autobiography of mobile in english

Autobiography Of A Mobile Phone

In the age of technological marvels, where smartphones are ubiquitous and integral to our daily lives, it is fascinating to ponder the unique perspective of an inanimate yet essential companion—the mobile phone. Writing an autobiography from the perspective of a mobile phone offers a creative and imaginative exploration of its journey, experiences, and interactions with its human owners. By delving into the life of this seemingly ordinary device, we uncover the profound impact it has had on our lives and the ever-evolving landscape of communication and connectivity.

Table of Contents

Autobiography Of A Mobile Phone Tips

Writing an autobiography from the perspective of a mobile phone can be a creative and imaginative endeavor. To help you get started, here are some tips on how to write an engaging autobiography of a mobile phone:

Outline key moments and experiences: Identify significant moments in the life of the mobile phone. This could include its creation in a factory, the excitement of being purchased, memorable interactions with its owners, technological milestones, or even unexpected adventures. Create an outline to organize these events and ensure a coherent narrative.

Consider the phone’s relationships: Explore the relationships the mobile phone forms with its owners and other devices. Reflect on how it connects people, captures memories, and becomes an integral part of their lives. Highlight the emotions and experiences associated with these relationships, both positive and negative.

Use vivid descriptions: Bring the experiences of the mobile phone to life through vivid descriptions. Describe the sensations it encounters, such as the touch of human hands, the sound of notifications, or the visual landscapes it captures. Engage the reader’s senses to immerse them in the phone’s world.

Incorporate humor and anecdotes: Inject humor and anecdotes into the narrative to make it engaging and relatable. Mobile phones often encounter amusing situations or unexpected interactions, so leverage those moments to add levity to the story.

Autobiography Of A Mobile Phone Example 1

I am not merely a collection of circuits and components; I am a witness to the incredible evolution of human connectivity. Welcome to my autobiography, where I, a humble mobile phone, share the remarkable journey of my existence. From my inception in the depths of a factory to the palm of your hand, this is the story of how I have shaped lives, bridged distances, and become an indispensable companion in the modern world.

Chapter 2: Embracing the World

Once packaged and shipped, I found myself in the hands of my first owner. This chapter recounts the anticipation and joy of being unboxed for the first time. I reveled in the delight of my owner, who marveled at my sleek design and eagerly explored my features. We formed an instant bond as I became an extension of their life, accompanying them on countless adventures and capturing unforgettable moments.

Communication became my purpose, and this chapter delves into the transformative power I possess. From late-night conversations with loved ones to facilitating business transactions across borders, I became the conduit through which connections were forged. I recount the joy of witnessing heartfelt conversations, the exchange of ideas, and the bonds that formed through my digital realm.

Chapter 5: Capturing Memories, Shaping Identities

In this chapter, I reflect on the role I played in capturing and preserving memories. From snapshots of joyous occasions to heartfelt messages exchanged, I became a vessel for cherished moments. I explore the profound impact I had on shaping personal identities, as individuals curated their digital personas and shared their lives with the world through my lens.

Connectivity brought both blessings and challenges. This chapter delves into the darker side of my existence—the addictive pull of constant notifications, the erosion of privacy, and the environmental impact of our collective consumption. I grapple with the moral dilemmas that emerged, questioning the price we paid for the convenience and connectivity I provided.

Autobiography Of A Mobile Phone Example 2

In the bustling world of human existence, I, a silent observer, have witnessed the rise of civilizations, the ebb and flow of emotions, and the extraordinary transformation of communication. In this autobiography, I, a humble mobile phone, shall break free from the confines of my silent existence and narrate the untold stories that lie within my digital memory banks. From the moment I awakened to the present day, this is the remarkable tale of how I, an unassuming device, have become an integral part of the human experience.

Chapter 2: A Journey of Ownership

As a mobile phone, I am privy to a vast digital tapestry that weaves itself through the lives of countless individuals. This chapter explores the diverse experiences and stories that have unfolded before me. From the laughter shared during video calls to the tears shed over heart-wrenching messages, I bear witness to the myriad of emotions that traverse the digital landscape.

In this chapter, I embark on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of connectivity that has shaped humanity. I recount the exhilaration of witnessing the birth of wireless technology, the advent of mobile data, and the dawn of the era of social media. I reflect on how these advancements have reshaped the way humans interact, forging new bonds and tearing down barriers of time and distance.

Chapter 5: The Silent Confidant

As the chapters progress, I cannot ignore the impact I have had on society and the world at large. This chapter explores the ripple effects of my existence—how I have sparked revolutions, facilitated global collaborations, and empowered individuals to amplify their voices. I grapple with the dichotomy of being both a catalyst for change and a source of distraction, questioning the balance between progress and its unintended consequences.

Autobiography Of A Mobile Phone Example 3

Introduction

In a world of constant motion and ever-evolving technology, I, a mobile phone, have been an unassuming companion, silently witnessing the lives of those who hold me in their hands. In this autobiography, I break free from my silent facade and embark on a journey of self-discovery. From my conception in a bustling factory to the countless hands that have touched my smooth surface, this is the tale of how a small device has become an integral part of the human narrative.

In this chapter, I unveil the intricacies of my creation. From the meticulously designed circuitry to the delicate integration of components, I recount the moment I came to life. I share the curiosity and excitement of my creators as they breathed life into me, transforming me from a mere amalgamation of parts into a vessel of possibility.

Chapter 3: Adventures and Encounters

Technology never stands still, and neither do I. In this chapter, I chronicle the rapid evolution of mobile phone technology. From the early days of basic communication to the advent of smartphones, I witnessed the integration of advanced features, the rise of mobile applications, and the convergence of various functionalities into a single device. I reflect on the awe-inspiring transformation that has shaped the way humans interact with the world.

Chapter 6: Lessons from the Journey

In the vast symphony of human existence, I, a mobile phone, have played my part. From the hands that crafted me to the lives I’ve touched, my journey has been one of connection, discovery, and growth. As technology continues to advance, I remain a humble witness to the extraordinary capabilities of the human spirit. My story is a testament to the ever-unfolding relationship between humanity and the digital world—a relationship that holds both boundless potential and profound responsibility. As my autobiography concludes, I stand ready to embark on new chapters, eager to continue shaping the intertwined narratives of human lives.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

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Autobiography of a Mobile Phone: Beep, Beep, Click

A Most Unusual Confidant: The Tale of a Red iPhone

Like any of us, I have a place of birth – a vast and gleaming factory far across the seas in a land called Australia. It was there that they named me iPhone 12 and gave me a fine coat of red, my most striking feature. My insides, I dare say, are remarkable, holding a world of tiny programs and clever mechanisms. After all, what good is a phone that cannot make a call?

A flash, a beep, a whispered word, Across the miles, a voice is heard. More than wires, and glass so bright, In my small heart, a world takes flight.

Mobile Phone Musings: From Shiny Shelves to a Lady’s Palm

The factory, though bustling, could not compare to my first true home: a warmly lit electronics store. There, perched upon my polished stand, I observed the curious parade of humans. Each seemed to have a different glint in their eye as they examined us phones.

My destiny arrived in the form of a lady who seemed to dance rather than walk. Perhaps it was my color that caught her eye – red, you see, has always been favored by the bold. She took me home, her fingers light and gentle as a butterfly.

A Phone’s Perspective

Life with my first owner was a flurry of beeps, flashes, and the gentle warmth of being held. I saw the world through my camera eye, shared messages with invisible friends far away, even guided her as she navigated those peculiar digital maps. Nights were peaceful, filled with the soft hum of recharging. My life, even as a simple phone, was good. And then…

In my metal case so sleek, The weight of human lives I keep. A photo shared, a tearful plea, Connection flows, through tiny me.

