Estudiante

HOW TO WRITE AN

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

A free e-book from Treasure Chest Products for anyone beginning the Autobiography writing process.

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Copyright 2005 by Treasure Chest Products All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work without permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Requests for permission or further information should beaddressed to Treasure Chest Products 13332 W Redwick Dr, Boise, ID 83713, USA.
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 4 CHAPTER ONE Why Write an Autobiography? 5 CHAPTER TWO Getting Started – Different Approaches 7 CHAPTER THREE Organizing Your Autobiography 9 CHAPTER FOUR Whatelse do you include with your Autobiography? 10 CHAPTER FIVE The Process of Writing 11 CHAPTER SIX Life Stage Memory Joggers 12 CHAPTER SEVEN Now what do you do with it? 18 CHAPTER EIGHT Epilogue 19 APPENDIX A Further Reading & Information 20 APPENDIX B Products available from Treasure Chest Products 21

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Introduction

‘There are places I’ll remember, all my life, though some have changed.Some forever, not for better, Some have gone, and some remain. All these places have their moments, but lovers and friends, I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living… in my life I’ve loved them all.’ (The Beatles ‘In my Life’ 1962-1970) There is no better time in ‘Your Life’ than now, to write about the people and places you remember and hold dear today. Writing an Autobiography isthe ideal way to capture the stories of your life and the times you’ve lived in. What’s more, your words will be cherished by your descendants for years to come. Every life is a story and that’s what this e-book intends to do; help you to tell your story. This e-book is designed to act as a primer and to help get you started with the Autobiography writing process. You may feel like you have nothingworthwhile or interesting to say about your life, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Every individual’s life is unique. What has happened in your life, along with the people and places you have known have shaped who you are today.

So just read on and prepare yourself for an exciting and wonderful journey. Bon Voyage!

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1 Why write an Autobiography?

What is an Autobiography? Quite simplyit is a historical record of a person’s life; the thoughts, feelings, events, people and places of an individuals past in detail. It is your very unique and personal contribution to your family’s history, and on a greater scale your contribution to the history of the world we live in. Why write an Autobiography? Why indeed? There are many reasons to write an Autobiography. The main reason shouldbe because you want to. Perhaps to share the experiences of your life with others; as a gift for your family; a desire to write; to try and understand your life and the forces that have shaped you; to gain a new insight into yourself; so that you are not forgotten or simply to have a story to go with those dozens of old photos you have kept in a box for years. What’s interesting about my life? Thestory of your life is unique to you. What has happened in your life along with the people and places you have known have made you the person you are today. Even if you think your life is not important to anyone else it is important to you and for this reason it matters. Do not underestimate how interesting your history will be to your loved ones. There are things they don’t know about you andwould like to know. Your time in history is different to theirs. Ask yourself this; would you like to have had an Autobiography written by your parents? It would surely be one of your most prized possessions. How do I begin to write? You don’t have to be a great writer to write your Autobiography. Your words written naturally are more important for this type of task. Find a quiet, comfortable place...