The most important step in writing a biography is obtaining primary sources of information.
A biography presents unique challenges to a writer compared to other types of writing because of its personal nature. This is even more true if you choose to write a biography of a deceased family member such as a stepfather. You know how your stepfather was, you know his life story and you know how he made you feel, but putting all that information into words that accurately describe who he was can be daunting. The best way to start writing this type of biography is through careful preparation in the beginning phases. Determining your best sources of information and the best format for the biography will be the keys to success.
Instructions
1. Write a list of your stepfather's best character traits or the traits that stood out to other people, and include your reasons for wanting to write his biography. You could probably list dozens of traits if you tried hard enough, but naming the most important will help you focus the biography. Your stepfather's actions both in public and with family members can help you find a theme that you can use as a focal point for the biography.
2. Ask surviving family members for any primary sources of information that they would be willing to let you use. Primary sources include diaries, notes, letters or any other type of document that your stepfather personally wrote. Letters to your stepfather from other family members may also hold valuable information. Official documents such as a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, college degrees and professional accomplishment awards are important for establishing a timeline of your stepfather's life.
3. Conduct family member interviews and ask about their experiences with your stepfather. Ask them about any defining moments your stepfather had and who had the most influence in his life. These types of events can shed light on why your stepfather was the person he became.
4. Use a format in your biography that best uses the information that you have or will convey the picture you want to present. The two main types of biography formats are chronological and period specific. Chronological biographies cover the subject's entire life. This is the best choice if you intend on covering your stepfather's entire life. Period-specific biographies cover a particular portion of a subject's life. A common example is a biography on a politician's time in office.
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