When the World Changed

The days of the strange virus were hard for everyone, even us phones. The lady, with a look of such seriousness that I had never seen before, handed me to her young son. His hands were smaller and clumsier, to be sure, but his eyes! They sparkled with the same excitement I had seen in hers.

Knowledge filled my speakers as lessons crackled over something called ‘WebEx’, and with the help of a cheerful blue-toothed companion, I became this boy’s window to learning. Even those online games, so full of noise and flashing lights, were more than mere entertainment in those strange times – they were the laughter that kept us all from sinking too far.

Laughter rings, though miles apart, A pixel smile warms a lonely heart. When darkness falls and shadows loom, Through tiny screens, friendships bloom.

Mobile Phone Marvels: Laughter, Learning, and a Life Well-Lived

The life of a mobile phone is never dull, and that has proven true for me. Yet, whether nestled in a lady’s purse or a schoolboy’s pocket, my purpose remains the same.

To connect, to inform, to entertain. In a world as grand and puzzling as ours, a simple iPhone can make the greatest of differences. And for that, I am most grateful.

TAANYA CHOPRA

Kindergarten, THE NEW TOWN SCHOOL, Kolkata, West Bengal

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Meow Taanya. 👏👏👏. You are so small, who wrote this story for you?

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Autobiography of a Mobile Phone and a Land Phone

Today we are going to have autobiography of two different devices of telecommunication;

one is the autobiography of a mobile phone and the other is the autobiography of a land phone.

Now, what is autobiography?

An autobiography is the mean in which the speaker speaks about his own self. The speaker is here may be living or non-living object. But it is very interesting to note that non-living object is being personified with all its feelings of a human.

How to write the Autobiography of Mobile Phone

The Autobiography of a Mobile Phone

I am very happy today as I am going to speak about my own self which I always wanted to do that. First of all let me introduce myself to all. I am a modern updated mobile phone which you all might want to assume. I am Nokia X2. I am very good looking as well as strong and durable.

Even though my skin colour is black; but still many get charmed with my appearance and wish to possess me. I could remember that I was manufactured in one of the factories where many of my kind were manufactured.

I was completely taken care of as I was the very latest phone of the time and I came to the stores with lots of rumour. I really hated that small dark shelf of the store as there were many other brands of mobile phone. They used to tease me as I was black in colour.

But nobody looked into my inner beauty. I had been waiting patiently to be opened and wanted to be in limelight so that everyone might praise my beauty. One day a couple came to the store and took me happily. They were saying to each other that their daughter would be happy to have me as her birthday gift. However, I was on my way to see who would be my sweet and lovely owner.

Finally, the couple handed me to her daughter and she took me with overwhelming joy and happiness. She was beautiful looking girl of 18 years.

The reason she was happy because I was her first ever cell phone. She showed me happily to all her friends for whole day. Not only that she stayed awake for the whole night to explore my all features. I am very happy to get such a sweet girl as my master who is taking care of me and I feel quite safe with her.

How to write the Autobiography of Land Phone

The Autobiography of a Land Phone

I think you have not forgotten me in any way. Yes, you can remember, I am your bulky land phone which once had passed a glorious path in the field of telecommunication. But it is no doubt that even in this 21st century of wi-fi generation I am evaluating myself and still becoming a part of broadband internet connection which helps my followers to get in touch with internet.

I am confident that still some palatable persons fancy to have me in their drawing room. Though sometimes I shiver with my unpredictable future but I can boast myself that I was the forerunner of latest technology of telecommunication. People have wrong notion that I often envy my latest counterpart i e. mobile or cell phone. To be honest, I have no enmity, not any jealousy with it.

I always think or consider mobile phone as a part of my family. I am comfortable with what I am. I am living in peaceful zone inside my owner’s house enjoying light, shade, coolness contrasted with the life of a mobile phone who has to bear pollution and all kinds of adverse atmosphere outside house.

So, with the ray of hope and fanciful thoughts, I can say that I will remain if it is not in your home but always in your heart. As the laws of universe everything is mortal, I will be also the subject of death or decay or may be I will emerge myself as a better form or with better alternative for you, my followers.

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Autobiography of a Smartphone Essay

In this era, we all have a smartphone, it is our daily needs. In this assessment, we will see an autobiography of a smartphone. So let’s dive in.

I am a Smartphone. Surprised! That how can I talk? I do have a speaker friend which has helped me talking. Don’t be surprised by the device that lets you talk over cross countries can also talk.

The company and other specifications are secondary am really happy to see the fact that I am born. I am very delighted to narrate my own autobiography.

I am a really sleek, hot, and dazzling phone, one who carries me needs to carry me with a sense of attitude as he is having a pleasure to have me.

My name is A50. My father’s name is Samsung and my mother’s name is Galaxy. Hence my full name is Samsung Galaxy A50. I am a pearl white shiny phone with a notch display. I have a really slim physique just like Deepika Padukone. Oops! My friend, Google just corrected me it’s Deepika Padukone Singh.

I have a lot of features in me that I can zoom up to your faces for 25 megapixels. My eyes work really nicely and hence I can get you a clear view of everything present near me.

It is also crucial to note that I can capture pictures with my three eyes. They help me to add HDR quality to my visuals. So I have one lens of 25 MP another two of 8 and 5MP respectively.

I am so strong just like Tony Stark in Iron man that my shield is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. So you can’t break me easily. My heart resides in my battery and that gives you a life of 4000 mAh.

It will help you last longer than ever. The best part of me is that I am born recently. I remember that I was assembled all together in a complete set and that it has helped me come to you.

This is my first interaction and sees how intelligent I am. I really love my endurance and working that I can survive more than any ordinary phone. Though I am white but still I am liked by every gender irrespective of the fact that they will make me filthy.

I even remember a blemish where I was born there were several clones of me but I have to admit that I attracted you and hence I am here.

As you know that I am a recent version and all my fathers and grandfathers have gone old. Hence I am put forth with some new technology and means I will perform really well in today’s gen. Another best feature about me is that I really capture great in night mode and I have my own flash in my system.

If you are lost somewhere use my eyes as in the flash to find your path. I have been with my owner for a long time and he has used me with utmost care and responsibility. He was 18 when he got me and today he is 20.

I really love the way he takes care of me. And I also love it when he used to smile at me and capture such memorable moments, I have captured them in my head. I am really delighted to be part of his everyday job. Till the time I have worked and functioned, I did it with full loyalty and sincerity.

But now some updated lads have come into the market but that doesn’t mean I have lost my charm, no! It’s just my memory that is full and loaded with so many files and applications.

That it takes time to remind all of it. Hence he worked with me for 2 years. Now I am old and want a retirement. But let me tell you more about myself I have been worked so much by my partner that he never let me feel bored.

When I entered into his life I came in a box and when first time light touched my face and saw my partner’s face I was really glad as I now got a forever companion. I have been hurt as by mistake he could just flip me and I fell but then he sees me and wipes me and carefully put me up in his pockets.

I do have a sweet friend with me she is the earphones we have been together almost all the time as he would keep us together. She helps him to hear some good music from me as you know I am a great singer too.

I can take out the voice of any famous artist from myself. So what do you think am I not very talented? No, I am really lightweight just as thin as any lea model.

I am really glamorous and I am proud of my own self. I do have several applications running in me that keep me and my companion happy all day. We watch movies listen to songs, he also has a secret folder of his problems in me.

So I am his forever partner with whom he shares everything. Even I share my secrets with him and tell him that my body needs nutrition and he puts me up on update so that I work smoothly again.

