A Look at the Different Formats to Write About Your Life
Writing is always a personal endeavor, but the most personal of all is writing about yourself. You are sharing a part of your soul, no matter what format or specific topic. That is why there are so many ways to write about your life, across non-fiction, fiction, and everywhere in between. Understanding how to use writing to tell your story is crucial in the modern publishing world.
The formats of autobiographical books can be similar to one another, but there are nuances. Whether telling a true story from your life or adapting your life to fiction, there is an option for everyone. This article will help guide you to figure out which autobiographical format is best for your story.
Autobiographies of All Kinds
Literature is a powerful tool to share significant moments in one’s life. The most basic kind of way to write about your life is to write an autobiography. This is when you write about your life, telling the true story of why you are the person you are. There is little room for curating your image and is meant to share your true self with the reader. As simple as this sounds, there are different directions you can go with it.
A biography is the story of someone’s life, but a general autobiography is when the author tells their story. There will be specific anecdotes or stories, obviously, but it paints a larger portrait of one’s life. This is the most routine type of autobiography and directly shares your life story with others. Autobiographies like this are a good option for those sharing their lifelong circumstances that shaped them. It can be a good inspirational tool for those who have defied the odds.
Memoirs
If you are looking to write a more curated autobiography, you should think of writing a memoir. A memoir is a more tailored telling of parts of your life. Instead of a full life story, a memoir tells specific parts of your life. This curation is usually targeted for a specific thematic purpose. It can detail a specific time in your life or a notable job you had. This is a good option for someone who has either already written a memoir or is in the public eye. It allows the reader to have a strong picture of a part of your life.
Collections of Short-Form Writing
A less structured form of autobiography is a collection of shorter pieces of writing. These pieces can be essays, short stories, or anything else. When you use short-form writing to tell your story, you do not have to follow a single structure. You can jump around and share pieces of yourself in different ways.
One benefit of short-form autobiographical writing is that it does not have to all be written at the same time. It doesn’t even have to be published right away. You can write various essays and segments over time for an online blog or newsletter first. Once you have a lot of material, you can curate a collection to physically publish. This can give you material to work with to create a thematically compelling collection. There is no rush to publish your book, just make sure it is special to you.
It is up to your discretion, as an author, to decide which type of autobiography to write. There is no one correct option — follow your gut and write your story how you see fit.
Autobiographical Fiction
When writing about your life, your work does not even have to be true. You can write a fictional story that is inspired by your life. You can either say this directly or keep that part of your story private. As the author, you have no obligation to disclose your inspiration, even if they are inspired by your life. All fiction is based in some degree of reality, and your book can draw that from your lived experience.
When using your real life to inspire fiction, take as much from reality as you want. But, feel free to make the story as different or aspirational as you want. This can be a strong outlet for sharing your aspirations, fears, and lived experiences. Using your life can make your writing stronger and feel truer to life. For example, you can write a children’s book based on your experience as a parent. Doing so, you can impart advice and wisdom through an accessible story.
Lyrical Writing
Instead of writing a traditional narrative fictional story, you can relay your life in an even more creative way. You can use lyrical writing (poetry, songs, etc.) to channel your life. This abstract, less structured way of writing might more accurately represent your way of thinking. It might be easier to think and process your emotions this way. This can also be a more personal and intimate form of writing that exposes your vulnerabilities. Whether writing poetry or songs, let your creativity run wild.
No matter how you choose to express your life story in your writing, you can become a published author. When you have a first draft of your book finished, reach out to Cloverly Children’s. We will help you with all the resources you need to get your story out to the world.
