Writing a biography is a fun challenge, where you are sharing the story of someone's life with readers.A biography may be written for a class or a personal project.Once you have identified the subject of the biography, do your research to find out as much as you can about them.Go into the writing of the biography and revise it until it's perfect.
Step 1: The subject can be asked for permission to write.
Make sure you get the okay from the subject to write their biography before diving into your research.If they are willing to be the subject, ask.It will be easier to write a biography if they get their permission.You may want to choose a different subject if the subject does not allow you to write a biography.The subject may take legal action if you publish the biography without their permission.You don't need to ask permission to write about the subject if they are no longer alive.
Step 2: The subject should be looked for primary sources.
Primary sources could include books, letters, pictures, newspapers, magazines, internet articles, journals, videos, interviews, existing biographies, or an autobiography by the subject.You can find these sources at your local library or online.You should read as much as you can about the subject and highlight any key information you find.What do I find interesting about the subject can be a research question.Why is this important to readers?I don't know what to say about the subject.What do I want to know more about?
Step 3: Interviews should be conducted with the subject and those closest to them.
People you interview can tell you stories that you can't find in a history book.Interview the subject with people close to them, such as spouses, friends, business partners, family members, coworkers, and peers.The interview can be done in person, by phone, or through e-mail.If you're interviewing in person, use a tape recorder or a voice recorder on your computer or phone.You may need to interview the subject several times in order to get the material you need.
Step 4: There are locations that are important.
To get a feel for the subject's history, spend time in places that are meaningful or important.This could be the subject's childhood home.You could hang out at the subject's workplace.You may want to visit areas where the subject made a big decision in their life.Being physically in the area can give you a sense of how the subject might have felt.
Step 5: The time and place of the subject's life are important.
Look at what was going on around the subject.The history of the places where they lived as well as the time period they grew up in should be considered.Research the economics, politics, and culture of the time period.There are news events happening in the place where they worked or lived.When researching the time period, ask yourself what the social norms were.What was happening to the economy and politics?The subject was affected by the social and political climate.
Step 6: Take a look at the person's life.
If you want to organize your research, you should start from birth.fill in as much of the person's life as you can by drawing a long line on a piece of paper.Key events are highlighted on the timeline.Important dates, locations, and names should be included.You can include historical events that affected the subject on the timeline.There may have been a conflict or civil war that affected the person's life.
Step 7: For a chronological structure, go for it.
From the subject's birth to their death or later life, begin.The biography can be used to structure the person's life.Start with birth and childhood.Go into young adulthood and adulthood after that.Information on the person's later life should be included if they are still alive.Information on their death should be included if they are no longer alive.You might focus on certain areas of the person's life.Work through the person's life chronologically if you do this.
Step 8: There is a biography.
It is possible to create a thesis statement with your main idea for the biography.The thesis can be used to organize the rest of the biography.All of your content should refer back to your thesis.The civil rights movement in America in the 1970s may be the focus of your thesis statement.It is possible to make sure your content relates to this thesis.
Step 9: Go back in time.
When you move from the present to the past, there are flashbacks.You can start with a present moment and then include a scene of the person's past.You could have one chapter that focuses on the present and another that looks at the past.The current day scenes should feel realistic.Use your research notes and interviews with the subject to get a good sense of their past.You can jump from the person's death in the present to their favorite childhood memory.
Step 10: Major events need to be focused on.
Major events in the person's life include marriages, births, and deaths.They might have their first successful business venture or first civil rights march.The reader gets a good sense of what mattered to the person and how they affected the world around them by highlighting key moments in their life.You can focus on the person's accomplishments in the civil rights movement.They contributed to and participated in major civil rights marches in their hometown.
Step 11: There is a major theme in the person's life.
Look over your research to see if there are any similarities in the person's life.There are recurring phrases in the person's life.The person's life is patterned with moments of adversity, where the person worked hard and fought against larger forces.The theme of overcoming adversity can be used in the biography.
Step 12: Your thoughts about the person should be included.
You play a role in the person's life story as a biographer.Don't be afraid to talk about the person in the text.Comment on how you view the person after reflecting on your research.You can note how you see parallels in the person's life during the civil rights movement with your own interests in social justice.The person may be praised for their hard work and positive impact on society.
Step 13: Show the biography to other people.
If you have finished a draft of the biography, show it to your friends, teachers, and mentors for feedback.If the biography is easy to read, ask them if they get a good sense of the person.You can improve the biography by being open to feedback.The biography should be revised based on feedback from others.You don't need to be afraid to cut or change the biography for your readers.
Step 14: The biography is proof read.
You can check the biography for spelling.To confirm it is correct, circle all of the letters in the text.To check for spelling and grammar errors, read the text backwards.If your biography is poorly written, it can turn off your readers and result in a poor grade if you give it to a class.
Step 15: All sources should be listed.
Books, articles, magazines, and interviews are some of the sources that will be included in most biographies.You need to cite any sources you quote.In-text citations, footnotes, and endnotes can be used.If the biography is for a class, use citations based on your instructor's preferences.