(Sorry to do this on the SDMB, folks, but her e-mail’s not listed in her profile and I’d like to ask her some questions. If a moderator objects, I’ll understand if this thread is closed. Thanks.)
Hi Eve,
I am wondering if you wouldn’t mind giving me some pointers on researching and writing a biography. I normally write fiction (short stories, film screenplays, an in-progress novel, etc.) but I have this inkling of a thought to write a biography about my grandfather, who died nine years before I was born. I don’t know too much about him and I figure that writing one would be a good way to both learn about him, as well as pay tribute to him (I’m named after him).
Could you please e-mail me (michael@chanceofrain.com) so I can bug you for tips and things? I’ll understand if you don’t want to, but you’re the only published and successful biographer I have (limited) access to, so I’m hoping you could help me out. I promise not to be too much of a bother, I’m simply curious how to begin and where to get a foothold to focus on.
Oh, since this seems to be question time for EVE, I have some questions about publishing. I eventually want to get a book of my poetry published, but nave little me knows shit about getting this done. Would it be posssible to have some advice via email for this? ssskuggiii@evilbastards.com
Yes, please Eve, oh wonderfully revered writer. Please help to advise these young folk on their way to a true literary career.
[sub](I couldn’t stand to see ssskuggiii begging out in the streets of Miami for change for her next meal…)[/sub]
OK, I figure my answers will be fairly short, so I’ll post them here in case anyone’s interested.
First off, “writing a biography” and “getting published” are two very different things. I assume, Montfort, that you want to write a personal history for yourself and your family? Which is terrific. Step one is hammering out a chronology. This is the hardest part for me, I’m just doing it now for my new book. Make a skeleton or chart of the outline: what he was doing, where he was, year by year, month by month. THEN you start filling it in. Since he was a relative, of course you have to interview (on tape!) as many friends and coworkers as you can. Also research his times: the era and place he grew up and lived, as that always effects a person’s life.
SSS, I ain’t a poet and I know it. I’d say go to the bookstore and look for similar books of poetry, then call the publishers of those and ask them their submission policies. Get a NAME to submit to, not just c/o the publisher.
Yes, that’s exactly what I want. If more than fifteen people want to read this, I’ll be amazed. Of course, I’m thinking the same thing about the novel I’m writing presently, too.
Very good advise. This is what I was looking for in my OP. Thank you very much. My grandmother (his widow) is still alive and for the most part, very cognizant. I should interview her while she’s still able to remember things, and my uncles will be very helpful as well. I only live an hour and a half from the town he lived in with my father until he died, so I can go there and check things out (and, visit his grave, something I haven’t done in almost 20 years).
Actually, I find that my fiction writing isn’t all that much “fun” but it’s something that I have to do. Of course, it’s a lot better than “having to” kill people, so I won’t complain. I don’t think this biographical endeavour will be too much fun, either, but we’ll see.
Eve,
I just wanted to tell you that I took your Anna Held book with me on my trip to Ireland, and I enjoyed it very much. I thought it was very interesting and well-done. Looking forward to the next one!
On the town, you mean? It’s not that small (Lebanon, PA, near Harrisburg), and I really doubt he was well known by anyone who’d be in that position. I know he didn’t write memoirs since he died unexpectedly (car accident).
Like I’ve said, I can’t imagine a market for this biography except for those with the same last name as me (not including Shayna :)), so I’ll see if anyone there remembers him.
Thanks again. I must admit I’m not a big biography reader (I generally don’t like reading non-fiction; the last bio I read was Berg’s Lindberg because I was considering a novel based on the kidnapping of the Lindberg Baby), but the next one I do pick up will definitely be one of yours!