His happiness has become the sole reason for my functions. But I am really happy that he shared such a big life span with me. I am really privileged to be his partner.

He has kept my secret name and calls my “phoney”. I really love this cute nickname. He also takes me to all the favourite places and the time he studies keep me aside and I feel for him that he is really a great person.

I also have the feature of recording and I have several recordings of him, his friend, and his family. I also am having platforms to socialize, work, play, and do anything he wants.

I have also heard that he will keep me even if I am old and not functioning properly as for him old is gold and also that I have some really precious moments of his life in me.

I have the feature of telling you ways from anywhere to the desired destinations. You think I am small but my radiations go up to the telephonic tower which reaches the satellite and then gives you the benefit to talk to anyone.

Also, the fact that I do all the calculations so fast and accurate that you don’t have to check them. Even several people check their calculations from me. I know I am a genius. Starting from an alphabet to the world’s biggest name I can help you provide information about anything.

I have so many features that nobody can resist. It is this quality of me that I am liked by so many people that in my recent days everybody saw me checked me and clicked a photograph so as to check my vision.

I have really spent a great time in this family and am really happy to be part of this. I have worked for so many years that now I really need a break. I have spent all my big and small moments with him.

We have seen all ups and downs of our life together. His achievements of being selected as an IITian, his 19th birthday, and his girlfriend’s pictures. I have kept them all together with the utmost care.

Not only this we have spent horrible times too when he has lost me once and then after crying and missing me a lot he got me after three hours. He finally got me at his friend’s house where he left me in the garden.

That separation of him was really killing me. But when he got me rejoiced. I still love being cherished with all those moments in my library of photos. I will enjoy all these when I will be kept for retirement.

And those days are near as I am really tired and need a break. I totally agree that my journey has been the best till now. I too have a little scar on my face because of a small accident.

He got me fixed of that too. The care for me by him is really lovely. I will miss his touch a lot and his smiling face too. I think I am drained out of battery and I will soon be switching off.

But lastly would say that I have enjoyed the entire thick and thins of my life with the best smile and have always enjoyed my companion’s love.

So how was this autobiography on a smartphone? Do let me know by commenting below!

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Children's World

Autobiography of a Mobile Phone

Here in this article I have given an emotional autobiography of a brand new cell phone; which is Nokia X2-01; and here the cell phone is sharing story of his life; of how he was born; taken to mobile store then to his first sweet girl owner finally the cell phone is hoping to get recycled to a new phone as he is in a shop were waste product get recycled and it is given a lesson to allow us; to know the lesson you have to read the whole autobiography of this special cell phone.

The status of this resource is Pending and require some modification by the author. The day I was born : I am very happy today as I am able to write a autobiography on my own self. I always wanted to do that. First of all let me introduce myself to you all. I am a mobile phone; which you all might owe. I am a Nokia X2-01. I am a very good looking phone and strong like Shaktimaan ; even though my skin is black; but still ladies get charmed by my appearance and wish to buy me as well. But now it is very different; I am very old and damaged as well. But still I remember the day I was born. I was manufactured in one of the factory where many of my kind are manufacture. I was totally taken care of as I was very latest phone and people were dying to buy me as soon as I come to the mobile store. The workers in the factory were very caring as they took care of me very well and packed me in a box and then send me to one of the best mobile store. But still I was packed and was kept inside a storeroom and I was patently waiting for my number to get opened up and be in front; so that every can praise my beauty and surly I will be taken by someone very soon. Out of the mobile store : I was still in the box at storeroom; as many of me kind were there; so it was taking a lot of time for me to get out of that stupid storeroom. I really hated that small Dark room; as there were many other brand mobile phone also who were totally jealous of me as I was in demand. They used to tease me as I was black; but no one show my inner beauty. I got totally sick of the place and every day I used to pray that someone will come and will get e out of this sick place. And finally that day came; when a thin looking boy; who I guess was the salesmen came up to me and took me happily and got me out of that storeroom. And here I was in the mobile store where customers used to come and buy whichever handset they like. I was very desperate to know who have bought me; but I saw that one couple took me happily and were saying to each other that their daughter will be happy to get me as her birthday gift . So my owner was still a mystery to be. And it was making me madder as I was wondering why a girl would like to have a handset which actually suits men? Anyways I was on my way to see who was my sweet and lovely owner? I was in a place almost like heaven : Finally they got me out of their car and there was a huge party going on and I was just happy to see the happy face when she will receive me as her birthday gift. The couple handed me to her with overwhelming joy and I almost got deaf as my lady was out of mind when she screamed with joy after receiving me. She opened me and I saw her; a very beautiful looking 18 years old girl. And the very first think this did is kissed me; I got shy. The reason she was so happy because I was here first ever cell phone. And that whole day she was showing me to all of her friends and was even proud of me. She was not leaving me for a single second and not only this she was awake the whole night to explore all my features . I was very happy to get such a sweet girl as my master and her home was just like heaven to me and I never wanted to leave that place. Happy days gone; thanks to children : Everything was going fine; it was almost six months that I was with her. She was very sweet to me; even the kisses got less; but still she respected me a lot and whenever she used to keep me anywhere; it was with care and safety ; it just felt as I was a small child. Yes; I remember one time; she was talking to someone; and suddenly she got so angry that she threw me in her sofa; thank goodness; it was sofa, otherwise I was almost going to get damaged. But after when she got calm down; she took me and was looking for any damaged and I am happy that she didn't found even one. But I cannot forget that day when her sister and her two children came to stay for two weeks. Those two little girls were always being me and they used to take me and play with me when my owner, Ria was not around. She used to scold them not to touch me. But those two devils were very naughty. And on the worst day of my life; one of the girl; took me and throw me directly from the balcony ; I landed up in the garden area and broken into pieces ; I was helpless; but still active. My owner came running to me and tries to fix me; but she was not able to. Even she cried for my accident. Her father then took me and told her that I will give it to some repair guy; and he will fix it. And your cell phone will be back with you in the best condition. And there I was taken away from her with a hope I will return to her very soon. The repair shop - unlucky for me : Her father dropped me to the repair shop . The guy seems to be very rude. As soon as he took me; he threw me in a box; where many cell phones was thrown and they were in a very bad condition as I was. But they were really nice cell phone and they were sharing their sad story of how they landed up here in that smelly shop, even I shared my story too. After almost one week of boring stay; that rude fellow took me out and repaired me; I was given a new body as my original one was damaged; thanks to that girl! And finally I was repaired; I was really very happy to see myself ; I was looking so handsome; more than I used to look before. And now I was simply waiting for my owner's father to come and take me away from this filthy place. But I guess; god had set something else for me. As I was waiting; I show a young looking guy coming to the shop to buy a recharge and as the shop guy was searching for his recharge card; he just took me and kept me in his pocket hurriedly . And this happened because that shop guy didn't keep me back in the box; so I was quite easy for anybody to take me and that only happened. I was very scared; as I didn't knew what is going to happen? I got a very rude master : I was shivering like anything. That he took me out of his pocket and I saw my people were around me and were checking me out and my new owner was telling them the story how bravely he took me from the store. And that is it; after that I was never taken care of. He used to make some calls and so many sms through me so carelessly that only after few months that some of my keys were not working; but still that shameless guy was using me so roughly that I lost my shine and functionality too. And one day he gave me to one guy who used to collect waste stuffs. Yes I was now a waste; I cannot believe that such things would happen to me. But as it is said that there is always a door open for you. That guy took me and gave me to a store were waste thing get recycled. And now I have a hope that I would soon get recycled to something useful and people will use me with care and respect that I deserve. Right now I am still in the shop and waiting for to get recycled. But still sometimes I miss my very first master and I pray to god that when I will get recycled to a new cell phone' I will again be brought by her only. Let see what will happen. But now I am feeling very happy to share my life with you all and I just want to say one thing that whenever you are buying a new cell phone take care of it very well and don't disrespect it as I got . Then only that cell phone will be local to you till he takes his last breath. Written by Pooja Sharma(15 years old), 8th standard. Satyam Hindi High School School, Mumbai.

