alan Greenspan’s lengthy career in American politics is renowned for his time as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Specifically, Greenspan chaired the Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006.

During his tenure, he dealt with the 1987 stock market crash, the 2000 Dot Com Bubble, and numerous economic and political issues.

Following his retirement, Greenspan published his autobiography, The Age of Turbulence, in 2007. The book debuted at number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. In addition, Greenspan purportedly received an $8 million advance from Penguin Press.

It is worth noting that Greenspan is no stranger to writing. There are numerous books to his credit. In particular, he published three books before his autobiography. Nevertheless, “The Age of Turbulence” came out in 2007 officially under Greenspan’s name, with co-author Peter Petre receiving acknowledgment for his contributions.

Petre is a former executive editor at Fortune magazine. He lists his famous collaborations on his website, including this one with Alan Greenspan.

Technically, this was not a ghostwritten book, as Peter Petre did receive recognition for his contributions. However, his name does not appear on the book cover. Hence, this book was truly a ghostwritten endeavor.

According to Penguin, the book’s publisher, “The Age of Turbulence will stand as Alan Greenspan’s personal and intellectual legacy.” Indeed, the publisher recognizes this as Greenspan’s work while omitting his ghostwriter’s contributions.

According to Greenspan, he began writing his autobiography the day he left the Federal Reserve in January 2006. In particular, he told USA Today in 2007, “I was trying to hold the whole book in my head at the same time, and I knew if I took two weeks off, it would just spill away, and I’d have to pick up again.”

It seems evident that Greenspan had plenty of ideas rumbling around in his mind. Hence, the need for a ghostwriter/co-author makes sense. Specifically, Greenspan’s publisher pushed him to publish the book on short notice. Consequently, the need for a ghostwriter’s help became evident.

Ultimately, “The Age of Turbulence” received mixed reviews. However, Benjamin Friedman of the New York Review of Books called it “clearly written and easy to read and understand.” As such, it is apparent that this book got its message across.

For his part, Petre offers this insight into his collaboration with Greenspan:

“To tell his story, we developed an unorthodox structure for the book. The first half is a carefully woven, drily humorous memoir in which the reader joins the intellectual journey that brought Greenspan from a lower middle-class boyhood in New York through a discipleship with Ayn Rand and into the strange priesthood of central banking. The second half of the book is a fascinating tour d’horizon as Greenspan explores the world’s economies and lays out bold precepts and concrete predictions about decades to come.”

Undoubtedly, this collaboration proved successful. Greenspan met his deadlines, while the book received mostly positive press across the board.

3. The Autobiography of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant

History recalls Ulysses S. Grant as the 18th president of the United States. He is also memorable for his role in the U.S. Civil War. He was a general fighting for the North, and ultimately, to keep the United States together. His military exploits earned him admiration and fame throughout the country. This recognition catapulted him to his election in 1868. He took office in 1869 and completed his second term in 1877. Among his distinctions was the nickname “Uncle Sam.”

The National Constitution Center’s 10 Fascinating Facts about President Ulysses Grant states in #9 that President Grant was a “gifted writer.” On the surface, there is reason to believe this is true. Grant’s autobiography, “The Autobiography of General Ulysses S. Grant: Memoirs of the Civil War,” is notable for its collection of clever prose and abundant historical information. Scholars all agree that this work is one of the most valuable pieces of military history. However, little is overt about the obscure collaboration between President Grant and Mark Twain.

Surprisingly, President Grant was a longtime friend of American literary giant Mark Twain. According to the official narrative, Twain encouraged his friend to write his memoirs following his retirement from office. Unfortunately, Grant was reluctant to write his memoirs, despite numerous offers. In particular, Grant refused to publish anything since he was “no writer.”

Ultimately, Grant begrudgingly accepted, as he found himself in ill health and financially distressed. Initially, Grant wrote a series of articles for Century Magazine. The publishers asked Grant to expand the series of articles he had written into a full-blown memoir. However, his frail health and rapidly advancing cancer made it quite difficult for him to write. Twain then decided to help his longtime friend.

The official story states that Twain devised a witty marketing scheme for Grant’s book. However, Grant died before the book reached publication. The original 350,000 print run sold out within weeks.

Nevertheless, Grant’s failing health made it extremely unlikely that he would have completed the book without support.

As such, Twain helped his dear friend finish his memoirs. However, Twain would never admit to this. After all, doing so would have damaged his friend’s legacy.

Thus, while it is clear that Twain helped Grant cement his legacy, Twain would never take credit for his friend’s stories.

4. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is one of the most successful books in history. First published in 1989, the book went on to sell over 25 million copies worldwide. In addition, it is one of the most influential self-help books, helping launch the self-help book genre through the roof.

There is no denying the book’s valuable insights and contributions to helping people improve their overall lives and achieve goals. In 2011, Time included “The 7 Habits” in its list of the 25 Most Influential Management Books.

Stephen R. Covey is a world-famous management guru. Sadly, he passed away in 2012, but not without leaving quite a legacy. His legacy includes dozens of books ranging from management to spirituality. “The 7 Habits” is technically more a memoir than an autobiography. In this volume, Covey shared the vision that led him to become a highly successful person himself.

Despite its success for Covey, “The 7 Habits” was the result of ghostwriter intervention. Ken Shelton, founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief of the firm Executive Excellence has received credit for his role in “The 7 Habits” as a writer/editor.  This fact should not be surprising at all.

Most renowned authors employ ghostwriters, co-authors, and editors to keep up with publishing demand. After all, for many writers it is challenging to produce more than one book per year. Even prolific writers such as legend Stephen King have their limitations. King reportedly has claimed that he writes about 2,000 words per day.

It is worth noting that Stephen King is the exception rather than the norm. Most authors, in particular novelists, often write at a glacial speed.

As for nonfiction, authors generally require time to conduct research and go through numerous revisions to ensure accuracy. As a result, publishing multiple books a year necessitates the help of additional writers.

Does this make ghostwriting unethical?

Hardly. “The 7 Habits” proves that authors are brands.

Consequently, they must strive to keep up with demand. Logically, this implies enlisting help whenever possible. Otherwise, authors would have to devote their entire time to writing and research. Even so, they may be unable to keep up with their publishers’ demands. Fortunately, there are writers such as Ken Shelton who are there to keep the line moving.

Conclusion

While credited to a specific author, some of the world’s most renowned works are, in reality, the result of a hardworking writer toiling in the background. Indeed, the work of ghostwriters has helped shape modern culture. For example, without Mark Twain’s intervention, Ulysses S. Grant’s autobiography would not have reached the public. Moreover, self-help masterpieces such as “The 7 Habits” may have never seen publication.

Despite public misconception about ghostwriting, the fact remains that ghostwriters provide a valuable service to culture, academics, and science. Ultimately, talented and highly intelligent individuals such as Alan Greenspan need a helping hand in producing their works, particularly under time pressure.

There is a myriad of reasons why ghostwriters come into play. However, one thing is certain: Ghostwriters enable great stories to reach a hungry audience. Ghostwriters are the worker bees of the publishing world.

Does my autobiography/memoir need a narrative arc?

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

At its best, a memoir or autobiography is more than just a retelling of someone’s life. It pulls you in and makes you feel what they felt and compels you to cheer them on, hoping for a happy ending.

It’s not a checklist of events, it’s a story. Perhaps it’s your story.

It’s not always the actual events of one’s life that make for a great book, but the way you lay out those events in your book.

In 2005, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the Los Angeles Times, J. R. Moehringer, released his memoir The Tender Bar. Believe it or not, his life as a journalist is but a small part of the third act.

His story is that of a boy whose father is nothing more than a voice on the radio, a disc jockey who moves around a lot. As you read The Tender Bar, you follow J.R. as he tries to learn how to be a man. And instead of his father, a group of men at the local tavern become his father-by-committee and the bar becomes his sanctuary.

