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How to Write a Mini Biography

It may seem absurd to sum up a life in 300 words or less. Often journalist, authors, students and others in the writing profession are asked to write "mini-biographies" for themselves and others. It may be for a magazine profile, an on-line database or just a short newspaper snippet to accompany a byline. It can be mind numbing sitting down at that keyboard deciding which words to choose to convey the importance of a life lived. With just a touch of planning, however, you can do it with ease.

Instructions

    • 1

      Gather your information via interview, research or from your own memory.

    • 2

      Choose a tone. Is your subject a serious person, a comedian or a criminal? In such a short body of work, your tone needs to be obvious, as does the subject's personality.

    • 3

      List the three most noteworthy or personally reflective events, facts or trivial anecdotes regarding your subject.

    • 4

      Write those three events, facts or anecdotes into a three part thesis statement. For example, "John Smith is a new father, home brewer and tamer of rabid chihuahuas." Keep in mind the tone you want for this mini biography.

    • 5

      Write the rest of your mini biography as if you were writing the introductory paragraph for an essay about the person's life. Give slight elaboration on your three part thesis.

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