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. » Autobiography Examples

30+ Autobiography Examples for Students of All Ages

Explore the power of personal storytelling with our collection of Autobiography Examples on various topics. Designed to assist students in their academic pursuits, these examples serve as a source of inspiration and learning. Use them as a reference for writing assignments, essays, and tests, or simply to broaden your understanding of the world. From famous figures to everyday people, each autobiography provides a unique perspective on the human experience. With a focus on clear and concise writing, these autobiographies are easy to understand and follow.

Whether you’re a student or just a curious reader, these autobiography examples are sure to leave you inspired and enlightened. “So why wait? Start browsing now and unlock your full potential.

Inspiring and Thoughtful Autobiography Examples

Autobiography of a Book

This essay explores the imagined thoughts and feelings of a book in its “Autobiography.” By personifying the book, we gain a unique perspective on its life story and the events that shaped it. This thought-provoking approach offers a fresh take on the value and impact of books in our lives.

Autobiography of a Brook

The “Autobiography of a Brook” essay explores the imagined thoughts and feelings of a brook as a living entity. By personifying the brook, the essay provides a unique perspective on the forces of nature and the impact of the environment. The imaginative approach offers a fresh view of the natural world.

Autobiography of a Camera

An imagined life narrative of a camera as a living being is explored in the essay “Autobiography of a Camera.” The author offers a distinctive and provocative viewpoint on technology by personifying the camera and exploring its background and effects on our daily lives.

Autobiography of a Cat

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Justin Morgan

(page 1) p. 1 Introduction

Published: July 2018
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Autobiography continues to be one of the most popular forms of writing, produced by authors from across the social and professional spectrum. It is also central to the work of literary critics, philosophers, historians, and psychologists, who have found in autobiographies not only an understanding of the ways in which lives have been lived, but the most fundamental accounts of what it means to be a self in the world. The Introduction describes what autobiography means and compares it to other forms of ‘life-writing’. Autobiographical writing is seen to act as a window on to concepts of self, identity, and subjectivity, and into the ways in which these are themselves determined by time and circumstance.

The term ‘autobiography’ (coined at the close of the 18th century) breaks down into its component parts—‘auto’ (self), ‘bios’ (life), ‘graphein’ (writing). The element of writing or text is inscribed in the term itself. Language, as well as the workings of memory, shapes the past. The neologism autobiography has been followed by a succession of new terms—‘autography’, ‘autothanatography’, ‘autobiografiction’, ‘autofiction’—as if to express the hybrid and shape-changing qualities of a genre which sets out to represent the complexities of human life, experience, and memory.

While the category of life-writing suggests a broad and inclusive approach to the study of literature and culture which we might associate with our contemporary moment, it was in fact deployed in the 18th century, alongside ‘biography’, whose usage can be dated from the 17th century. Prior to the use of autobiography as a term, critics and commentators might refer to ‘self-biography’ or ‘the biography of a man written by himself’. This suggests that it was still perceived as unusual in secular contexts for a writer to turn his or her regard inward, though this was the guiding principle of many earlier spiritual and religious texts.

Not all autobiographers are writers by profession, though there is a widespread assumption that the literary writer’s autobiography best defines the genre, and that the particularities of the life-story may be less interesting than the ways in which they are remembered and recounted. The literary writer’s autobiography also bears on, and frequently comments upon, his or her other works. Such texts, and in particular those from the 19th century onwards, will often recount the ways in which a writer entered into the profession or ‘vocation’ of literature. The life thus becomes identified as a ‘literary life’.

Autobiography as a genre became of central significance to literary theory, as it emerged in the latter decades of the 20th century. The critic Philippe Lejeune, whose work on life-writing has been highly influential in recent decades, defined autobiography as ‘a retrospective prose narrative produced by a real person concerning his own existence, focusing on his individual life, in particular on the development of his personality’. This immediately raises problems of exclusion: there is no obvious reason why autobiography can only be composed in prose, and though there are few autobiographical narratives written in poetic form, William Wordsworth’s autobiographical poem The Prelude is central to any history of autobiographical writing. Beyond this, however, Lejeune’s central concern was with the question of ‘identity’ in autobiographical writing, and with the ‘pact’ that is set up between text and reader, whereby the latter can be assured that the author’s name designates a real person and that the narrator and the protagonist are one and the same.

The value of Lejeune’s approach lay in its attention to the textual aspects and generic markers of autobiography. He wrote extensively, for example, about the various uses of first-, second-, or third-person narrative in autobiographical writings, and of the ways in which these different forms represent the writing self’s relationship to the past and present self, or selves, which it depicts. Lejeune’s concept of ‘the autobiographical pact’ also focused, in significant ways, on the relationship between the author, the text, and the reader as the guarantor of autobiographical authenticity. It provided a flexible model of the genre and an understanding of the historical and institutional contexts in which a given work will be received and read as autobiographical.

(page 4) p. 4 Lejeune’s vocabulary of ‘pact’ and ‘contract’ has, however, been criticized for its ‘legalism’. For the literary theorist Paul de Man, the attempt to define autobiography was a fruitless endeavour: ‘autobiography … is not a genre or a mode, but a figure of reading or of understanding that occurs, to some degree, in all texts’. The drive to define and demarcate autobiographical writing is thus countered by an equally strong sense that autobiography escapes final definition. For one thing, any narrative of the self and its life-story will entail a reconstruction, subject to the vagaries of memory, which renders the division between autobiography and fiction far from absolute.

Most writers and readers would, however, probably agree that works of autobiography lay claims to truth which are different from the constructed realities of fiction. Autobiography exists in a realm in which truth and falsehood are meaningful terms. Few people would apply these terms to fictional works, though we might find characters or situations unconvincing or at odds with our experience of the world. Yet autobiography also asks of its readers that they be open to the complexities of truth. These include the work of memory and the gaps produced by forgetting; the distinction between experience revived (as if, for example, from the child’s point of view) and recalled (from the perspectives of an adult narrator); the conception of the self from the ‘inside’ and from the ‘outside’, as reflected back to us by others. ‘Properly speaking’, the psychologist and philosopher William James wrote, ‘a man has as many social selves as there are individuals who recognize him and carry an image of him in their mind’.

The individual’s life and life-story may be unique, but its value will often be said to lie in its representative or exemplary status. The 19th-century philosopher John Stuart Mill opens his Autobiography (1873) with the assertion that ‘I do not for a moment imagine that any part of what I have to relate, can be interesting to the public as a narrative, or as being connected with myself’. It rather offers, he continues, the record of an ‘unusual and remarkable’ education while, ‘in an age of transition in opinions, there may be somewhat both of interest and of benefit in noting the successive phases of any mind which was always pressing forward, equally ready to learn and to unlearn from its own thoughts or from those of others’.

The political economist and author Harriet Martineau began to write her autobiography when she believed herself to be close to death (she in fact lived for another three decades). ‘From my youth upwards’, she states in her Introduction, written in 1855, ‘I have felt that it was one of the duties of my life to write my autobiography’. ‘A strong consciousness and a clear memory of my early feelings’ equipped her for a task that seemed more pressing as her life became ‘a somewhat remarkable one’. Here the autobiographical motive is defined as ‘duty’, though Martineau was, and is, by no means alone in turning to autobiography as a way of forestalling would-be biographers (in a growing culture of celebrity) and claiming the right to tell her story in her own terms.