The beauty of The Tender Bar is the natural story arc. It keeps you reading and wondering how the story will end. Does he ever connect with his father? Will the bar, in the end, become a blessing or a crutch?

The characters are mesmerizing, and the story has everything you’d want in a feature-length movie. In fact, George Clooney is making that movie right now!

The Tender Bar is a memoir, but it reads like a novel because it has a wonderful narrative arc. If you want your story to stand out and compel readers to keep turning those pages, finding your narrative arc is the ticket.

What is a Narrative Arc?

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Simply put, a narrative arc is the structure of a story. One of the most basic models you’ll see is the 3-part model that consists of a beginning, a middle, and the end.

However, you can get a little better understanding if you think of it like this:

1. Inciting Event – This happens in the first part of the story and it’s the event that puts everything else in motion.

2. Climax – The climax is the peak of the action, the big dramatic moment where everything is at stake. It can be a big battle scene or an emotional encounter, but it is the moment everyone has been waiting for.

3. Resolution – Once the climax has come to its conclusion, it’s time to deal with the new reality. What has the climax created?

Let’s take a look at an example most of us would be familiar with: The Lion King.

Inciting Event — Scar lures Simba and Nala to the elephant graveyard where his hyenas try to kill them. He also lures Mufasa to the scene where he can kill him. The death of Mufasa, makes Simba run away, both out of fear and guilt.

Climax — Simba returns to the Pridelands. Scar and Simba have an epic fight. Scar tells Simba that he, not Simba killed Mufasa. This marks both a climax in action as well as an emotional climax as Simba finally learns that his father’s death was not his fault. Of course, Simba wins the fight.

Resolution — Simba takes the throne of the Pridelands and restores peace, harmony, and Hakuna Matata-like feelings for all.

Autobiography vs. Memoir

One of the primary factors you’ll want to consider when deciding if you want to follow a narrative arc in your book is whether you are writing an autobiography or a memoir. Here’s how they differ:

Autobiography – More straightforward and chronological. Usually covers the subject’s whole life. As a step-by-step telling of the facts, it may be less inclined towards a narrative arc, but it can still be done.

Memoir – Usually focused on one portion of the subject’s life. This can be a specific time or a theme. Regardless, memoirs tend to be less formal and rely heavily on emotion and personal realizations. This makes them a natural fit for narrative arc structure.

Examples of Memoirs with Narrative Arc

Memoirs have boomed over the last 30 years or so and many of the most successful ones were later turned into movies. Why? Because they told a story worthy of the silver screen that could captivate an audience. Here are just a few examples.

Eat, Pray, Love – by Elizabeth Gilbert

Rather than a retelling of her entire life, this book focuses on a journey of self-care and self-discovery that connected emotionally with millions.

Inciting Event – Gilbert recalls sitting on the floor and thinking, “I don’t want to be married anymore.” This leads to the journey of self-discovery.

Climax – Gilbert comes to terms with her ended marriage while in Ashram, India. Acceptance.

Resolution – Now that Gilbert is more self-aware, she is able to fall in love again.

Angela’s Ashes – by Frank McCourt

This Pulitzer Prize winner doesn’t even make it to McCourt’s 20’s. It’s the tale of his childhood and the hardships he endured until he finally made his way to America at the age of 19. It’s a story of perseverance, hardship, and more than a little humor as well.

Inciting Event – The McCourt’s move from New York back to Ireland.

Climax – McCourt confesses his many sins and accepts absolution.

Resolution – McCourt finds his way back to New York to start a new life.

A Walk in the Woods – by Bill Bryson

This memoir is about just what its title says: a walk in the woods. Okay, so it ends up being around 800 miles of walking on the 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail, with an out-of-shape and obnoxious buddy for companionship. Hilarity ensues and life lessons are learned.

Inciting Event – Bryson moves back to the U.S. after years of living in Europe. Excited to rediscover his country, he decides to take on the Appalachian Trail.

Climax – Bryson loses track of his hiking partner, finally finding him wounded, but safe enough.

Resolution – The pair admit defeat and return to their lives but retain a bit of pride for the distance over the Appalachian Trail they did travel, and the lessons learned.

These are just a few examples of memoirs that became movies, but that doesn’t mean that all memoirs with narrative arcs are full-on film fodder.

The key take-away here is that they were books first and written so well that they became bestsellers and then eventually movies. That only happens if the story is good, and the emotions reach readers. 

It’s Your Life, Your Story

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So how can you (or your ghostwriter) incorporate this into your memoir or autobiography?

Think about it this way – how does your book end? Your life is a journey, and even though it’s not done, your book will be finished. What’s that ending spot?

Once you know that, you can think about how you got there. Was there an inciting event that set the wheels in motion? When did things come to a head?

Map it out before you start writing and you may be surprised to find that your story has a nice, clear narrative arc if you choose to follow it.

Your life is more than just a string of events. It’s a story. Your story. Tell it like one.

Copywriter Q&A: Jessica Stautberg Discusses the Art of Writing an Unforgettable Memoir

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

With over a decade of writing experience, Jessica Stautberg has written content for everything from websites and blogs to books and press releases. At The Writers For Hire (TWFH), Jessica serves as our lead copywriter, and is also one of our experts on writing memoirs and autobiographies.

In this installment of our Copywriter Q&A series, we talked to Jessica about what defines a memoir, and asked for her tips and advice for ensuring that your memoir is unforgettable.

TWFH: Let’s start with the basics. What’s the difference between a memoir and an autobiography?

JS: A memoir has a more specific topic or time period. For example, a veteran might write a  memoir about his/her experiences during war, or a recovering alcoholic might write about his/her struggle with the disease. An autobiography encompasses more of a person’s entire life story.

TWFH: How do you decide if you want to write a memoir or an autobiography?

JS: Ask yourself what you want the reader to know about you. Are you giving them an account of your entire life? Or are you trying to give them a sense of what it feels like to be, for example, someone struggling with cancer treatment/growing up in poverty/breaking a barrier, etc.

TWFH: Can you talk a little about how memoir and fiction are similar?

JS: In addition to being more specific and not all encompassing, a memoir relies more on emotion and feeling to convey the writer’s experiences. So, it might read more like fiction by using more metaphors, imagery, etc.

TWFH: How much “truth” does a memoir need? Is it more important to tell the facts or to get the “essence” of the story and make sure that the emotion comes across?

JS: I think both are important, but people can’t remember all the minute details that writers often use to create a scene or convey a feeling. When writing a memoir, I think you should get the big, important facts right (as much as possible), and take liberty with descriptive details and dialogue.

TWFH: Is there ever a point when you can embellish too much or take too many liberties? A point where it’s no longer a memoir?

JS: Yes, I think once you’re starting to fictionalize some of the bigger plot points of the memoir, then you’re heading into “fictional work based on real life” territory.

TWFH: How do you keep a memoir interesting – especially if you’re writing one for an “average” person (not a celebrity or someone who has lived a super-exciting life)?

JS: Apply some of the elements of a novel to your memoir: You have a protagonist with a specific motivation who faces conflicts over the course of the story, culminating in a climax and resolution at some point. Write about your own struggles and really fill out a peak point in your story.

For example, maybe something like a divorce, a medical procedure, or a new career changed the course for your life. Give the reader all the drama surrounding that event. Talk about the relationship conflicts before the divorce and the strain on your life during and after it. Talk about your health issues, feelings, and fears before your medical procedure and the road to recovery afterwards. And talk about how you overcame the obstacles of your career change.

TWFH: What are some common subjects/themes for memoirs?

JS: Coming of age; friendship; overcoming adversity; parenthood; survival; adjusting to new circumstances; hard work; grief; faith…

TWFH: What kind of research goes into writing a memoir?

JS: It doesn’t hurt to research things like plot creation and structure so that you can properly organize your story. Also, I always think it’s useful to read books that are similar to the one you want to write.

