Writing my bio. But why? Will people read it?

United States
April 7, 2013 6:06pm CST
I'm 75 pages into my autobiography, and although I've had an interesting and quite unique life, I wonder who would want to read about it. Am I doing this for myself or for the reader? Do you read biographies? Whose lives are most interesting to you? Politicians? Celebrities? Someone else? I'll finish mine, and get it published, but how can I make it more appealing to readers?
2 people like this
8 responses
• India
13 Apr 13
well, yes I am so interested in reading people's biography and I think if that is my hobby... I love to write about story of my life when I become elder cause still are lot of things in my life that I should experience... I love biography for sure I will read yours..
1 person likes this
@riempie9 (1021)
• South Africa
12 Apr 13
It does not matter whether or not people will read your book, you write it for yourself as a diary or journey or progress; you will need it some time in the future to check things, it might also inspire you to decide whether you have enough to write a book. With 75 pages already written you have many ideas to draw on. I am a published author of ten novels, a feature film, and scriptwriter. I never worry how; it will come. What people do NOT want is a blow-by-blow account of trivial things. Maybe you have learned some life lessons you think people can benefit from - or maybe you are still to discover what area of writing you are interested in. Don't worry. Keep writing.
@CarlHalling (3617)
• United Kingdom
8 Apr 13
The Writer - Yes, this photo - solemn expression included - makes me look like a writer with the weight of the world on his shoulders, I think.
I've written autobiographically too. The first draft I was happy with was a straight autobiography; but I went on to change names of people and places. Then I wrote another version which was in the third person. I wanted it to read like a novel; rather than a straight memoir. Like you, there were times I had my doubts about what I was doing. I think I may have wondered who would read it as well. Certainly, it was a long and laborious process, getting everything right. Folks would critique what I was doing, both positively and negatively, and this may have prompted me to think of doing it more for a potential readership than myself. I feel certain this was why I ultimately placed it in the third person, so that it was more a piece of creative non-fiction than a straight memoir. Yes, I read biographies - in fact they are my favourite literary form - and of actors and musicians for the most part. I'm not sure how you can make it more appealing to readers, but I could suggest you change names and places, so that it's no longer a straight memoir, indicating of course this is what you've done. You might even think of changing your own name and placing it in the third person, say in the manner of Joyce's "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man", which was an autobiographical novel directly based on Joyce's young life. But I wish you the very best of luck. It's not easy writing an autobiography.
@smacksman (6053)
8 Apr 13
If you want to be more appealing and read by the masses then lie through your teeth! haha Only your associates will know its not true! Politicians do it all the time with their memoirs - they write their version of the 'facts' as who is to know the truth as far as the public is concerned. Your bio for yourself and your family? A different thing again. But this time a few while lies are in order or perhaps the truth left out to spare feelings? I think so, as your words will live on forever. Why cause pain? My wife has typed up the diaries of aged aunts and uncles. Most interesting to read events a hundred years ago and the attitudes of society then. But who writes a diary today? In fact, who writes letters today. Will we keep our emails for posterity? Or will we do regular 'housekeeping' and delete them. Where will there be a record of our life, however mundane' if we don't write one ourselves?
1 person likes this
@dlpierce (495)
• United States
8 Apr 13
Your doing it for yourself. Good for you, I know your loved ones especially will love the idea and I'm sure others will read it. This is a way to keep your spirit alive long after you have left this world. We all should do this. I have only filled pages in journals or notebooks, but book length is a very good idea. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@srisahara (4508)
• Indonesia
8 Apr 13
I think, most people love reading autobiography of famous people such as politicians, celebrities or scientists. But, it is okay if you want to publish your autobiography as long as it is easy to read and give some teachings in it. It is a good idea if you rent a language arranger and ask opinion on your personal adviser to make your autobiography more interesting. I hope you finish your autobiography immediately.
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
8 Apr 13
I think the important thing here is that you spoke your mind. Think of marketing it AFTER you're done and are satisfied with it. You've gone through a long time to put your passion into writing to be having second-thoughts now? hehe.. You will know if readers find it appealing when you start selling it. Perhaps have a group read it or your editor. Maybe they're the best people to give you their personal thoughts and expert opinions on the matter. Have a great mylot experience ahead!
1 person likes this
@jalucia (1431)
• United States
8 Apr 13
You are writing for yourself. It's probably very cathartic and you get some relief by putting the details of your life on paper. Personally, I'm not really into celebrities or politicians. I don't read a whole lot. But when I do or when I'm watching tv, I like things like biographies and documentaries because they are real. Therefore, I feel like it's a better use of my time to indulge in these genres. I think other readers, like myself, are looking for something that they can relate to. This helps them to know that they are not alone in the world. A realistic solution to a problem is also good. That way the reader can say "If this normal, everyday person can make it through, so can't I."
1 person likes this