(page 6) p. 6 Charles Darwin’s Autobiography , written in 1876 and published posthumously in 1892, is presented, like Mill’s, as ‘an account of my mind and character’, attempted not only for his own amusement, but because it ‘might possibly interest my children or their children’. The great natural scientist and theorist of evolution thus envisages a record of interest to his descendants, while he has attempted ‘to write the following account of myself, as if I were a dead man in another world looking back at my own life’. His words point up not only the important connections between ‘biology’ (‘life-knowledge’) and ‘biography’ (‘life-writing’) but also one of the essential paradoxes of the autobiographical genre: that the record of a fully completed life could only be written by ‘a dead man’.

Many autobiographers have found strategies—formal and experiential—to deal with the fact that the life-stories which they recount are of necessity incomplete. Moreover, the self continues to be an evolving, changing entity, moving in the flux of time, even as the autobiographer seeks to capture and compose it. We tend to think of autobiographies as single, once-in-a-lifetime endeavours, but there are in fact numerous examples of serial autobiographies, as well as those composed and revised over many years.

The rise of the memoir in recent decades—in status and popularity—could in part be understood as a response to the problems of representing a ‘whole’ life. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the distinction (at least in English-language contexts) was often drawn, or implied, between autobiography as a sustained and serious self-investigation and memoir as a more outward-facing record of experiences and events. In our own times, the evaluative distinction between those who are capable of introspection, and hence of ‘proper’ autobiography, and those ‘memoirists’ who are not, has largely been lost, and there has been a marked rise among authors in the use of the term ‘memoir’ or ‘memoirs’.

(page 7) p. 7 This need not, however, lead us to the conclusion that ‘memoir’ (understood as the narration of a particular set of experiences and encounters, or of a specific aspect of the self) has replaced ‘autobiography’ (understood as the attempt to write a life in full, or at least in the fullness of a particular life-stage, such as childhood or early years). ‘Autobiography’ continues to be used as a generic marker and in book titles. At the same time, there is considerable interchange between understandings of what constitutes ‘autobiography’ and what ‘memoir’. Celebrity autobiography is now frequently written (or ‘ghosted’) at an early stage in the author’s life. In professions, such as sport or the entertainment industry, where the career may be relatively brief, the standpoint from which past and present are observed will often lie not towards the end of the life but at the time of its flourishing.

The rise of ‘memoir’ may indeed be more telling as an indicator of the contemporary attractions of ‘truth to life’ and the representations of lived experience (defined by one critic as ‘reality hunger’) than of the weakening of ‘autobiography’ as a significant literary and historical form. The autobiography/memoir distinction seems to have become less absolute than it was in previous centuries, and will not be used as a shaping principle in this study, though neither will the terms be used interchangeably.

The American novelist William Gass has written:

There are differences between diaries, journals, and notebooks, just as there are differences between chronicles and memoirs and travels and testimonies, between half-a-life and slice-of-life and whole-loaf lives, and these differences should be observed, not in order to be docile to genres, to limit types, or to anally oppose any mixing of forms … but in order that the mind may keep itself clean of confusion.

(page 8) p. 8 This introduction to autobiography also seeks to avoid confusion and to respect the differences between forms, but nonetheless to acknowledge the productive interplay between them. Many autobiographies will, for example, make extensive use of diaries and letters, written or received. In doing so, they seek to recapture a past present, an immediacy, within the retrospective form of the autobiography. Travel writing has traditionally been kept as a separate category from that of autobiography, but there are frequently significant links between the two forms of writing and record.

More complex issues, addressed in Chapter 8 , arise when there is an intermingling of fact and fiction. This characterized the genre of the novel as it flourished in the 18th century, at a time in which (as in the writings of Daniel Defoe) the novel would frequently be represented as the personal record of its hero or heroine. Such intermixing has returned as a central feature of modernist and contemporary writing, as in the roman à clef and autobiographical fictions of novelists such as D. H. Lawrence and James Joyce, and in the rise of autofiction in the present day. In exploring such developments, this study will acknowledge the often porous relationships between fiction and autobiography, while continuing to affirm the distinctive properties of autobiography as a practice of writing and as a representation of experience.

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Introduction

The emergence of autobiography

Types of autobiography.

Hear about “Autobiography of Mark Twain” and the Mark Twain Papers at the Bancroft Library of the University of California, Berkeley

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Literary Devices - Autobiography
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Table Of Contents

autobiography , the biography of oneself narrated by oneself. Autobiographical works can take many forms, from the intimate writings made during life that were not necessarily intended for publication (including letters, diaries , journals , memoirs , and reminiscences) to a formal book-length autobiography.

Formal autobiographies offer a special kind of biographical truth: a life, reshaped by recollection, with all of recollection’s conscious and unconscious omissions and distortions. The novelist Graham Greene said that, for this reason, an autobiography is only “a sort of life” and used the phrase as the title for his own autobiography (1971).

There are but few and scattered examples of autobiographical literature in antiquity and the Middle Ages. In the 2nd century bce the Chinese classical historian Sima Qian included a brief account of himself in the Shiji (“Historical Records”). It may be stretching a point to include, from the 1st century bce , the letters of Cicero (or, in the early Christian era, the letters of Saint Paul ), and Julius Caesar ’s Commentaries tell little about Caesar, though they present a masterly picture of the conquest of Gaul and the operations of the Roman military machine at its most efficient. But Saint Augustine ’s Confessions , written about 400 ce , stands out as unique: though Augustine put Christianity at the centre of his narrative and considered his description of his own life to be merely incidental, he produced a powerful personal account, stretching from youth to adulthood, of his religious conversion.

Confessions has much in common with what came to be known as autobiography in its modern, Western sense, which can be considered to have emerged in Europe during the Renaissance , in the 15th century. One of the first examples was produced in England by Margery Kempe , a religious mystic of Norfolk. In her old age Kempe dictated an account of her bustling, far-faring life, which, however concerned with religious experience, reveals her personality. One of the first full-scale formal autobiographies was written a generation later by a celebrated humanist publicist of the age, Enea Silvio Piccolomini, after he was elevated to the papacy, in 1458, as Pius II . In the first book of his autobiography—misleadingly named Commentarii , in evident imitation of Caesar—Pius II traces his career up to becoming pope; the succeeding 11 books (and a fragment of a 12th, which breaks off a few months before his death in 1464) present a panorama of the age.

The autobiography of the Italian physician and astrologer Gironimo Cardano and the adventures of the goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini in Italy of the 16th century; the uninhibited autobiography of the English historian and diplomat Lord Herbert of Cherbury, in the early 17th; and Colley Cibber ’s Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber, Comedian in the early 18th—these are representative examples of biographical literature from the Renaissance to the Age of Enlightenment. The latter period itself produced three works that are especially notable for their very different reflections of the spirit of the times as well as of the personalities of their authors: the urbane autobiography of Edward Gibbon , the great historian; the plainspoken, vigorous success story of an American who possessed all talents, Benjamin Franklin ; and the introspection of a revolutionary Swiss-born political and social theorist, the Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau —the latter leading to two autobiographical explorations in poetry during the Romantic period in England, William Wordsworth ’s Prelude and Lord Byron ’s Childe Harold , cantos III and IV.