TWFH: Do you ever use historical research/facts to pad or enhance your memoirs?

JS: It’s sometimes helpful to do historical research while writing a memoir. Often, the writer’s memory will fail on certain historical details that become important in positioning their story in time. For example, maybe your memoir includes fleeing the war-torn city of your childhood. You probably don’t remember exactly which months out of the year those events occurred, and maybe you weren’t aware of the political events that were important to the scenario. It’s helpful to the reader to look up those details and include them.

TWFH: How do you handle writing about other people in a memoir? Do you need to ask permission? Use fake names? Should you let them read what you’ve written? Is it OK to create composite characters and use them as stand-ins for real people? 

JS: If you say something overly negative about someone, then you open yourself up to defamation allegations. If someone plays a large part in your memoir, then it doesn’t hurt to ask permission. It also doesn’t hurt to have a lawyer review your book, just in case. 

TWFH: How do you organize a memoir? Do memoirs have to be chronological?

JS: Memoirs do not have to be chronological! That being said, autobiographies don’t either. You can certainly shift back and forth in time in either genre, although I think it’s more common in memoirs.

TWFH: Do you have any suggestions for avoiding confusion when shifting back and forth between time periods?

JS: Many memoirs will add a date and place at the beginning of a new section to help orient the reader. I like to do section breaks and then add a label like “July 6, 1967, New York City,” for example.

TWFH: What elements do you think are necessary for a good memoir?

JS: Memoirs need a theme, which we discussed above. It also needs conflict to keep it interesting, and a writing style that reflects you (since the reader will probably picture you telling the story). It also needs storytelling elements such as setting, character development, and a plot.

TWFH: Do you have any other suggestions for people who want to write a memoir?

JS: Figure out what lessons you’ve learned in your life and use your memoir to try to teach your reader those lessons in an interesting way.

Photo by rikka ameboshi from Pexels

How To Write a Family History Book—7 Steps Plus A Pro Tip

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

With the rise in popularity of media programming such as PBS’s Finding Your Roots, and the ease and accessibility of home ancestry and DNA test kits, more and more people are choosing to research their family history.

The internet has made this research easier than ever before.

For those who decide to go even further—to compile and record the facts and stories they find—it has also brought along tools for writing and publishing a family history book that can be shared and passed down for generations.

The idea of such a complex and time-intensive project can feel overwhelming. But with a little sticktoitiveness, and the right process, the journey can be a rewarding one.

Seven Steps to Writing Your Family History Book

Step #1: Getting the Family Involved:

One of the biggest challenges you will likely face will come at the very beginning of the process.

Hesitant family members or an older generation afraid of sharing family secrets can be a stumbling block, which often prevents people from going any further.

Carol Cooke Darrow, a Certified Genealogist in Denver Colorado, has personally written three separate family histories.

She also leads a monthly class teaching others how to do the same.

She suggests using photos as an ice-breaker. Direct questions may seem intrusive.

Showing someone a photo opens up the possibility for them to tell the story of who is in the picture, why they are there, what happened that day, and so on.

Step #2. Collecting Living Memories

Personally talk to or interview as many people as possible.

No amount of research can ever produce the rich detail of an actual remembered story.

While it is not always possible to interview someone in person, or even over the phone, letters and email can be extremely useful.

It is important to develop a set of written interview questions before you begin.

This will give your research a road map, and yet allow for the answers to go in an organic direction.

It will also give continuity to your narrative, as that begins to develop.

You can use this same set of questions whether conducting an interview in-person, by telephone, or even email.

Hollace Ava Weiner, of the Fort Worth Jewish Archives, suggests limiting the attendees at an interview.

She learned when writing her own family history that too many people in an interview can be a distraction, and lead to interruptions. “We wrote down questions. We assigned one person to ask the questions.”

You may even find it necessary to bring in a 3rd party to conduct the interviews.

People are sometimes more willing to share when other family members are not around.

Written transcripts, audio files, records, photos, and almost anything else can be attached to your final project.

If you plan to publish a traditional bound book, you will need to convert all of these to visual images that will become a page in the book.

If you envision something more like a scrap-book, you can attach these items directly to the finished product.

Family members who may be unwilling to give you an interview or share personal stories, may share photos, mementos, or other documents.

Assuring them that you will return originals, if they desire, will go a long way toward helping you in your cause.

Excellent quality prints and copies are now easy to get and steps can be taken to preserve the originals.

Step #3. Understanding and Choosing a Writing Format

There are many styles or formats to choose from when writing your family history book.

From the very technical formats used by historians to the more casual and eclectic scrapbook, you will need to decide what form your final project will take.

For historic archivists, the two most commonly used forms are the Register (sometimes called Descendancy) and the Ahnentafel.

The Register style essentially begins in the past and moves forward in time to the present.

The Ahnentafel begins in the present and moves backward, incorporating a specific numbering and charting system for tracking family units.

But unless you plan to submit your family history book to a national archive, you may want to take a more modern approach.

A memoir or family biography may be the right choice for you.

One method is to trace a surname back as far as you can, then write a chronological biographical narrative leading to the present day.

In this case you would place your ancestors within the context of history, writing their stories both remembered and presumed.

You will end up with something like a novel all about your family—the politics, economics, and circumstances that led to movement, migration, and settlement.

Another option is to compile records, stories, memories, interviews, charts, etc. scrapbook style in a bound book.

This approach is no less time consuming, but may be more suited for those wanting to combine multiple branches of the family tree into one book.

These also make lovely anniversary/engagement/graduation gifts.

Which style you choose depends on the narrative you wish to tell and the book you wish to produce.

Step #4. Conducting Family History Research

Some people have been conducting research for many years, and are just now thinking of compiling all of the information into a readable, preservable book.

Others have recently become interested in their family history and want to publish a book in time for a family reunion next year.

Wherever you are in your journey, and whatever your timeline, there are online tools available to help.

The internet makes research much quicker and easier than it ever has been in the past.

Access to microfiche, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and divorce decrees, wills, census and military records, immigration and naturalization records, ship passenger lists, land records and even newspaper articles are all at your fingertips.

Free and paid sites such as these will be invaluable in your search.

  • GED match
  • International Society of Genetic Genealogy
  • Google
  • Mooseroots
  • Cyndy’s List
  • The National Archives

TWFH genealogist, Jennifer Rizzo, gives us her review of some of the best of these sites. She breaks them down by cost, pros, and cons in this great article.

Step #5. Document Collection

A good rule of thumb: If you cite it, you should include it.

Zoe von Ende Lappin, a member of WISE Family History Society in Denver, Colorado who has written and published a comprehensive family history entitled The Savages of County Louth and America, recommends that you “Identify unproven material, such as family stories, as such. But document those that you can verify.”

Think about the final product and how meaningful it will be if the records you were able to find were included in the bound book.

Many times you can request copies of documents through the site where you found them or download the records directly from the web.

Possible items to include are:

  • The genealogy chart or family tree you create
  • Maps showing movement and migration
  • Census and military records
  • Photographs
  • Letters
  • Marriage licenses
  • Divorce decrees
  • Land deeds
  • Wills
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Written, audio, or video transcripts of family interviews
  • Images of family heirlooms, such as a watch or wedding rings

Step #6. Writing Your Story

Now it is time to start writing.

There are many online tools for writing, charting, and organizing everything that you have collected.

Back Up My Tree, Evernote, and WordPress are all excellent! But a simple word-processing software such as Word or Pages is also sufficient.

The most important thing is that you put it down in writing.

It is also important to think about your audience.

Who is going to read this?

If writing a memoir, write in first person, otherwise a third-person narrative is the best approach.

Story-telling is the way history has always been passed down.

As you are collecting stories, you may discover a recurring theme.

You might notice that a large number of your ancestors followed a similar profession.

