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The Five Traits of an Autobiography

By: Robert Brady

Autobiography Characteristics can be a little difficult to nail down. The best way to think about autobiography characteristics is to figure out what gives your story character.

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

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

Easy, right? Not so fast. You have to make a decision to be honest. Otherwise, you may succumb to the natural desire to inflate the occurrences of you life. Most importantly, be honest in your descriptions and your feelings.

2. Find Your Voice

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

People appreciate you. Let them see you.

3. Figure Out Why You're Writing Your Autobiography

Of course, you should have a why. This makes it easier to continue with the writing. It also lets your audience in on your reasons. You can explicitly express it, or you can let it show through in between the lines of what you write.

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

He liked reading about his own ancestors.

He thought others might like reading about him.

To share how he went from poverty to wealth.

He desires to impart his secrets of happiness and success.

He remembers his life to see what he would change.

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

He wants some level of immortality.

He wants to indulge himself.

He wants to express God's involvement in his life.

He wants to explain that his success can be reversed.

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

4. Figure Out Who You're Writing For

While writing an autobiography can be a very personal experience, it's important to know that unless you destroy your work, someone will probably read it someday. Know this. Think about what you want that person to know. For Benjamin Franklin, he addressed his son. But beyond his son, Benjamin Franklin looked to a much wider audience. And he succeeded. His autobiography is one of the most read autobiographies in the world.

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

5. Choose a focus

After you have collected your stories. You need to bring them together. They need to stick. Your life has led you somewhere. Where is that somewhere? Show how the sum of your experiences has led you to where you are today.

To Sum It Up:

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

2. Find Your Voice

3. Let the Audience Know Your Why

4. Know Who You're Writing For

5. Know Where You're Headed

If you include these Autobiography Characteristics, you will write a successful autobiography, no matter what final form it takes.

Go out and create your story!

Article Source: http://www.top5tv.com

Review the discussion on Starting an Autobiography . Robert Brady's Autobiography Workshop is a fantastic resource for writing an autobiography .
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