Commissioned Books: Crafting Compelling Life Stories

Are you an author looking to expand your writing repertoire? Or perhaps you’ve been approached to write someone’s biography or memoir? Our latest video, “Commissioned Books,” delves into the art of creating meaningful and authentic representations of people’s lives. Let’s explore the key insights and techniques for crafting these powerful narratives.

Introduction

Writing a commissioned book is a unique challenge that requires a blend of interviewing skills, narrative crafting, and emotional intelligence. Whether you’re tackling a political biography or preserving family legacies, the process of capturing someone’s life story is both an art and a science. This post will guide you through the essential steps and considerations for creating a compelling commissioned book.

As an author helping others with their biographies, memoirs, or legacy books, it’s crucial to have a structured approach to the process. Let’s break this down into three stages: pre-interview, during the interview, and post-interview expectations.

Pre-Interview Questions

Before starting the project, consider asking the following questions:

1. What inspired you to write this book?
2. Who is your target audience?
3. What themes or ideas do you want to explore in your book?
4. Do you have a specific period or events you want to focus on?
5. Are there any sensitive topics or people you want to include or exclude?
6. What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
7. Have you collected any materials (photos, letters, documents) that might be useful?

During the Interview

When conducting the interview, consider these questions:

1. Can you tell me about your earliest memories?
2. Who were the most influential people in your life?
3. What were some of the happiest and saddest moments in your life?
4. How has your life been different than what you’d imagined?
5. What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
6. Can you describe any pivotal moments that changed the course of your life?
7. What are your proudest accomplishments?
8. How would you like to be remembered?
9. Are there any family stories or traditions that have been particularly meaningful to you?
10. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Expectations for the Finished Product

For the finished product, you should expect:

1. A well-structured narrative:

   The book should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, even if it’s not strictly chronological

2. Thematic coherence:

   The story should revolve around central themes or questions that give it purpose and direction

3. Emotional depth:

   The narrative should go beyond mere facts to explore the subject’s feelings, motivations, and personal growth

4. Authenticity:

   The voice should be genuine to the subject’s personality

5. Context:

   The story should be placed within the broader historical and cultural context of the subject’s life

6. Balance:

   There should be a good mix of personal anecdotes, reflections, and factual information

7. Engaging writing:

   The prose should be clear, vivid, and compelling, bringing the subject’s experiences to life for the reader

8. Reflection and insight:

   The book should offer meaningful reflections on life experiences, not just a recounting of events

9. Respect for privacy:

   Sensitive information should be handled with care, respecting the privacy of the subject and others mentioned in the book

10. A clear takeaway:

    The book should leave readers with a strong sense of the subject’s life journey and the lessons or insights they’ve gained

Remember, whether it’s a biography, memoir, or legacy book, the goal is to create a meaningful and authentic representation of the subject’s life and experiences. The finished product should not only inform but also inspire and connect with readers on an emotional level.

Commissioned Books: Lessons Learned and Improvement Methods

Pre-Interview Preparation

1. Define the Purpose: Understand what inspired the book and who the target audience is. This will shape the tone and content of your writing.
2. Set Clear Parameters: Establish the themes, periods, and specific events to focus on. This helps maintain a focused narrative.
3. Address Sensitive Topics: Discuss any off-limit subjects or privacy concerns upfront to avoid awkward situations during the interview.

Conducting Effective Interviews

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Use prompts like “What are your earliest memories?” or “How has your life been different than you imagined?” to encourage detailed responses.
2. Explore Pivotal Moments: Inquire about life-changing experiences and the lessons learned from them.
3. Capture Personal Reflections: Ask about your proudest accomplishments and how they’d like to be remembered to add depth to the narrative.

Crafting the Narrative

1. Develop a Structured Story: Ensure your narrative has a clear beginning, middle, and end, even if it’s not strictly chronological.
2. Maintain Thematic Coherence: Keep the central themes and questions consistent throughout the book.
3. Balance Facts and Emotions: Combine personal anecdotes with factual information to create an engaging and authentic story.

Polishing the Final Product

1. Ensure Authenticity: The subject’s voice should shine through, genuine to their personality.
2. Provide Context: Place the story within the broader historical and cultural context of the subject’s life.
3. Respect Privacy: Handle sensitive information with care, respecting the privacy of all individuals mentioned.
4. Create a Clear Takeaway: Leave readers with a strong sense of the subject’s life journey and the insights gained.

Conclusion

Writing a commissioned book is a rewarding experience that allows you to bring someone’s life story to the page. By following these guidelines, you can create a narrative that not only informs but also inspires and connects with readers on an emotional level. Remember, the goal is to craft an authentic representation of your subject’s experiences, balancing factual accuracy with emotional depth.

By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about maintaining objectivity in your writing, don’t forget to check out our post on “Navigating Writing Bias” for valuable insights on crafting balanced narratives!

What Is Bias In Writing?

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#WritingTips, #BiographyWriting, #authoradvice, #MemoirWriting, #LegacyBuilding, #CreativeWriting, #interviewtechniques,