You may see that most of them were members of the same societies or fraternal organizations.

Following a theme is a good way to give your research direction, and begin to formulate a narrative.

Consider your audience as you begin to define the project.

No one wants to read every detail of every descendant you have ever had leading back to The Garden.

Choosing a specific theme that interests you, or one specific couple whose lineage you want to follow, will give you the framework for a story people want to read, and that you want to write.

One commonly used theme is to write about the members of a family who lived in one specific geographic location. The Smiths of Texas County, is an example.

Or you may choose something more unusual such as a family history of recipes.

Much can be learned about a family through the food they eat.

You could write stories about the women, where they lived, how they found local ingredients, the economic challenges they faced, and the children they bore.

Carol Cooke Darrow suggests that “starting small, choosing something you want to preserve, and giving yourself a deadline” are all keys finishing the project.

Step #7. Publishing Your Story

You got the family involved, you collected the living memories, you chose a format, you conducted extensive research, collected all the documents, and wrote your story.

Now it is time to publish your hard work.

For many projects, Amazon’s CreateSpace is a high quality, low cost option.

With online tools accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and no up-front fees, they are an easy safe zone in the self-publishing market.

There are limitations with what you can do creatively. But, if you are looking for straight-forward templates and quick publishing turn-around, CreateSpace has everything you need.

For a more robust project, or one where you have more creative control, you may need to look to a smaller publishing house.

Stellar Communications, for example, has a team of professional editors, writers, graphic artists, photographers, illustrators, and more who can help you with your custom job.

Other self-publishing sites such as Lulu, Otter Bay, Geology House, Stories to Tell Books, and Legacy Books are all online and offer different features.

Pro Tip- Including Photos and Visuals

A picture is worth a thousand words, and at no time is that more true than in a family history.

If you have been able to collect photos and other visual history, you will no doubt want to include those in your final book.

Make yourself aware of any copyright laws regarding your materials, and always remember to give credit where credit is due by documenting where you found the image.

After scanning the originals, Dropbox, cloud storage, and even thumb drives can be helpful as images can take up significant amounts of space on your hard drive.

For storing original photos and other delicate items, our expert Jennifer Rizzo recommends a good-old fashioned cedar chest.

Just make sure to place them in a polyester sleeve or acid free paper box first, and store the chest away from direct heat or moisture.

Writing down your family history is a gift to yourself, your relatives, and to generations yet to come.

Whether for an anniversary gift, a submission to a national historic archive, or simply a compilation of many years’ worth of personal research, it is a project worth perusing.

Recognizing the scope of the project, setting an achievable deadline, and following these steps will help you achieve the goal of a beautiful, polished, and sharable finished product.

Diving Headfirst Into Your Family Tree

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

Do you ever wonder about where your ancestors came from, and what struggles they had to endure in their life’s voyage?

The journey of discovering your roots and your family history can be quite fascinating and exciting.

It can also be a daunting and time-consuming task.

A simple Google search will lead you to a vast array of websites, promising to give you the answers to the ever-popular question, “where did I come from?”

But how do you know which websites are actually worth your time (and money)? And once you are on those websites, how can you be sure that the information you are finding is accurate?

How do you know if the history you find is really YOUR family history?

Here is a list of some of the most popular genealogy web sites and our reviews on which make the grade, and which fail to deliver.

Classes

One important thing to keep in mind when diving into your family history research is that there is a definite learning curve. It takes time (and experience) to figure out how and where to locate the information you are seeking.

If you have endless time to dedicate to this task, then learning by trial and error may be the right method for you.

If not, you might want to consider checking out an online class or two, to help you learn the tricks of the trade.

While there are thousands of options out there, here are a few free ones that are a great starting point:

  • YouTube

    Type “genealogy for beginners,” and you will get THOUSANDS of videos with tips on how to start your ancestry research.

  • Family Search Learning Center

    Signing up for a free account on this website will give you access to hundreds of great webinars; many of catered to specific areas of research (Military Records, Colonial Immigration, etc.).

  • Ancestry.com

    Sign up for an ancestry account, you will have access to their instructional videos, which help you learn how to navigate their site and make the most out of your membership.

  • Brigham Young University Independent Study

    Using Adobe Flash Player, the website offers a variety of free online genealogy courses.

Magazines

If ancestry is more than just a passing curiosity for you, a subscription to a genealogy magazine can be a very helpful tool.

Many of these magazines provide insight into different methods of genealogical research, updates on public releases of records, and other valuable information.

Just as there are hundreds of different genealogy websites out there, you will find that there are a large variety of magazines that focus on genealogy and ancestry.

The best magazine for you will really depend on your specific needs, but here are a few that are worth checking out:

  • Family Tree Magazine

    Geared towards more amateur genealogists, this is probably the most well known genealogical magazines out there. It is a fun magazine, full of great personal stories, tips for taking family research trips, and interesting tidbits about different ethnic backgrounds and heritages.

  • National Genealogical Society Quarterly

    This one is a must-have for serious genealogists. The magazine, provided to members of the National Genealogical Society, is chock-full of valuable information, research tips, and up-to-date genealogical news. And, as an added benefit to joining the National Genealogical Society, you will also get access to the plethora of online classes offered by the society.

  • Your Genealogy Today

    Whether you are a novice or a seasoned genealogist, this magazine has something for everyone. The bi-monthly magazine covers everything from DNA research to genealogy tourism.

Hiring a Genealogist

Now, if you are like much of the population and don’t have enough time to invest in really digging deep into your family history, hiring a professional genealogist may be something you’ll want to consider.

Aside from just the time constraints, hiring a professional comes with many other benefits:

  • Experience

    A professional genealogist has experience weeding through thousands of documents and records and is more likely to be able to trace your exact line.

  • Knowledge

    A professional already knows where to find marriage records, locate ship manifestos, and search for military draft cards.

  • Skill

    Most professional genealogists are also very skilled at complex research (which is a necessity, when researching ancestry).

  • Organization

    Sorting through the records of thousands of ancestors takes some serious organizational skills. A professional genealogist knows how to make sense of all that information and compile it in to easy-to-follow reports and diagrams.

Regardless of how you decide to tackle the exciting task of unearthing your family’s history, you are in for a fun ride.

A ride full of fascinating discoveries, beautiful stories, and a new appreciation for how you came to be.

Your Guide To The Family History Interview

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

So, you’ve decided to write a family history book but are not quite sure where to start. Or, maybe you are ghostwriting an autobiography for someone else.

Either way, you’ll want to be sure to include all of the best family stories. If you rely on just your own memory, or that of your subject, specific details can get a little fuzzy.

This is where it pays to interview other family members. Chances are, they will remember those extra details and might even be able to tell you stories that have never been heard before.

But where should you start? And what questions should you ask?

Here is a list of some great questions to get the conversation started. Interviews can frequently last for several hours, so we always recommend recording your interviews with either video or audio, so that you can go back and review the answers at a later time.

It’s also a good idea to have your questions printed out and in front of you during your interview. For easy access to our list of questions, just download this pdf.

Life Events – Childhood

What do you know about your birth?

  • When were you born?
    • What day of the week was it?
    •  Did your parents tell you anything about the day you were born?
  • Where were you born?
  • What name were you given at birth?
    • How was this name chosen?
    • Were you named after anyone?

What are some of your favorite childhood memories?