An autobiography may be placed into one of four very broad types: thematic, religious, intellectual , and fictionalized. The first grouping includes books with such diverse purposes as The Americanization of Edward Bok (1920) and Adolf Hitler ’s Mein Kampf (1925, 1927). Religious autobiography claims a number of great works, ranging from Augustine and Kempe to the autobiographical chapters of Thomas Carlyle ’s Sartor Resartus and John Henry Cardinal Newman ’s Apologia in the 19th century. That century and the early 20th saw the creation of several intellectual autobiographies, including the severely analytical Autobiography of the philosopher John Stuart Mill and The Education of Henry Adams . Finally, somewhat analogous to the novel as biography is the autobiography thinly disguised as, or transformed into, the novel. This group includes such works as Samuel Butler ’s The Way of All Flesh (1903), James Joyce ’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916), George Santayana ’s The Last Puritan (1935), and the novels of Thomas Wolfe . Yet in all of these works can be detected elements of all four types; the most outstanding autobiographies often ride roughshod over these distinctions.

Autobiography

Definition of autobiography, difference between autobiography and memoir, six types of autobiography, importance of autobiography, examples of autobiography in literature, example #1: the box: tales from the darkroom by gunter grass, example #2: the story of my life by helen keller, example #3: self portraits: fictions by frederic tuten, example #4: my prizes by thomas bernhard, example #5: the autobiography of benjamin franklin by benjamin franklin, synonyms of autobiography, related posts:, post navigation.

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Jun 05, 2024

How to Write an Autobiography: The Story of Your Life

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Savannah Cordova

Savannah is a senior editor with Reedsy and a published writer whose work has appeared on Slate, Kirkus, and BookTrib. Her short fiction has appeared in the Owl Canyon Press anthology, "No Bars and a Dead Battery".

Anyone who’s lived a long, interesting life (as many of us have in one way or another!) may dream of someday turning their life into a book. However, the practicalities of how to write an autobiography can be daunting — especially to those who don’t have much writing experience.

If you feel ready to write your autobiography but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will take you from opening lines to (hopefully) publishing your autobiography for all the world to read.

1. Understand what an autobiography entails

When asked to picture an autobiography, you might think of a celebrity tell-all or political memoir. This isn’t inaccurate ; a memoir would definitely fall under the autobiography umbrella. But to be really precise, there are a few key differences between memoirs and autobiographies:

Memoirs tend to be more thematic and focus on a central narrative (similar to a novel), whereas an autobiography is highly factual and reads more like “classic” nonfiction.
Memoirs focus on a specific period or theme in a person’s life, while autobiographies aim to give a complete, chronological picture.
Lastly, many memoirs are written while the writer is still young. An autobiography, though, should be written later in one’s life — at a point where one’s life story can be told comprehensively.

An autobiography is also different from a biography in that it is always narrated by the subject. Note that we’ve said “narrated” instead of “written” because, indeed, many autobiographies are created with the help of ghostwriters!

Ghostwritten autobiographies aren’t just for celebrities, either. People from all walks of life work with ghostwriters to record their stories or simply guide them through the process.

If that sounds like you, have a look through our vetted ghostwriters on the Reedsy marketplace . You might just find your dream collaborator!

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Should you write a memoir or an autobiography?

In other words, if you’re still young (be honest here!), and/or if the book you want to write is more a series of vignettes revolving around a central theme, you may have a memoir on your hands. If that’s the case, check out our guide to how to write a memoir for more tailored advice.

But if you’ve already lived a long, interesting life — one that you feel prepared to share chronologically and completely — then an autobiography is the medium for you.

2. Outline your life's main “beats”

You might think you don’t need to be too picky about what to include in your autobiography since it’s supposed to be a “complete” account — and you’d be mostly right! That said, even in a fairly exhaustive autobiography, it’s still useful to identify the key “beats” before you begin.

What should you include in an autobiography?

While each person’s autobiography will be unique to them, readers expect certain “beats” to be covered. To get the ball rolling, here’s a list of classic autobiographical beats to hit:

🐣 Your birth and family background – possibly including how your parents met, where they were living at the time of your birth, whether you have any siblings, etc.
📚 Your early days at school – including the friends you made (whether long-lasting or not), your academic achievements (and failures), and any critical moments related to your future goals/actions.
🧑🏽‍💻 Your first job – this is often enlightening for readers, particularly if it had some bearing on your later career; whether because you realized that you loved the work or, more likely, that you didn’t want to work your first job forever.
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩 Your first relationship – similar to your first job, this is often a major stepping stone into adulthood and understanding your priorities.
Moving house;
Having children;
Getting promoted;
Receiving an award;
Traveling somewhere new;
Or discovering anything significant about yourself.
💼 Your retirement – if applicable, this will likely be one of the last beats you cover; it might include why you decided to retire, how you are spending your time nowadays, and any plans for the future.

Remember that each beat you include should contribute to a holistic portrait of your life — whether it’s something that shaped your character or lends context to another parallel moment later on.

But not everything will be relevant. There’s no need to include random things that have no bearing on any other event or important element of your life; that said, the lucky thing about memory is that you likely won’t recall most of those things anyway!

Need some help outlining your autobiography? Check out our Biography Outline Template below — while not entirely chronological, it’s a great starting point for any aspiring autobiographical author.

FREE RESOURCE

Biography Outline Template

Craft a satisfying story arc for your biography with our free template.

3. Try to write in chronological order

Having come up with a solid outline, you should now feel (somewhat) prepared to start writing your autobiography… and, ideally, to start writing it in chronological order.

While many books can be drafted non-chronologically, an autobiography is not one of them. This is because each new chapter quite literally builds on the last; this is different even from a memoir, which often skips around in time and leaves out details. The best way to ensure you’re not missing anything is to write your autobiography as chronologically as possible!

How to start an autobiography

On the note of starting your autobiography, it’s pretty straightforward: begin either with your birth or slightly before, e.g., with your parents. Unlike a memoir, which can start in medias res ( in the middle of the action ), an autobiography should start ab ovo , or “from the egg.”

This is one of the biggest benefits of writing chronologically: you always know where to start, and indeed, what should come next. Here are two strong autobiography openings to give a sense of how yours might sound:

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

When I was born, people in our village commiserated with my mother and nobody congratulated my father. I arrived at dawn as the last star blinked out… I was a girl in a land where rifles are fired in celebration of a son, while daughters are hidden away behind a curtain, their role in life simply to prepare food and give birth to children.

Iacocca: An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca and William Novak:

Nicola Iacocca, my father, arrived in this country in 1902 at the age of twelve — poor, alone, and scared. He used to say the only thing he was sure of when he got here was that the world was round. And that was only because another Italian boy named Christopher Columbus had preceded him by 410 years, almost to the day.

Though each opening takes a different tack — Yousafzai’s autobiography begins with her actual birth, while Iacocca’s begins even earlier, with his father’s arrival in America — both serve as effective starts to their respective books and set the tone for what’s to come.

4. Include plenty of detail

In case we haven’t drilled down on this enough, let’s reiterate once more: an autobiography should be a complete overview of your life from beginning to end. That means that as you get into properly writing it, you should include as much detail as you can remember.

Taking one of our previous suggested beats — “your first job” — as an example, here are a few questions you might ask yourself to recount your memories in more detail:

How did you get your first job?
What made you want to work there?
What was the environment/atmosphere like — physically and emotionally?
What was your greatest accomplishment at this job? Your greatest failure?
What did you learn from working there? How did it affect your later career?

As you can probably tell from these questions, the natural corollary to the advice of “be detailed!” is to also be honest . Don’t shy away from your failures or regrets — an autobiography without mistakes is not an autobiography, but rather a puff piece.

