Biography has long been a respected genre of writing. As a people, we are fascinated by the lives of others. We want to know what they experienced, how they overcame obstacles, what made them tick.
For this week’s writing prompt, write a biography. Now, biographies can go on for hundreds and hundreds of pages (spanning lives of 80+ years). Maybe the sketch you start from this prompt will become one of these impressive projects, but it’s okay if it doesn’t. Instead, strive to write just a piece of someone’s life, a small snippet that perfectly sketches out one unique experience. You can attempt to write the biography of a friend, family member, or even a famous figure. If you are writing over a friend or family member, then interview them and ask them about some specific moment in their life. Maybe you’re curious about their youth, marriage, or experience of an important historical event. If you’re writing about a famous figure, then research! The internet holds treasure troves of knowledge, of course. But challenge yourself and be diligent to look for different sources as well. Try even to find primary sources (the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas houses very exciting primary resources, for example).
Capture, if only briefly, the experience of another individual and why it matters.
Happy writing, friends!
– Annie