  • What’s your first, most vivid memory?
    • How old were you?
  • Where did you grow up?
    • What was your home like?
    • How many bedrooms/bathrooms did it have?
    • What was your bedroom like?
  • Can you describe the neighborhood you grew up in?
    • Any specific cultural/language influences in your family or neighborhood?
  • How did your family earn money?
    • Did both of your parents work?
  • What kinds of things did your family spend money on?
  • How many brothers and sisters do you have?          
    • What are their names?
    • When were they born?
    • Were you close?
    • What types of things did you do together? 
    • What memories do you have of each of them from when you were growing up?
  • What were you like as a child?
    • What were some of your favorite foods?
    • What did you do for fun?
    • What were your favorite toys or games?
    • Did you ever have a secret place or a favorite hiding spot?
  • Who were your best friends growing up (in elementary, junior high, and high school)?
  • What kind of clothes did you wear?
  • Did you get an allowance?
    • How much?
    • Did you spend it right away, or save it?
    • What did you buy?
    • What responsibilities did you have at home when you were young?
  • What did you want to be when you grew up?
  • What big world events do you remember from the time you were growing up?
    • What do you remember about those events?
  • What inventions do you most remember?
  • What’s different about growing up today from when you were growing up?

What was school like for you?

  • What kind of school did you go to (in elementary, junior high, and high school)?
    • Were you a good student?
    • What was your favorite subject?
    • Least favorite?
    • Who were some of your favorite teachers and why?
  • Did you have any heroes or role models when you were a child?
  • How did you spend your summer holidays?
    • What were your favorite summer activities?
    • What are some of your favorite memories about summers growing up?
  • When you were a teenager, what did you do for fun?
    • Did you have a favorite spot to “hang out”?
    • What time did you have to be home at night?
    • Did you ever get into any trouble? 
    • Did you ever do anything that you should have gotten in trouble for…but you were never caught?
  • Who was your best friend as a teenager/young adult?        
    • What did you do together?
  • Did you date in high school? 
    • What was it like? 
    • Where did you go? 
    • Were you chaperoned and, if so, by whom? 
    • Any significant romantic moments or dates you remember?
  • Did you go to the prom?
    • With whom did you go? 
  • Did you belong to any groups in school or did you participate in any extracurricular activities or sports?
  • As a young adult, did you have any significant hobbies or interests outside of school?
    • Were you in any clubs or societies? 
  • Were there any particular phrases or styles that were popular when you were a teenager?
    • What did you like to wear?
    • How did your parents feel about the way you talked and what you wore?
  • When did you learn how to drive?
    • Who taught you?
    • What was your first car like?
  • When did you graduate from high school?
    • What was your graduation ceremony like?
    • Did you earn any important honors or medals in school?
    • What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you graduated?
  • Did you apply to college? 
    • What colleges did you apply to/get into? 
    • If you went to college, what was your major? 
    • What was college like?
    • Where did you live while in college?
    • Who were your friends in college?
    • What are some of your best (or worst) college memories?

What were holidays and celebrations like in your house?

  • How did your family celebrate holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Easter, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July)?  
    • Did lots of relatives get together?
    • What traditions did you have year after year?
    • What food was served?
    • What was the best gift you remember receiving as a child?
Image by Mountain Leon

Life Events – Adulthood

Entering Adulthood

  • How did you decide what you wanted to do with your life?
    • How do you feel about that choice?
  • What was your first job?
    • What did you like or not like about it?
  • What job did you do (or have you done) most of your life?
    • What did you like most about it? Least?
  • What were all of the jobs you had in your lifetime, and what did you like/dislike about each? 
    • Any interesting work-related stories or lessons?
  • What was one (or some) of the biggest adventures you had as an adult? 
    • Did you go on any exciting trips? 
    • Did you ever have a time when you felt you were in danger? 
    • Any time you got into trouble (or thought you might get into trouble and got lucky)?
    • What is the most beautiful place you have ever visited and what was it like?

Love and Marriage

  • How did you meet your spouse?
    • Was it love at first sight?
    • What did you like about him/her?
    • How long did you date before getting engaged?
    • How and when did you get engaged?
  • When did you get married?
    • How old were you?
    • Where did you get married?
    • What was your wedding like?
    • Where did you go on your honeymoon? 
    • Any good honeymoon stories?
  • What was the first big purchase you made with your spouse?
  • What was your first home? 
    • Any stories about buying your first home? 
    • Any other significant moves in your life?
  • What makes your spouse special or unique?
    • How did you know that he/she was “the one”?
  • How many children do you have?
    • What are their names?
      • How did you choose their names?   
    • When were they born?
    • Do you have any stories about the day each was born or significant stories about their first days?
    • What’s your favorite story about each of your children?
    • What is something funny or embarrassing one of your children said at an early age that you’ll never forget?
  • What family traditions did you try to establish?
    • Were these new traditions, or were they passed down from your (or your spouse’s) childhood?
    • What do you remember about holiday celebrations?
    • Is there one holiday memory that stands out for you?
  • Did you take family vacations?
    • How frequently did you travel?
    • What’s the most memorable family vacation you took?
  • How did you feel about raising your children?
    • What was the best part?
    • The hardest part?
  • What makes you proud of your children?
  • How is each of your children similar to or different from you and your spouse?

Identity

  • Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
    • How did these hobbies start?
  • Whom do you trust and depend on?
  • What things are most important to you now? Why?
  • Have you ever had any nicknames as a child or as an adult?
    • Where did they come from?
  • In what ways are you and your mother similar?
    • In what was are you unalike?
  • In what ways are you and your father similar?
    • In what was are you unalike?
  • Do you feel you’re like any of your grandparents?
    • Which grandparents?
    • In what ways are you like them?
  • How are your children like you? Unlike you?
  • What do you think are your best qualities? Your worst?
  • Which do you think you have the most of: talent, intelligence, education, or persistence?
    • How has it helped you in your life?
  • Do you have any special sayings or expressions?
  • What’s your favorite book and why? What’s your favorite movie and why?
    •  Have these changed since you were a young adult?  Why?
  • Who are three people in history you admire most and why?
  • What have been the three biggest news events during your lifetime and why?
  • If you could have three wishes, what would they be?
  • If you won $1 million tomorrow, what would you do with the money?
  • What’s the highest honor you’ve ever received?
  • What’s the most memorable phone call you’ve ever received?
  • What’s the best compliment you ever received?
  • What kinds of things do you enjoy most now?
    • When you were a younger adult?
    • A child?
  • What frightened you when you were a younger adult?
    • A child?
  • What is your most prized physical possession? Why?
  • What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted but still don’t have?
  • What unexpected/random knowledge or skills do you have that people might not expect of you?

Life Interview Questions – The Present, Life Lessons, and Legacies

  • Do you feel differently about yourself now from how you felt when you were younger?
    • In what way(s)?
  • In what ways do you think you have stayed the same throughout life?
    • In what ways have you changed?
  • When you were younger, did you have any expectations about what your life would be like? 
    • Has your life turned out that way? 
  • What do you remember about your 20s? 30s? 40s? 50s? 60s?
    • What events stand out in your mind?
    • How was each age different from the one before it?
    • Were there any birthdays (or ages) that you were less than enthusiastic about? Why?
    • If you could go back to any age, which age would it be and why?
  • How do you feel now about growing old?
    • What’s the hardest thing about growing older?
    • The best thing?
  • How is the world different now from when you were a child?
  • Did you have any expectations at points in your life about what growing older would be like for you?
    • How should a person prepare for old age?
    • Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?
  • What would you like your children and grandchildren to remember about you?
  • What do you look forward to now?
  • Is there anything you have thrown away in your life, that you wish you hadn’t?
    • What was it, and why do you wish you had not thrown it out?
  • What have you held on to that’s important?
    • Why is it important to you?
  • What “junk” have you held on to over the years?
    • Why have you held on to it?
  • Over time, how have you changed the way you look at life/people?
    • In what way(s)?
  • What’s your most cherished family tradition?
    • Why does it mean so much to you?
  • What have you liked best about your life so far?
    • What’s your happiest or proudest moment?
  • What do you feel have been the important successes in your life?
  • What have been your biggest frustrations?
  • What’s the most difficult thing that ever happened to you?
    • How did you deal with it?
  • What do you think the turning points have been in your life?
    • What were you like then?
  • Are there times of your life that you remember more vividly than others?
    • Why do you think that these moments are so memorable?
  • What have been the most influential experiences in your life?
    • How did those experiences help shape you into the person you are today?
  • Describe a person or situation from your childhood that had a profound effect on the way you look at life.
    • In what way did they affect you and your life?
  • If you were writing the story of your life, how would you divide it into chapters?
  • What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were young?
  • What advice did your grandparents or parents give you that you remember best?
  • Do you have a philosophy of life?
    • What’s your best piece of advice for living a good life?
    • How do you define a “good life” or a “successful life”?
    • Do you think a person needs to first overcome serious setbacks or challenges to be truly successful?
  • In what way is it important to know your limitations in your life or career?
  • If you had the power to solve one and only one problem in the world, what would it be and why?
  • What do you see as your place or purpose in life?
    • How did you come to that conclusion?
  • If you could write a message to each of your children and grandchildren and put it in a time capsule for them to read 20 years from now, what would you write to each?
  • How would you like to be remembered, or what would you like to be remembered for?

