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What is a Bio in Creative Writing?

It is often asked if a biography is necessary for an autobiography. Whilst there is merit to both questions, the short answer is no. You do not have to have a biographical narrative to write an autobiography. You only need to include it if you think it will somehow enhance your story, or if it serves as proof of your story’s authenticity. A good rule of thumb is: do not include yourself in your work unless it adds value.

Why Are Biographies In Creative Writing Important?

A biography typically gives us a window into the life and work of a creative writer. An autobiography will give you a personal insight into the author’s journey as a writer. Whilst there is some crossover between the two genres, you should not be tempted to mix them because they serve such different purposes. A biography is a piece of secondary research. An autobiography is a story you are telling as you write it. If you have ever wondered if a specific incident, or event, might add some weight to your story, then you should probably leave it out. Likewise, if you have ever been curious about the genesis of a certain idea or style, then you should probably investigate it more thoroughly in a biography. That way, you can flesh it out, and add it to your story as needed.

What Biographical Detail Should You Include In Your Work?

Whilst some authors will include every detail of their lives in their work, it is a good idea to pick and choose which ones to include. Think of the details that will make your story more engaging. The key points that make up your personal history should be included whenever they can add value to your writing. You should also bear in mind the purpose for which you are writing, and the target audience you are writing to. Different events in your life will hold a different significance for your story. For example, if you are writing an autobiographical piece about your journey as a writer, then the events involving your first success or failure as a writer are all the more significant.

Do not feel constrained to include every event that occurred during your lifetime. You must retain some creative freedom in your work. Feel free to omit events and details that you think will not add value to your story. Omit the unnecessary. Be careful not to include so much material that your work loses focus. Your piece must retain some coherence, or central thesis, that you as the author can claim ownership of. This being said, do not be afraid to include a few key events that occurred during your lifetime. The more information you can include, the wider your story will be received by your target audience. For example, if it is a history of the Harlem Renaissance, then including a few famous events that occurred during this time might be a good idea. Even if it is not, it does not hurt to include some key facts about this era. These could be anything from the cultural climate to notable figures or places associated with the time. Your choice is entirely up to you.

Should You Include Minor Details, Or Big Events?

This is a question you should ask yourself. Ideally, you want to include as much information as possible without making your work cluttered or messy. The more you include, the better. As a general rule, it is a good idea to include details that are either important to your story or provide further insight into the time and place you are writing about. Whilst some parts of your biography might not seem important (like your birth date), you should not underestimate the importance of including them. The more you flesh out your story, the easier it will be for your target audience to understand what is going on. Take your time with this part of your work, and ensure that every detail is as precise as possible. Think of it as a map to your story. You can always add more details as you write.

What If There Are No Major Relevant Details To Your Story?

Sometimes, we are lucky enough to have narratives that are highly relevant to our own lives. If this sounds like you, then you should definitely include it in your work. Whilst it is important to understand the context of your story, you should not feel any obligation to include everything about yourself in it. It is perfectly acceptable to leave some parts out. You should, however, make sure that you do not leave out any relevant details that can add value to your story. Sometimes the most insignificant details can have the greatest impact. Thinking about what is missing can sometimes help you add more to your story. If it does not add value, then you should probably leave it out. These are all questions you must ask yourself, as the author, and not someone else. Remember, you are in control of your work.

How Many Biographies Have You Read?

When asked this question, I generally reply that I have never really read a biography. I have, however, been exposed to a lot of them through fiction, and it is something of an urban legend that authors do not get their work published until they have read a certain number of biographies. Whilst this is often put forward as fact, it is largely false. The only biographies that aspiring writers should read are the ones that can help them improve their craft, or add to their general knowledge. If you are looking for a good book to read, then try out one of the classics: the lives of William Shakespeare, or of Charles Dickens. Both writers produced work that is relevant to everyone, and you will grasp new things from their biographies.

How Does Your Biography Influence Your Writing?

Your biography will inevitably influence your writing. The way you see yourself, and the way others see you, will necessarily impact the work you produce. It is often said that the author’s life influences the work. Whilst it is often assumed that every biography is important, it is not always the case. Some authors, like Virginia Woolf, will acknowledge that the way their life unfolded, had a huge impact on their writings. Whilst it can be difficult to determine where one ends and the other begins, it is a good idea to think about how your story will influence the work you produce. Is there a specific event, or a character, that you connect to, and find significant? Do you feel that your life experience has shaped you, or the other way around? Do you feel like your story will be valuable in the years to come, or do you feel like it will serve as a complete and utter waste of time? These are all legitimate questions you must ask yourself. The answers will determine the quality of your writing, and the direction it takes.

Whilst there are some very famous and talented creative writing graduates that did not even get their first degree until after they were well into their writing career. For example, Quentin Crisp, whose autobiography is said to be one of the best of its kind. He went on to become an acclaimed novelist and short story writer. In fact, he published a total of 19 novels, and over 50 short story collections. He also wrote a screenplay, The Naked Civil Servant, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest British films of all time. It is definitely not an exaggeration to say that without his degree, or postgraduate studies, this remarkable author would not have been able to write a single word. His studies in English literature, and his incredible talent, enabled him to write an autobiography that recounts his journey from a working class family in Wolverhampton, to the upper classes in Oxford.

Do not think that just because you did not go to university, that you cannot become a successful creative writer. There are plenty of independent and emerging writers out there who have not had the benefit of a formal education, and they can, and do, write incredible material. For example, Ritesh Shekhari is an Indian writer who was born in Leicester, and has now relocated to the UK. He has written a number of highly praised novels, including, The Buddha’s Little Helper.

How Does Your Biography Assist In Your Teaching?

If you decide to go the teacher route, then it is imperative that you look at how your biography will assist you in your teaching. The more you know about the subject, the more you can teach. It is often said that the best teachers are the ones who can relate the most to their students. If you can somehow relate to your students, or can offer them some insight into the world they are about to enter, then you are already well on your way to making a positive impact on their education. The subject of your biography can be a way for you to connect with your students, and allow you to impart your knowledge, or insight, into their lives.