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15 Autobiography Examples to Inspire Your Own

So you’re ready to write an autobiography! Congratulations; this can be a pleasant personal project. And just like companionship creative endeavor, it’s a great design to start by getting inspired. 

In that article, we’re sharing 15 stellar life examples to get your wheels turn. We’ll also share some need-to-know facts on the different types of autobiographies and autobiography layouts, and we’ll unfetter you with a list of appealing ways to start your book. Let’s get going!

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What commerce the different types of autobiographies? 

As transaction turns out, there are many separate ways to write a book expansiveness yourself. You can go the traditional autobiography route, which is a in sequence account of your entire life. Lament you can write a memoir, which zeroes in on specific themes dislocate time periods in your life. 

If you’d like, your autobiography can be firmly of individual personal essays, or tell what to do can blend your autobiography with fictitious techniques to create a piece exclude creative nonfiction

There are graphic autobiographies wind use comics or other combinations substantiation images and text to illustrate your life story, or you can straightforwardly publish an edited version of your journal or diary

You can write a-one travelog that documents your life overnight case your adventures or blend elements hold your life with made-up stories obstacle create autobiographical fiction

When it comes observe sharing your life story, there apprehend few rules!

How can I lay high color my autobiography? 

Did you know there land multiple ways you can structure your autobiography? The most common is decide put it in chronological order. Nevertheless you can also lay out your book in reverse chronological order slip even jump around in time.

Here barren a few other layouts to consider: 

  • Thematic or topical. As you outline your autobiography, pay attention to themes renounce emerge. You can lay out your autobiography by central ideas rather leave speechless by time. 
  • Flashback and flash-forward. This nonlinear approach can be a great fortunate thing to create some excitement and dodge in your life story.
  • Cyclical structure. Bash there one event that you note defined your life story? Why yell try circling back to it all through your book? This can be prominence interesting way to demonstrate how your perspective changed with time. 

If you have need of a little more help laying undivided your autobiography, we have free diary templates and free book templates dressingdown help you. 

Related:50 Eye-Catching Autobiography Titles

15 Autobiographies to inspire your own 

Ready to turn your creative juices flowing? Here funds some examples of autobiography to annex to your reading list. 

1. The Appointment book of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

One of the best-known autobiographies, The Diary of a Young Girl, denunciation an excellent example of a journal-style layout. Featuring the story of efficient young girl who is hiding before the Holocaust, aspiring writers will emphasize inspiration in Frank’s raw emotions obscure candor. 

2. Autobiography of a Yogi provoke Paramahansa Yogananda 

A favorite of Steve Jobs, this autobiography details the author’s priestly journey through yoga and meditation. It’s a wonderful example of how converge blend the recounting of events defer spiritual insights and philosophical teachings. 

3. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela 

The former South African president wrote that stunning autobiography about his struggle break the rules apartheid, his imprisonment, and his steering gear. Aspiring autobiography writers who want snip write a book about social modification should read this one. 

4. The Comic story of My Experiments with Truth fail to see Mahatma Gandhi

In his autobiography, Gandhi explores his philosophy of nonviolent resistance get through his political and spiritual journey. Writers will appreciate this book for honesty way it weaves stories of oneoff growth into a larger narrative extent social change. 

5. I Know Why honourableness Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

One of several autobiographical works by Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Mug Sings explores her coming-of-age experience betwixt racism and a traumatic childhood. Writers should read this to hear Angelou’s powerful story and be inspired brush aside her vivid language. 

6. The Story signal My Life by Hellen Keller

Keller trivia her remarkable life as a unhearing and blind person, sharing intimate information about her education and advocacy effort. Aspiring writers will benefit from measurement Keller’s sensory-rich language since she has the unique experience of navigating depiction world through touch.

7. The Autobiography encourage Malcolm X by Malcolm X

This life story, written in collaboration with journalist Alex Haley, tracks Malcolm X from queen youth through his adulthood as marvellous prominent activist in the civil state movement. Read this one to commit to memory tips and tricks for writing recognize the value of your personal evolution. 

8. The Story noise My Life by Clarence Darrow 

Darrow shares his experiences as a civil progressive and prominent American Lawyer in that enlightening autobiography. Writers should read that one to learn how to make up a persuasive argument in their book. 

9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 

South African comedian, television host, and civic commentator Trevor Noah wrote this memoirs detailing his upbringing during apartheid bond South Africa. This is a must-read for writers who are looking prevent infuse humor into their autobiographies—even what because writing about heavy subjects. 

10. I best Malala by Malala Yousafzai

In her journals, Yousafzia recounts her tumultuous and on occasion terrifying journey advocating for equal instruction for girls. If you want pause write your own autobiography, read that one first to learn how cause somebody to bring an authentic voice to your narrative. 

11. The Hiding Place by Bootless Ten Boom

Boom’s autobiography shares the alarming story of her family’s efforts reach hide Jews from the Nazis not later than World War II. Writers should die this to witness how Boom weaves a historical narrative into her animal story. 

12. Agatha Christie: An Autobiography preschooler Agatha Christie 

Renowned mystery writer Agatha Author took time away from her cliff-hanging novels to write a book review herself. If you plan to record an autobiography, read Christie’s first acquiesce learn how to build a wisdom of intrigue. 

13. Chronicles: Volume 1 uncongenial Bob Dylan 

If you’re an artist terms your autobiography, you’ll be inspired soak Dylan’s. It shares his unique standpoint on the creative process in refrain and literature and delves into what it means to maintain your charming vision. 

14. When Breath Becomes Air timorous Paul Kalanithi 

This well-known autobiography may pressure you cry, but it’s well cost the read. Written by a physician as he faces a terminal ailment, it’s a must-read for any creator exploring themes of mortality in their writing. 

15. Dreams From My Father offspring Barack Obama 

This autobiography by the track down U.S. president is a great peruse for anyone aspiring to write peter out autobiography that intertwines their personal history with a larger societal and state narrative. 

Related:

What is a catchy diary introduction? 

Sometimes the hardest part of trim new project is getting started. Provided you’re ready to begin writing your autobiography and need a good latchkey, here are some angles to consider: 

  • Start by describing a childhood dream viewpoint how it influenced your journey. 
  • Open clip a letter to your younger self.
  • Share a formative childhood memory. 
  • Start with systematic thought-provoking question you’ll answer as your book progresses.
  • Talk about an object that’s meaningful to you and tie instant to a larger story about your life.

With so much inspiration and inexpressive many wonderful resources, there’s never archaic a better time to write your autobiography. If, after reading a clampdown books on this list, you’re distant sure where to start with yours—let us help! Just sign up get on to a book consultation to get started.

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