The Future

  • What is the best thing about your life now? 
    • What is currently your biggest challenge?
  • What do you hope to do or accomplish in the next five years?
    • How about the next 10 years?
  • What do you look forward to now?
  • If you could have three wishes, what would they be?
  • If you could travel into the future, would you rather see something that specifically relates to you or something that relates to the future of the country in general? Why?

Family History Questions

Can you tell me about your parents?

  • Tell me about your mother’s family and background. 
    • Where was she born?
    • How did she grow up? 
    • Where did she go to school? 
    • Did she ever work?  If so, what did she do?
  • What was your mother like? 
    • How do you think she should be remembered?
  • Can you tell me about your mother’s parents (your maternal grandparents)? 
    • What were their names?
    • When/where were they born?
    • What do you remember about them? 
    • Where did their family come from? 
    • How and where did they meet? 
    • Any interesting stories you remember about them? 
    • How/when did they die?
  • Tell me about your father’s family and background. 
    • Where was he born? 
    • How did he grow up? 
    • Where did he go to school?
    • What kind of work did he do? 
  • What was your father like? 
    • How do you think he should be remembered?
  • Can you tell me about your father’s parents (your paternal grandparents)? 
    • What were their names?
    • When/where were they born?
    • What do you remember about them? 
    • Where did their family come from?
    • How did they meet? 
    • Any interesting stories you remember about them? 
    • How/when did they die?
  • Where did your original surname originate?
    • Do you know the meaning of your family name? 
    • Are there stories about the origins of your family name?
  • How did your parents meet? 
    • Any interesting stories about their courtship or marriage?
    • Did your parents have a good marriage?
  • What was most important to your parents?

How about extended family?

  • Growing up, were you particularly close with any aunts or uncles that you would like to talk about? 
  • What about cousins?
  • What is the funniest/most interesting/most memorable family story you can think of (about your parents or grandparents)?
  • What are some personality traits that are shared by the people in your family?
  • Does your family have any special heirlooms or treasured items that are passed down from generation to generation?
  • Do you own any special recipes from your family?  Or do you have any of your own that are particularly “famous”?

Questions about Specific Family Members

  • How are you related to __?
    • Are you (or were you) close?
  • How would you describe him/her physically?
  • How would you describe his/her personality?
  • What are some stories you remember about him/her? 
    • Are there any specific things or stories that stick out in your mind?
  • Did he/she teach you to do any particular thing?
    • If so, what did he/she teach you?
    • Was he/she a good teacher?
  • When do you remember seeing him/her happy?
    • What do you think makes him/her the happiest?
  • When do you remember seeing him/her sad?
    • What do you think has been his/her greatest heartbreak?
  • Does he/she have any hobbies or interests?
  • Does he/she have any unique talents?
  • What is (or was) his/her relationships with your parents like?
  • Does he/she have any expressions, sayings, or interesting ways of talking?
  • Does he/she have siblings?
    • How does he/she get along with his/her siblings?
    • How does he/she get along with the rest of the family? 
    • Who is he/she closest to in the family? 
    • Do you remember any family tension with anyone?

The Truth About Ghostwriting

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

Ronald Reagan once quipped about his autobiography, “I hear it’s a terrific book. One of these days I’m going to read it myself.”

Rarely does a celebrity exhibit such candor in acknowledging their partnership with a ghostwriter. In fact, the entire practice of ghostwriting seems shaded in mystery.

To deconstruct the myths and doubts surrounding the practice, we’re shining light on some of the most common questions about ghostwriting:

What is a ghostwriter?

The Free Dictionary defines the term as “one who writes for and gives credit of authorship to another” while Oxford Dictionary specifies that a ghostwriter is “a person whose job it is to write material for someone else who is the named author.”

The practice dates back as far as the 5th century B.C., when scribes wrote material for royalty. And world leaders throughout history have relied on ghostwriters to present an amenable front to their constituents. Even venerable George Washington didn’t craft his own Farewell Address; he left that to Alexander Hamilton.[/vc_column]

Christy Walsh – known as America’s first sports agent – coined the word in 1921, as he found ghostwriters to write autobiographies for sports stars, including the legendary Babe Ruth. Walsh was open about his practice of using ghostwriters, famously saying, “Don’t insult the intelligence of the public by claiming these men write their own stuff.”

But the practice existed as a  mostly hidden secret of the publishing world for many years. Today, electronic publishing options have made producing a book or other works a more affordable prospect. Coupled with the rise of electronic media, celebrity memoirs have become an industry standard, increasing demand for ghostwriting assistance.

Why use a ghostwriter?

If you lack the time or skill to articulate your ideas into written form, a ghostwriter can help.

Whether you need assistance crafting a compelling whitepaper or compiling your family history into a memoir, you can find ghostwriters with experience in a wide variety of written form.

When evaluating the prospect of bringing a ghostwriter on to your project, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I have the time to devote to writing and proofreading this project?
  • Do I have the discipline to write this material in an efficient manner?
  • Do I have the skill to professionally communicate my ideas in written form?
  • Do I enjoy the writing process?
  • Do I have the skills necessary to research and conduct interviews on this topic?
  • Do I have the budget to hire a quality ghostwriter?

Who uses ghostwriters?

Busy professionals often lack the time to devote to an intensive writing project. While many people enjoy writing as a creative outlet – journaling their thoughts or sharing ideas on social media – they may lack the professional polish needed for certain publications. In these instances, a creative thinker pairs well with a ghostwriter.

[vc_column width=”1/3″]
Movie Star[/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″]Politicians, celebrities, business leaders, and even family historians use ghostwriters. Ghostwriters tackle not only the well-known formats of memoirs and works of fiction. They also work on a diverse range of projects, including: blogs, thought leadership pieces, speeches, scripts, ebooks, Wikipedia entries, song lyrics, op-eds, and editorial content.

Which celebrities use ghostwriters?

The better question is “Which celebrities don’t use ghostwriters?” In the world of celebrity memoir, ghostwriting rates approach 100%. Even highly-regarded, award-winning books like John F. Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Profiles in Courage often have a ghostwriter behind them.

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On the flip side, some celebrities have taken their turn as ghostwriters. Before becoming a household name, Barry Manilow wrote advertising jingles such as State Farm’s enduring “Like a Good Neighbor” and Band-Aid’s “I am Stuck on Band-Aid.”

Which authors use ghostwriters?

DetectiveA Priceonomics article on ghostwriting suggests that at least 25% of the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list is ghostwritten.
The practice is rampant in fiction genres as well. Perhaps the most famous examples of ghostwritten fiction are the iconic Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series. These children’s books, launched in the 1920s and 1930s and having accumulated nearly 200 books in each series to date, were written by various ghostwriters under a common pseudonym.
More recently, Tom Clancy and James Patterson owned up to using ghostwriters for some of their works. If you notice an author’s successive books debuting on shelves at a rapid pace, chances are good that there’s a ghostwriter involved.