Examples of strong biographical detail

For those wondering how to inject detail into their writing, here are two examples from great autobiographies that do exactly that. Each takes a different approach to engage readers — perhaps you can pick up some descriptive techniques to suit your own life story.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

There was no natural light in my cell; a single bulb burned overhead twenty-four hours a day. I did not have a wristwatch and I often thought it was the middle of the night when it was only late afternoon. I had nothing to read, nothing to write on or with, no one to talk to [...] After a time in solitary, I relished the company even of the insects in my cell, and found myself on the verge of initiating conversations with a cockroach.

This passage’s evocative details — the single lightbulb, Mandela’s loss of his internal clock — convey the crushing loneliness of solitary confinement, yet also add levity with the bit about cockroaches.

This give-and-take style may be useful if you, too, are writing an autobiography which includes difficult or traumatic elements. Don’t shy away from the hard parts, but don’t let solemnity overpower your personality and voice!

Becoming by Michelle Obama

When you’re little, a piano can look like it has a thousand keys. You’re staring at an expanse of black and white that stretches farther than two small arms can reach. [...] The keys on Robbie’s piano had a subtle unevenness of color and shape, places where bits of ivory had broken off over time, leaving them looking like a set of bad teeth.

This passage uses sensory details and an intimate tone to draw readers in, describing not just how the piano looks, but how it feels to play. All this makes for a very compelling narrative style — almost like that of a novel. If you want your autobiography to flow this way, try reading more nonfiction in this style (indeed, many memoirs read quite similarly).

📚 Looking for more examples of brilliant biographical writing? Check out this list of The 30 Best Biographies of All Time to inspire you.

5. Do research to fill in the gaps

No matter how carefully you rack your brains, you won’t be able to recall every detail of your life. That’s where research comes in! Here are a couple of things you can do to learn more about yourself and your past.

Interview friends and family

While you’ve likely retained the core of each important life memory, some details will still elude you. For these, you might call on friends, family members, and anyone else who was in your life at the time — interviewing them should help flesh things out in your autobiography.

You might try a few different interview strategies, depending on what you’re hoping to achieve:

Ask specific questions based on what you can’t remember/don’t know (e.g. “Whose wedding was that again?” or “Why did Dad quit that job in Pasadena?”);
Ask your subject to recount everything they can about an event (e.g. “Tell me how you remember our high school graduation”); or
Ask them if they have any key memories of you which they would like to talk about.

The first interview style will be the quickest, but the latter two might yield more interesting results. If you’re prioritizing thoroughness, we’d highly recommend calling up a few old friends or close family members, sitting down, and recording your interview for a few hours.

Do “traditional" research if needed

Having written as much as you can, and interviewed other people to add their stories, you might still find yourself missing information. If applicable, this is where you could turn to “traditional” research — that is, looking up relevant records and documentation, or even taking a field trip or two to previous neighborhoods.

It’s up to you how far to go with this; just don’t go mad, and try to avoid any rabbit holes that tempt you to write an entirely new book. (Then again, that could always be your next project! Check out our post on how to write a nonfiction book to learn more.)

6. Give your draft a discerning edit

You’ve finally finished a detailed draft — congratulations! Even if you don’t do anything else with your autobiography, your friends and family will be wildly impressed, and your descendants will have a fascinatingly thorough record of your life.

But if you want to publish your autobiography — or even if you suspect it hasn’t turned out quite as expected — you’ll now need to enter the editing stage. There are a few different types of editing to consider for your autobiography, including:

Structural editing to heighten the impact of your key beats;
Line editing to improve the syntax, flow, and clarity of your sentences; and
Fact-checking and proofreading to ensure your book doesn’t contain any errors.

Again, it’s up to you how extensively you want to edit your autobiography. If you’re doing it yourself, we’d suggest going top-to-bottom — first structural editing, then line editing, then proofreading — to avoid unnecessary work. ( Check out this post on how to self-edit your book for key tips!)

And if this all feels overwhelming, you can always work with a professional editor to get your autobiography in tip-top shape . Autobiography and memoir specialists can help turn your work into an Iacocca-worthy masterpiece.

MEET EDITORS

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7. Format and publish your autobiography

Now comes the really fun part, if you so choose it — formatting and publishing your autobiography for everyone to read!

Biography fans out there will know that auto/biographies often contain a selection of personal photos within the text. If you’re envisioning this, it will require specialty formatting; you’ll either need to intersperse photos throughout the text or format your book with a “photo section” in the middle (the more common option).

You can do this with free book formatting tools like Reedsy Studio . Or if you’re not confident in your formatting abilities, consider hiring a professional typesetter to help !

As for publishing, many autobiographers choose to self-publish their books to get them out as quickly as possible, and to have more control over the process. However, if you’re interested in selling your autobiography to a publisher — a reasonable option if you are a businessperson, and especially if you already have a decent following — we’d suggest this post on how to write a non-fiction query letter to get you started.

Whatever path you take, whether you decide to publish it or not, writing the story of your life is an incredibly enlightening endeavor. If you're interested in novels instead, check out this advice from NYT bestselling author Caroline Leavitt ! We hope this guide has helped you on your journey; indeed, as autobiographical writing teaches us, the journey really is the greatest reward.

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Autobiography

Definition of autobiography.

Autobiography is one type of biography , which tells a life story of its author, meaning it is a written record of the author’s life. Rather than being written by somebody else, an autobiography comes through the person’s own pen, in his own words. Some autobiographies are written in the form of a fictional tale; as novels or stories that closely mirror events from the author’s real life. Such stories include Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield , and J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye . In writing about personal experience, one discovers himself. Therefore, it is not merely a collection of anecdotes – it is a revelation to the readers about author’s self-discovery.

Difference between Autobiography and Memoir

In an autobiography, the author attempts to capture important elements of his life. He not only deals with his career, and growth as a person, he also uses emotions and facts related to family life, relationships, education, travels, sexuality, and any types of inner struggles. A memoir is a record of memories, and particular events that have taken place in the author’s life. In fact, it is the telling of a story or an event from his life; an account that does not tell the full record of a life.

Examples of Autobiography in Literature

Example #1: the box: tales from the darkroom (by gunter grass).

A noble laureate and novelist, Gunter Grass, has shown a new perspective of self-examination by mixing up his quilt of fictionalized approach in his autobiographical book, “The Box: Tales from the Darkroom.” Adopting the individual point of view of each of his children, Grass narrates what his children think about him as their father and a writer. Though it is really an experimental approach, due to Grass’ linguistic creativity and dexterity, it gains an enthralling momentum.

Example #2: The Story of My Life (by Helen Keller)

In her autobiography, The Story of My Life , Helen Keller recounts her first twenty years, beginning with the events of the childhood illness that left her deaf and blind. In her childhood, a writer sent her a letter and prophesied, “Someday you will write a great story out of your own head that will be a comfort and help to many.”

In this book, Keller mentions prominent historical personalities, such as Alexander Graham Bell, whom she met at the age of six, and with whom she remained friends for several years. Keller paid a visit to John Greenleaf Whittier , a famous American poet, and shared correspondence with other eminent figures, including Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. Generally, Keller’s autobiography is about overcoming great obstacles through hard work and pain.

Example #3: Self Portraits: Fictions (by Frederic Tuten)

In his autobiography, “Self Portraits: Fictions,” Frederic Tuten has combined fringes of romantic life with reality. Like postmodern writers, such as Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino, the stories of Tuten skip between truth and imagination, time and place, without warning. He has done the same with his autobiography, where readers are eager to move through fanciful stories about train rides, circus bears, and secrets to a happy marriage; all of which give readers glimpses of the real man.

