1. Choosing Your Subject
* Personal Interest: Start with someone who fascinates you! Maybe it's a historical figure, a relative, a local hero, or even a contemporary artist.
* Relevance: Consider subjects whose lives connect to current events, social issues, or historical periods. Their stories can offer valuable perspectives.
* Accessibility: Choose someone with a reasonable amount of information available. While obscure figures can be challenging, ensure you can access enough resources.
2. Basic Facts & Timeline
* Name: Full name, any aliases, nicknames
* Dates: Birth date, death date (if applicable), major life events
* Location: Birthplace, places of residence, significant travel
* Family: Parents, siblings, spouse(s), children
* Occupation: Profession, significant achievements, notable works
* Education: Schools attended, degrees earned
* Key Events: Major turning points, successes, failures, controversies
3. Interesting Research Areas
* Unpublished Letters/Diaries: These provide intimate details, often not found in public records.
* Oral Histories: Interviews with family, friends, or colleagues can add personal touches.
* Archival Materials: Museums, libraries, and historical societies might have documents, photos, or artifacts.
* Contemporary Accounts: Newspaper articles, magazine features, or even blog posts from the time period.
* Unique Perspectives: Examine your subject through different lenses (gender, race, class, etc.) to uncover new insights.
4. Filling in the Gaps
* Connect the Dots: How did key events shape your subject's life? What were the motivations and consequences of their decisions?
* Unanswered Questions: What mysteries remain about their life? Are there sources that could provide answers?
* Alternative Interpretations: How have historians or biographers viewed the subject's life differently? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each interpretation?
5. Writing the Biography
* Structure: Choose a narrative approach that works for your subject. Chronological, thematic, or even a "day in the life" style.
* Voice: Establish your tone. Is it objective, analytical, or more personal?
* Sources: Be meticulous in citing your research. Use footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography.
* Engaging Writing: Avoid dry facts. Bring your subject to life through vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and dialogue.
6. Bibliography
* Format: Use a consistent style (MLA, Chicago, etc.).
* Content: Include all books, articles, interviews, websites, and archival materials used.
* Organization: Alphabetize entries by author's last name.
Example Bibliography Entry
* Book: Smith, John. *The Life and Times of Jane Doe*. New York: HarperCollins, 2023.
* Journal Article: Jones, Mary. "The Legacy of Jane Doe." *Journal of American History*, vol. 100, no. 3, 2013, pp. 87-105.
* Website: "Jane Doe Biography." *The Jane Doe Foundation*, www.janedoefoundation.org/biography. Accessed 15 February 2024.
Remember: A biography is more than just a list of facts. It's a story that brings a person to life, explores their impact on the world, and leaves the reader with a deeper understanding.