Ask Nicola Q&A: The easy way to decide what’s included in an autobiography, memoir, biography or life-story project
Welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.
I get lots of questions about creating life stories for family and friends.
Today’s Ask Nicola answers the following query:
What things shouldn’t I include in a story about my life? What needs revising and editing?
Firstly great question! So let’s explore how we can quickly boil an entire life down to its essence …
Related article – Edit: The ultimate guide to polishing your writing
Know your why
Why are you starting a life story?
Indeed once you have an answer to this question it can help you frame your project as well as motivate you to start and keep going!
However, remember your desire to create shouldn’t be about revenge or bringing others down.
Certainly I’m not a lawyer, but be aware of defamation when publishing, revising and editing.
Related article – Why write: Why is writing important and why do we write
Readers are key
Ask yourself who is this life story for?
Because when you create or write you are communicating a message.
So if you know specifically who it is for you can better tailor and craft it to suit.
Also it will help when revising and editing what stories to keep or leave out.
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: How to copy edit + CPR for revising and editing your own work
Related article – Proofreading tips for revising and editing your writing
Revising and editing using themes
Obviously a life story will include key memories that are the bedrock of a project.
But others can be included or culled according to themes during revising and editing.
In short, themes are like signposts that tell an audience your main messages.
So leave in memories and anecdotes that relate to your themes and cut out those that don’t.
Related article – What is theme? Get theme definition and theme examples without the work
Final say
What to include or leave out of a life-story project can be a struggle.
But it is much easier when you have clear direction.
First know why you are starting an autobiography, memoir, biography or other project.
Second clearly decide who you are writing for.
And finally, focus on themes when revising and editing.
Happy writing!
Free gift!
Want to identify key memories to include in your life-story project? I show you how in my free Structure Success video training. Sign up here!
Your say
Why are you creating a life story? I always love hearing from different people. So drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Got a question about revising and editing or an idea for a future article? Let me know!
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First published March 7, 2019: This article has been updated and improved.