All sorts of people become interested in writing an autobiography. Some are yearning to reflect back on their life so far to recall all of their troubles, turmoils, and victories while others want to take it a step further and take the reader (whether family, friend, or stranger) on a journey through their life. There are really two reasons to write an autobiography: for the author to reflect back on and understand their life’s journey, and for the author to help others understand their life’s journey. You may be inspired by one or both of these reasons, or maybe something else altogether–like wanting to gift a piece of yourself to your children or spouse by revealing how you came to be with them. Whatever is inspiring you, writing an autobiography can be a difficult yet exciting and awarding feat all at once.

An autobiography is written by you, about you. You will write it in the first person, from your own point of view. There is no set structure for an autobiography and there are many interesting ways you can approach it.

When to Write It

A few authors began their autobiography at a younger age, going chapter-by-chapter as the story unfolded in front of them. This gives a wonderful perspective to life’s events, but there are different ways to look at this strategy.

Writing about your life as it happens lets you look back and see how you viewed things back then. But, at the end of the book, you’ll likely find your perspective has changed and your personality has been shaped by everything that has happened to you.

The process will have been decades long for you, but readers might not get a full grasp of your personality and outlook in just a dozen chapters or so. So, if you choose to write your autobiography as it unfolds from this point forward, you might want to add a reflection at the end of each chapter where future you can share a new viewpoint.

How to Write It

There are plenty of ways you can approach your autobiography, and they don’t all start at the beginning. Your first chapter might be a short introduction to your childhood and then you take the rest from where you are now. You might also be inspired by works of fiction, starting right in the middle of it all from today or from a day that stands out in your memory.

• With dates. One of the most popular forms of autobiographies are those told in chronological order, with dates added in frequently so the reader can keep up as the time passes.
• With dialog. No one can remember who said exactly what when we’re walking down memory lane, but there is nothing wrong with making your autobiography more intriguing and bringing everyone’s part to life. You can incorporate dialog and make your autobiography very story like if you want it to come alive.
• With pictures. You might wish to tell your autobiography through pictures by being sure to add one about every event you’re including. School photos, family photos, photos of role models/idols, etc. are all acceptable in an autobiography.