How do I find a ghostwriter?

Comb through trade journals, newspaper articles, and websites for authors who have worked on material in your field. These authors may be open to ghostwriting work. When perusing books, look for keywords on the cover such as “with” in smaller print after the primary author’s name. The acknowledgements page also sometimes gives a nod to a ghostwriter.

Professional writing firms often offer ghostwriting services along with in-house editing. These firms may offer a team approach that involves a ghostwriter working alongside a proofreader and editor. Such collaboration often leads to a more polished manuscript.

Look for these attributes as you evaluate potential ghostwriters:

  • Portfolio – Ask to see examples of the writer’s work.
  • Organization – The writer should meet deadlines and communicate efficiently.
  • Professionalism – The writer should maintain a non-judgmental air, enabling you to comfortably share ideas and research without fear of criticism.
  • Respect – The writer gives you final say and the opportunity to approve, ask questions, and give feedback on all material.
  • Discretion – The writer agrees to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

How much do ghostwriters charge?

Ghostwriting fees vary dramatically, depending on the amount of work required and experience level of the writer. Ghostwriters may bill hourly, by the word, or by the project. Some ghostwriters looking to build their portfolios may agree to a lower upfront fee accompanied by a percentage of royalties.

Reputable ghostwriters’ rates usually start in the hundreds for the smallest projects and go up from there. Expect to pay at least $20,000 for a full length book. Elite ghostwriters charge upwards of $500,000 for their work on celebrity memoirs.

As in many industries, ghostwriting costs can be reduced through outsourcing the trade to locations like India and China. While outsourced prices may seem like a bargain, the savings should be weighed against the value of writing produced in one’s native language. The English language contains numerous nuances that can lead to choppy and awkward outsourced or translated copy. In ghostwriting, the adage “you get what you pay for” usually rings true.

How do ghostwriters work?

“I’m fulfilling a similar function to a barrister in court, pleading the case of their client,” says prolific ghostwriter Andrew Crofts. “I listen to their story and then tell it for them, helping to get across their view of the world and the way things happen in it.”

Early in a project, the named author conferences with the ghostwriter, sharing notes, outlines, and ideas. The ghostwriter conducts a series of interviews with the named author and other relevant parties. The ghostwriter typically spends significant time researching through interviews and other means. Finally, the ghostwriter composes the manuscript, communicating with the named author on any pertinent questions. The named author receives the manuscript for review prior to publication.

Some ghostwriters share their work with the named author throughout the process. Others feel sharing the work in progress disturbs their creative flow and argue they can work more efficiently with minimal client interaction. If you are considering hiring a ghostwriter, choose a working relationship – collaborative or turnkey – that feels right to you. Collaborative relationships often require more from the named author in terms of time and dedication to the project, but the danger of getting a “surprise” at the end of the process is generally reduced.

What are some common myths about ghostwriting?

Given the unusual name, the ghostwriting field garners much intrigue and misunderstanding. Common myths include:

  • Ghostwriters are hard to find – With careful research, you should be able to find a ghostwriter skilled to write in your content area.
  • Ghostwriters work on commission – Most ghostwriters work on a flat rate and are open to discussing payment options prior to beginning work on your project.
  • Any writer can effectively ghostwrite – It takes a special skill set to conduct the necessary research, provide customer service, and convincingly write in someone else’s voice. Many prominent authors fail as ghostwriters.

Is it illegal to use ghostwriters?

Ghostwriting is not illegal. In fact, Calvin Coolidge was the last U.S. President who did not keep a full-time ghostwriter on staff. The practice is widely embraced by politicians, the business world, and the publishing industry alike.

Are ghostwriters credited?

Ghostwriters are usually not credited, though some named authors may choose to acknowledge a ghostwriter using “with” or “as told to” on the cover of their publication. Other named authors show appreciation to their ghostwriter on the acknowledgements page.

Make sense of the semantics by considering that Webster defines author as “one that originates or creates.” The word derived from the Latin auctor (one who gives increase), as in “an originator or causer.” Since a ghostwriter does not “originate” an idea, but works to bring the ideas of others to written fruition, the originator of the work takes credit as the named author.

Some confusion exists between the terms “ghostwriter” and “co-author.” These terms differ in that – although a ghostwriter should provide proactive feedback or suggestions – a ghostwriter typically provides content based on the instructions and ideas of another person. A co-author expects to work as a partner in the venture, will be a named author on the book, and will share in proceeds. Their subject-matter expertise is often essential to forming the material concept for the work.

Is it ethical to use ghostwriters?

Ghostwriting is accepted without much ado in most fields, with two notable exceptions. Ethical concerns can present regarding medical ghostwriting, the practice of attaching the names of scientists or physicians to ghostwritten articles and publishing the material in medical journals. “This behavior creates obvious conflicts of interest, distorts medical evidence, [and] affects consumers by their bias towards certain drugs,” writes Ernesto Spinak on SciELO in Perspective.

A 2008 survey published in the British Medical Journal found the “prevalence of articles with honorary authorship, ghost authorship, or both” at around 20% of articles published in a selection of general medical journals.

Academic ghostwriting also creates concern. Naturally, some college students are keen on avoiding the arduous task of essay writing. So-called “essay mills” step in and ghostwrite papers for students. The practice is not illegal in the United States or the United Kingdom. However, the practice is considered unethical and is subject to the charge of “academic fraud,” with subsequent university penalties.

Is ghostwriting plagiarism?

HandshakeGhostwriting is not considered plagiarism because plagiarism involves the theft of original writing. Ghostwriting involves a mutually agreed upon collaboration and compensated exchange of written material.

How To Write a Memoir

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

Have you read a memoir lately? Chances are good that you have, or at the very least you’ve noticed a few making a splash on the best seller lists. Everyone from political figures to pop stars and even ordinary everyday people seem to be writing one these days. Maybe you’ve considered writing one yourself.

But what exactly is a memoir? Who would even read it anyway? And where would you start?

Those are all good questions to ask. In fact, answering those questions is the very first step to writing a memoir.

What Is a Memoir?

A memoir is a type of non-fiction book, and it distinguishes itself from an autobiography in a couple of ways. An autobiography is the story of someone’s entire life up to that point, while a memoir is a collection of stories about a particular time or particular journey in a person’s life. It is not the life in its entirety.

Memoirs are also less formal than many other types of non-fiction and are told as a first-person account. The “I” in a memoir is very big. The “I” is the heart of the story. Rather than highlighting facts and historical data, the way biographies do, the memoir revels in feelings and emotions — how the experiences affect the narrator.

Additionally, the stories collected in a memoir all follow a specific theme. Whether the theme is a difficult childhood, the path to enlightenment, or the birth of a business, the memoir should be able to tie everything together through a common theme.

Who Will Read It?

Before beginning to write a memoir, you should genuinely consider who your audience will be—who are you writing for?

  • Are you writing it just for yourself? Taking the time to write down our own memories of a particular time in our lives or a particular journey can be an extremely cathartic experience. While it is not a replacement for therapy, if that is needed, reliving our memories in our own words can help us to make sense of those things.
  • Are you writing it for your spouse, children, or other family members? Genealogical data, fabled family stories, treasured memories, and sage advice from our loved ones can be a gift that will last for generations.
  • Or are you writing it for mass consumption? In other words, are you wanting to have your book published? The reasons a stranger might want to read your book are vast, but most of those reasons can ultimately be divided into two categories: To feel connected to your story by reading about experiences they can personally identify with, or to have a better understanding of the human experience by reading about things they are completely unfamiliar with, as a way to walk in someone else’s shoes for a little while.

Where To Start?

Now that you know what a memoir is and answered the question of who will be reading yours, it’s time to begin the writing process. But where do you start?

Choose a Theme.

