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Sample AutobiographyExample of an Autobiography! Gathering the Information and Staying OrganizedThe short video clip that you are watching is a recent presentation by Andy Holliday, CEO of a brand new company calledOurStory!The sample autobiography that is spoke of here may not betradional, but I know it will grab your interest! I was very excited to discover it! This is just the thing that Ihad been looking for. I get many e-mails asking to see a sample autobiography, becausethey want to have something to compare their work to and see allwhat should be included in an autobiography. Well, OurStory does more than an autobiography and it is a bitoutside of what most people would consider a typical example of an autobiography. UPDATE:The Memorygrabber lifestory work has been newly updated for 2008. If you are looking for a very interesting wayof recalling memories and writing your autobiography in a less than traditional way, be sure to go to the Memorygrabber E-Bookpage. After the video has finished, Click Here to read my review of OurStory, or use the "Go to OurStory" link below the video, to go directly to the OurStory Website! I think it will blow you away!
Sample of What Can Be Included in an AutobiographyAdditionally, I'm compiling a list, below, of things to include in an autobiography. A few things on the list are ideas to dig up content for your autobiography. Fun stuff, because putting together something like this should be fun and rewarding.Note: The list below was compiled for those wanting to write their own autobiography or write the biography of another. 1. Create Memory ListsYou may not think yourself a great writer, but anybody can write out a list. Here's an example of how this activity is a real winner:Explanation -- In the long run, it probably won't matter what car you or your parents drove, but this list will help you put together your lifestory or autobiography. It will help because there is usually a story/memory, or two, attached to every vehicle on your list. One such vehicle on my list is a 1977 Chevy Nova that my parents purchased in 1977 and it still broke down on us. I was 10 years old and I remember breaking down near Flagstaff Arizona. We were there several days and I remember a hotel room. I don't think the air conditioning was even working. We were miserable. I was anxious to continue on with our vacation. Some other lists to get your started: If you like this sort of memory exercise, then you will reallylove my newly updated lifestory workbook entitled 2. Build A Life Timeline
Timeline charts are a cool way to create an "outline" of your life! Start with the major events (birth, started school, marriage, children born etc) and then fill it all in with the many other events of your life.
3. Use iTunes to Recall Great Memories My wife and I have spent several evenings playing "Do you remember this song"? It is amazing how music helps the memories rush back. An Idea to Try! Sit down with your parents or grandparents. Use the link below, go to iTunes and ask them to name some of their favorites songs from back in their day! First, you'll immpress them that you can bring up almost any song that they request...especially if they have never been on iTunes before. This will really get them reminiscing. This is exactly the frame of mind that you'll want them in, if you want them to tell stories from their lifestory. I did this with my dad. I can tell you that it really does the trick! Free 30-second previews of all songs only at iTunes. 4. Have Your Favorite Photos Turned Into a Portrait
5. Hire a Biography WriterHiring a Professional Biography Writer is a great option, especially if your work needs to be top-notch. I do not have experience in this area, but my friend Tom Gilbert is a professional writer...and a great one at that!He has a lot of information on this topic. 6. Draw Memory MapsDon't worry! You don't have to be an artist to do this.In this activity you mentally "return" to your childhood home(s). Find a quiet place to close your eyes and think back. Walk through the rooms of that childhood home. Make a simple sketch of your childhood home, from above, kind of like home plans you see in a magazine. Make simple notes and doodles of the things that you remember. For example, if your dad had a chair that he always sat in after work, draw something that represents that chair. Treat this as if you were giving a tour of your childhood home to someone who had never lived there and did not know you as a child. Go in all of the rooms and don't forget to go into the backyard. Then you may want to wander up and down the street recalling memories from the neighborhood. Other memory maps can be made can be done for your: For more great ideas, for memory maps, get a copy of Memorygrabber, a lifestory workbook! 8. Use a Journal to Organize your ThoughtsWhether you keep a regular journal/diary, use journaling software journaling software or write an online journal, it's really your choice. But, regardless of your decision, just make sure you keep one. It's highly beneficial to you and will become very important to your posterity.8. Fill Out Free Pedigree ChartsEvery autobiography should include ones family tree or pedigree chart. Use the links below to download some great-looking family tree charts for free.Once the charts open, save them to your computer.
9. Use Memory PromptsWe all can use a good reminding, especially when it comes to recalling memories from our past. There are an abundance of them to be found on the Internet.Some examples are: 1. Who were your favorite teachers in school? 2. Who were your childhood friends? 3. Which is your favorite season? Tell why? 4. Who was the oldest family member that you can remember? 5. How did you meet your spouse? 6. How did your parents meet? 7. What kind of part-time jobs did you have as a teenager? ...and so on! A great source of memory prompts can be found in my newly reworked e-book called Memorygrabber. It is complete with 264 pages of fill-in-the-blank pages. Find out more about
Memorygrabber here.
...Or Use My New Journal Writing Prompts Page
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