Writing an Original Biography Paper

To a beginning researcher, it might seem difficult to create an original biography. Most famous people already have books written about them, so you may wonder how you can possibly come up with anything original. All of the important facts have been covered!

So how do you write an interesting biography that doesn't sound just like one of the many books you have collected for your sources? Just think smaller!

You really have many options when it comes to writing a biography. All you have to do is zero in on one or two small but intriguing aspects of your subject's life and discover your own "angle." Find something in your subject's childhood or work history that appeals to you, then make that a major point of focus. You can find clues in those already-published sources and build upon them.

For example, a quick search of Thomas Jefferson biographies shows that authors chose to write about Jefferson's family relationships, his famous home, his writings, his attitudes toward slavery, and many other aspects of his life.

If you are struggling to come up with a list of sources or an original angle for your biography--just try to think small. Find an intriguing nugget and build upon it. For instance, you could focus on:

• An unusual job your subject held before becoming famous. How did that affect his or her later decisions? (Ronald Reagan was an actor!)
• A difficult childhood situation. What was the impact?
• Unique experiences, like living in a prison camp or sailing across the Atlantic for months. What was that like?
• A significant time in history. What was it like to live in the US during the Civil War?

Once you find a special angle for your biography, you'll find you have an endless list of sources. Each small topic opens up a world of opportunities!