How to Start Writing a Book About Your Life: 13 Tips to Begin

“Never make a firm judgment about people whose entire life story you do not know!”

It’s not possible to know someone’s full story unless they share it themselves. Many of us believe our life stories are mundane. We’re often convinced that a life story book must be exotic or feature significant accomplishments. However, you might be surprised to learn that readers often seek relatable life stories. While celebrity biographies attract attention, ordinary people’s stories can be just as captivating.

Why? Because everyone has a legacy. These legacies don’t need to touch millions of lives; they might impact only a few people deeply. Your experiences can provide solutions or motivation to others. Writing your story can resonate with people who don’t even know you.

So, where do you start? Your life story is unique and deserves to be told in a distinctive way.

Table of Contents

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir

Before diving into writing, understand these terms. An autobiography is written by the person themselves, while a biography is written by someone else about that person. Both cover broad aspects of a person’s life. A memoir, however, focuses on a specific slice of life. For instance, an autobiography might cover your entire academic journey, whereas a memoir might detail your entrepreneurial struggles post-university.

Making the Truth Stand Out

Writing your life story is challenging. You might be tempted to embellish or portray others as villains. Avoid this. Real life isn’t black and white; it’s full of grey areas. Aim to present complex, nuanced portraits of people, showcasing both their good and bad choices.

Tips to Get it Right:

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. You might not need all these tips, but reading them will give you a good grasp of the writing process:

Free-write or Get a Journal: If you keep a diary, you already have a lot of material. If not, start writing about life events now. Spend a few minutes to a few hours daily jotting down key events and memories. This raw material will form the basis of your narrative.
Organize Your Story: Decide on the structure. You can organize events chronologically, thematically, or any way that makes sense to you. Coherence is key to avoid confusing your readers.
Determine Genre and Theme: Identify a dominant theme in your stories. This will help define your book’s genre, making it easier to market. For example, Stanley Tucci’s “Taste: My Life Through Food” fits under culinary and celebrity memoirs.
Select What to Include: Narrow down the stories you want to include. An autobiography allows for a broader scope, while a memoir is more focused. Ensure the stories you choose contribute to the overall narrative.
Involve Friends and Family: They can help you remember details and provide new perspectives. They might recall events differently or add details you forgot.
Use Old Photos: Photos can trigger vivid memories, helping you recall details you might have forgotten. Old videos can be even more helpful.
Write Your First Draft: Your initial draft will be rough. Focus on getting the story down without worrying about perfection. Engage readers by making them feel the emotions you experienced. Use dialogues, dramatic moments, and storytelling elements to draw them in.
Handle Sensitive Issues Carefully: When writing about difficult topics, be sensitive and precise. Avoid creating awkward situations and be mindful of language that could offend.
Write for Readers: Even though it’s your story, keep the reader in mind. Use fiction-writing techniques to make your narrative engaging. Balance telling and showing to make your story relatable.
Finish Your Book: Completing a book can be daunting. Consider joining writing courses or groups for motivation and feedback.
Proofread: Take a break after finishing your draft, then proofread it. Correct grammatical errors and improve the narrative flow.
Refine Your Draft: Incorporate feedback from others and create multiple drafts until your story is polished. This process will ensure your final draft is well-crafted and true to your story.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re struggling with any part of the writing process, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. This could mean hiring a writing coach, an editor, or even a ghostwriter. Professionals can provide valuable feedback, help organize your thoughts, and polish your narrative. Investing in professional assistance can ensure that your story is told in the best possible way, making it more engaging and impactful for your readers.

What if I am not a Good Writer?

Not everyone is a natural writer. You can still record your personal history in a journal or on an audio/video device. If needed, hire a ghostwriter to help turn your notes into a compelling memoir or biography.

Final Thoughts

Writing your life story is a memorable gift for yourself and others. It helps you reflect on your life and come to terms with past experiences. Sharing your book with those involved in your story creates lasting memories. Future generations will appreciate learning about your trials, tribulations, and wisdom.