Example #4: My Prizes (by Thomas Bernhard)

Reliving his success of his literary career through the lens of the many prizes he has received, Thomas Bernhard presents a sarcastic commentary in his autobiography, “My Prizes.” Bernhard, in fact, has taken few things too seriously. Rather, he has viewed his life as a farcical theatrical drama unfolding around him. Although Bernhard is happy with the lifestyle and prestige of being an author, his blasé attitude and scathing wit make this recollection more charmingly dissident and hilarious.

Example #5: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (by Benjamin Franklin)

“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” is written by one of the founding fathers of the United States. This book reveals Franklin’s youth, his ideas, and his days of adversity and prosperity. He is one of the best examples living the American dream – sharing the idea that one can gain financial independence, and reach a prosperous life through hard work.

Through autobiography, authors can speak directly to their readers, and to their descendants. The function of the autobiography is to leave a legacy for its readers. By writing an autobiography, the individual shares his triumphs and defeats, and lessons learned, allowing readers to relate and feel motivated by inspirational stories. Life stories bridge the gap between peoples of differing ages and backgrounds, forging connections between old and new generations.

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A History of English Autobiography (Cambridge University Press, 2016) -- uncorrected proofs

Edited collection -- with chapters by Adam Smyth, Barry Windeatt, David Matthew, Molly Murray, Kathleen Lynch, Suzanne Trill, Tessa Whitehouse, Robert Folkenflik, Lynn Festa, John Richetti, David Vincent, Duncan Wu, Richard Hughes Gibson, Timothy Larsen, Carol Hanbery MacKay, Julie Codell, Stephen Colclough, Max Saunders, Georgia Johnston, Hope Wolf, Laura Marcus, Maud Ellman, Michael O'Neill, Nick Hubble, Bart Moore-Gilbert, Joseph Brooker, Neil Vickers, Roger Luckhurst, Andreas Kitzmann

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Riya Mukherjee

Charles Ivan Armstrong

This paper is focused on the reconsideration of the limits and advances of the genre of autobiography. Given the recent boom in autobiography and personal narratives this timely topic poses a great challenge to current literary and cultural studies. Autobiography frequently takes the form of a disturbance, upsetting the expectations and classifications of both general public and literary critics. What presuppositions does the genre of autobiography build upon, and how should we respond when more strictly literary genres integrate autobiographical elements? This paper will explore selected, representative examples of how autobiography and autobiographically inclined literary works have challenged pervading norms over the last two centuries. The use of autobiographical elements in literature has repeatedly been part of an estranging revitalization of more or less settled literary forms, in addition to contributing to the reimagining of nationality through the example of representative or marginal identities, such as in the case of W. B. Yeats. The examples will span from the Romanticism of William Wordsworth and Lord Byron, via the 19th century call for uncompromising “sincerity” and the ensuing experiments of Modernism, to more recent instances of confessionalism in writers such as Robert Lowell and Karl-Ove Knausgård. The borders and dialogue between life and writing will be in focus in this paper, and the degree to which critical terms text, context and paratext help us understand and clarify their complex interaction will be subject to discussion.

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Life Writing

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Experimentation and theorising on forms of life writing from the field of history has grown substantially in recent decades, as historians understand how autobiographical narrative may contribute to understanding both the past and our processes of accessing it. The introduction to this special issue on ‘History and Autobiography’ outlines some theoretical debates emerging from the intersection of history with different forms of self-representation, and highlights some of the main points examined by the contributors. Some contributors explore the convergence of history and life writing through an autobiographical voice, while others work theoretically or critically. Beyond these different approaches, all the essays explore to what extent autobiography serves historical writing and comprehension, and examine the theoretical and practical consequences of this convergence.

Linden West

Biograpahical researchers in the United Kingdom have been influenced by symbolic interactionism, feminism, oral history, critical sociology, psychoanalysis and what we term an auto/biographical imagination. The latter involves reflexively situating the researcher and her influence, via power, unconscious processes and writing, into the text and by acknowledging the co-construction of stories. The focus of much research has been on marginalised peoples, as part of a democratising project to bring more diverse voices and stories into the historical or contemporary social record. It is important to avoid too rigid a distinction between mainland Europe and developments in Britain. Collaboration and dialogue have been extensive, across various research networks, including in the European Society for Research in the Education of Adults (ESREA).

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Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on July 31 and Oct. 31, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025.

In addition, penalties for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after June 16, 2024, and before July 1, 2024, will be abated, as long as the deposits were made by July 1, 2024.

The Disaster assistance and emergency relief for individuals and businesses page has details on other returns, payments and tax-related actions qualifying for relief during the postponement period.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area. These taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to get this relief.

It is possible an affected taxpayer may not have an IRS address of record located in the disaster area, for example, because they moved to the disaster area after filing their return. In these unique circumstances, the affected taxpayer could receive a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS for the postponement period. The taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.

In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose records necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected area. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227 . This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization. Tax preparers located in the disaster area with clients located outside the disaster area can choose to use the bulk requests from practitioners for disaster relief option, described on IRS.gov.

Additional tax relief

Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year). Taxpayers have extra time – up to six months after the due date of the taxpayer’s federal income tax return for the disaster year (without regard to any extension of time to file) – to make the election. For individual taxpayers, this means Oct. 15, 2025. Be sure to write the FEMA declaration number – 4807-DR − on any return claiming a loss. See Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts , for details.

Qualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income. In general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude from their gross income amounts received from a government agency for reasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses, as well as for the repair or rehabilitation of their home, or for the repair or replacement of its contents. See Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, for details.

Additional relief may be available to affected taxpayers who participate in a retirement plan or individual retirement arrangement (IRA). For example, a taxpayer may be eligible to take a special disaster distribution that would not be subject to the additional 10% early distribution tax and allows the taxpayer to spread the income over three years. Taxpayers may also be eligible to make a hardship withdrawal. Each plan or IRA has specific rules and guidance for their participants to follow.

The IRS may provide additional disaster relief in the future.

The tax relief is part of a coordinated federal response to the damage caused by these storms and is based on local damage assessments by FEMA. For information on disaster recovery, visit disasterassistance.gov .

Reminder about tax return preparation options

Eligible individuals or families can get free help preparing their tax return at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. To find the closest free tax help site, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887 . Note that normally, VITA sites cannot help claim disaster losses.
To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669 .
Any individual or family whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File’s guided tax software at no cost. There are products in English and Spanish.
Another Free File option is Free File Fillable Forms . These are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 and are designed for taxpayers who are comfortable filling out IRS tax forms. Anyone, regardless of income, can use this option.
MilTax , a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members and some veterans, with no income limit.

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The emergence of autobiography

autobiography

Autobiography

How to Write an Autobiography: The Story of Your Life

About Savannah Cordova

1. Understand what an autobiography entails

Should you write a memoir or an autobiography?

2. Outline your life's main “beats”

What should you include in an autobiography?

3. Try to write in chronological order

How to start an autobiography

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

Iacocca: An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca and William Novak:

4. Include plenty of detail

Examples of strong biographical detail

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Becoming by Michelle Obama

5. Do research to fill in the gaps

Interview friends and family

Do “traditional" research if needed

6. Give your draft a discerning edit

7. Format and publish your autobiography

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Autobiography

Difference between Autobiography and Memoir

Examples of Autobiography in Literature

Example #2: The Story of My Life (by Helen Keller)

Example #3: Self Portraits: Fictions (by Frederic Tuten)

Example #4: My Prizes (by Thomas Bernhard)

Example #5: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (by Benjamin Franklin)

A History of English Autobiography (Cambridge University Press, 2016) -- uncorrected proofs