A good place is by choosing a theme. The theme answers the question what is the point? What is the overall story you are trying to tell?

Are you telling an immigrant story, like ‘Tis by Frank McCourt? This sequel to his first book, Angela’s Ashes, picks up at his arrival in New York at the age of 19, and chronicles his first few years in a new country. Is your theme addiction and recovery, like Mary Karr’s powerful memoir Lit? Or is it a journey of faith, such as the one recounted in beautiful detail by Tara Westover in her book Educated? Maybe you have an unlikely business story like Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso, or you have tales from a trip like Jack Kerouac. Did you tackle a big project like Julie and Julia, one woman’s (Julie Powell) attempt to cook through Julia Child’s book Mastering the Art of French Cooking, or go on a journey of self-discovery like Eat, Pray, Love author, Sara Gilbert? All of these are examples of themes successfully used in recent memoirs.

Gather your Stories.

No matter what your theme is, once you’ve named it, you should keep it in mind when selecting your stories. Use old photographs and other physical mementos to help trigger your memory, then gather the stories that follow the arc of your theme. What lesson do you want the reader to walk away with after reading your book?

Start with the before picture in mind. What did you, your life, the project look like at the beginning? Choose stories that show what it was like, how you thought, what you believed, and the events that shaped that belief system.

Then move through the process. What was the point where things (or you) started to change? What event triggered the change? Was there a crisis or epiphany moment? Did your thoughts or beliefs begin to transform? Select stories that show what you learned through the experience, which experiences taught you those lessons, and ones that convey your overall message.

End with the after picture in mind. What do you, your life, the project look like now? Have you or the project changed in some ways? What ways? Be specific.

You may also want to gather a few stories from other people. Do you have friends or family who could offer a different perspective or fill in some gaps? Family members can often be a valuable resource in remembering names, dates, and other facts, but they may also have stories about events that are relevant to yours, even if you were not personally present.

You may even want to interview other people who have had experiences similar to yours. If you are writing a stunt memoir about restoring an old bus, turning it into a tiny house on wheels, and living in it for a year, you could interview a few others who have done that too.

These outside stories add a layer of authenticity to your book and can be included in a number of different ways. They can be incorporated into your own narrative as knowledge or information you now possess, or you can choose to quote the third party in their own voice, separating it both visually and narratively from the main sections of the book. Both options add elements of interest and outside information that help round out your story.

Write an Outline.

The first step to writing an outline is deciding how you want to tell your story. Do you want to start at the beginning and move chronologically forward in time until you reach the conclusion? Do you want to start at the present time and move backward to the beginning? Do you want to begin somewhere in the middle with a significant event, move back to the beginning, then work your way forward? All of these are good choices, it just depends on the stories you have to tell and how you want the arc of your story to move.

All preliminary outlines should include:

1. An introduction: This is the hook, the thing that makes a reader want to read more.

2. Chapters: Your stories divided in a logical manner, flowing through the *narrative arc.

3. Conclusion: This includes a recap of your transition/movement through the theme to where you are now.

*What is a narrative arc? This term refers to a basic, generally satisfying (to the reader) way to tell a story. It is sometimes simply called a narrative, and contains the following elements, typically in this order:

  1. Narratives begin with characters and a setting. All good stories start by laying out who is who and where the action is taking place. This is sometimes called, especially in memoirs, a time of innocence. This the “before picture” we talked about earlier.
  2. The next necessary element is the crisis. This is when the character is called to change. It can happen through an event, an epiphany, or something else that happens to shatter the time of innocence and force the character to change in some way.
  3. Next is a series of events writers refer to as the Rising Action. This is the journey the narrator takes after the crisis. This is where you include the stories of remodeling the bus, starting the business, going to therapy or rehab, or cooking through the entire cookbook. This is the time when lessons are learned.
  4. Then comes the climax, or the moment of greatest tension in the book. Something significant happens and it calls on the narrator to use all of the lessons they have learned during the rising action to fix a major problem. This is when the business you’ve been building is on the verge of bankruptcy or in desperate need of venture capitalist funding, or when the bus you’ve worked on for 6 months breaks down on the side of the road leaving you stranded, or when the soufflé you’ve practiced so meticulously falls thirty minutes before your new boss shows up for dinner.
  5. Next is the falling action, where you show the reader how you fix the problem. This is when you not only remember the lessons you’ve learned, but you actually begin to apply them. We see you, problem by problem, sorting it all out. We see you changing the tires on the bus, taking a personal pay cut or figuring out how to reduce expenses so that the business stays afloat, assessing the soufflé, deciding to throw it out and start all over (or just order in).
  6. And finally, the resolution. This is where the narrator/main character is shown to have grown, matured, or changed in some way. We see the after picture.

Ready to Write.

Now that you understand the style and tone of a memoir, have decided on a theme, chosen your stories, interviewed others whose stories may be relevant to your book, gathered all of the pertinent data, considered your narrative arc and written an outline, it’s time to write your memoir.

Even at this stage of the process, you still have choices.

Write your memoir yourself.

If you choose this route, remember to:

  1. Be vulnerable and authentic. This is your story, even though someone else may remember some details differently, ultimately this is a collection of your memories.
  2. Be yourself. Write like yourself. Talk like yourself. Your memoir should sound like you.
  3. Be entertaining. Tell the stories you would want to read in a way you would want to read them. Use intrigue to increase interest. Do not give the whole story away right up front, let the reader figure things out as they read along.
  4. Bonus Writer’s Tip – Show don’t tell. A simple example of the difference between showing and telling is the following sentence, “A very tall man walked into the room and sat down.” This sentence tells the reader the man was tall and that he walked into the room. One way to show those things, rather than tell them, would be to write the sentence “The man had to duck underneath the doorway as he came into the room. Once inside, he looked around for the largest chair before taking a seat.”

Write your memoir with the help of an editor or proofreader.

Many people feel like they are the best-qualified person to write their own story, even if not a professionally trained writer. They also feel they could use a little outside help.

Even professionally trained writers use editors and proofreaders because even the best writers make simple mistakes. The work always benefits from an extra pair of eyes.

Your proofreader could be your spouse, a close friend, or a hired professional. Freelance editors and proofreaders often list their services on web-based freelance sites, but make sure you go through a reputable site and check their references.

Write it with the help of a Ghostwriter.

You may decide, after thinking through the sheer size and scope of the project, that it would be too time-consuming. Or maybe you feel like writing just is not your forte. In this case, your best option might be to hire a ghostwriter.

A ghostwriter will work closely with you at every stage of the process. They will make sure that all of the above steps are taken and that your book comes out sounding like you.

Hiring a ghostwriter can be a process in itself. You should take the time to research and interview your prospective ghostwriter well before entering into an agreement. Check their references, ask if they have completed similar projects in the past, and make sure they sign a non-disclosure agreement. But if everything checks out, and you feel like you’ve made a good match, hiring a ghostwriter is a great way to get your book out of your head and onto the paper.

Now that you have the knowledge, the options, and the tools, go write your book!

What is the Difference Between a Biography and an Autobiography?

Posted on by The Writers For Hire, Inc.

In our previous blog, we discussed the difference between an autobiography and a memoir, but what is the difference between an autobiography and a biography?

Well, both are written accounts of a person’s life. There are some big differences that set them apart from each other, though.

A biography:

  • Is the story of a person’s life
  • Is generally written by a person who did an in-depth study of someone else’s life
  • Can be written with or without the consent of the subject
  • Is based on facts about the subject’s life
  • Is usually written in third person
  • Is objective
  • Has the purpose of informing the audience

An autobiography:

  • Is the story of one’s own life
  • Is generally written by (or with the help of) the subject matter
  • Is usually written in first person
  • Is based on facts about the subject’s life
  • Can also include the subject’s thoughts and feelings about the events in their life
  • Is subjective
  • Has the purpose of informing and explaining the motivation behind the subject’s actions
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