How to write an autobiography

When you write an autobiography, the process is no easier than writing a novel. The events are known, but it’s not just about putting it all down on paper! Everything seems important when you talk about your life or your family, from the dramatic to the trivial. You may write hundreds of drafts in which you’ll recall entire episodes of your life. These events may be revealing or upsetting, but they don’t make it into the story because they don’t add anything to it. Here are some tips on how to write an autobiography.

1)     When you write an autobiography: organize

Your life will be the center of your story, so it is important to determine which elements you want to highlight. For this, there is nothing better than a mind map. This will allow you to focus on the key points of your story and to segment your book. Your book should be divided according to key elements. We advise you to put one significant event per chapter. This strategy will give rhythm to your story.

2)     Go a little wild

Chronology is not that useful for organizing your text. Avoid “Then…and then…then…” outlines! They obscure the experiences you are talking about. Life does not present itself to us as a series of situations that are suddenly resolved in a happy, cheerful way! Create connections, whether emotional or thematic, between episodes. They should echo each other in parallel, but not necessarily chronological, timelines.

3)     When you write an autobiography: tell your truth

Writing an autobiography is a literary account of personal events. Your version may be different from what other people would say about you. The wisest course of action may be to have those you write about read your manuscript. This is the best way to limit tensions, feelings of betrayal, and accusations of inaccuracy, although conflicts are often inherent in writing this kind of book.

4)     Is everything allowed?

The last point concerns the delicate question of intimacy. Can you say everything in an autobiography? For you, the answer is yes, although you should keep in mind that making intimate information public can be detrimental to you. Ask yourself: are you comfortable with the idea of your family, colleagues or employer reading your text?

To write an autobiography, you need a good story. You will also need a hero, in this case, yourself. Don’t be afraid to show your darkness. After all, it’s just fiction… isn’t it?