The Tale of One Life
Writers have been challenged for generations to seek out the
truth, the oddities, the falsehoods, and the tiniest of details
when they decide to write a biography of any person, present or
past.
It is not the well-known facts that will sell copies; however,it
is the little known, the hidden skeletons, and the gossip-type
notes that prompt people to pick up a book about someone's life
and read it. This, in itself, is neither good nor bad. This
point, however, walks a very narrow road before it becomes the
author's perspective or interpretation, and not that of the
subject person, and thereby risks falling into the valley of
pure fantasy. This is especially a danger when writing about
someone no longer with us physically, such as historical
figures. Hearsay has its place and at times is essential in
understanding, but it should come from those intimately or
closely in association with your chosen individual, and not from
those who gained their knowledge from uncertain origin or pure
speculation.
Humans enjoy finding out how others live, how they make their
decisions, and what they felt when confronted with ordinary
events. There should be a touch of glamour, a bit of intrigue,
and humor all rolled up into a life story of just another person
born under different circumstances, given different
opportunities, and with a variety of influences, connections,
and, oh yes, hopes and dreams.
Biographies are read to fulfill the human need to "know" what
others are doing, thinking, and how they spend their time,
talent, and monetary means. People want to learn, compare,
gloat, or gain spiritual insight into how they can combat a
future full of uncertainties, mystery, heartache, and
fulfillment. We are all complex - and as the years advance this
complex nature deepens and widens so that with research and
searching out the best information we have access to,we can
survive and grow. Also, there is the innate urge to pass on
ideas, solutions, and suggestions. The next generation should at
least have a head start on problem solving, and combating the
ghosts from the past while meeting the angels of the future.
If, as a writer, you decide to try your hand at a biography,
there is only one key word, one mantra, one road to follow - and
that is research. Research in the form of reading, interviewing,
asking questions at old haunts and favorite places is a concrete
base to work from.
It is eating in the same cafe, walking the same path, and
placing yourself along the same riverbank to get the "feeling"
of what your subject saw and why that vision may or may not have
had a profound effect. While no author can keep their own
emotions, their own personality out of their writing, the urge
to transpose your individuality into a segment will only take
away from that of the subject individual. Your goal is to gain
insight into where to hunt, who to track down, and to answer the
question of "why."
While all lives protect their right to privacy, any invastion of
this right should always be done discreetly and with only the
highest intentions. We are all gathered on the same planet we
call home.
Even with all the best of modern science and inventions, passing
on a story, relating events, and enabling others to hear from
those they cannot reach on an individual basis, is still the
best way to learn, discern, and gain wisdom. Storytelling will
always be with us no matter now advanced civilization becomes
and whether it is verbally or in print, this form of
communication has withstood the test of time itself and in its
steadfastness there is security that it will continue on. ENJOY!