Biography: Life lessons
A good biography demands attention to detail, good research skills and a great story. Three authors talk to Mary Hogarth about the secrets of their craft.
Writing a biography is difficult. It requires painstaking research, attention to detail plus the ability to get people to talk. Biographers also need a nose for a good story as well as a fascination for human nature to capture those quirky characteristics of their subject. Without memoirs we would lack valuable insights into those lives that have shaped the future. But what makes a good biographer? And how can new writers learn their craft?
Three experienced biographers – Geoffrey Wansell, Andrew Lownie and Vin Arthey give fascinating insight and share their expertise.
Find your subject
Geoffrey Wansell started as a journalist. Like most reporters, he prides himself on ‘writing for the reader’. His first commission was a book on Sir James Goldsmith, which he reveals came about by accident while working on Now!, a weekly news magazine, owned by Sir James.
‘While there I met Jimmy and thought what a fascinating figure, I want to write a book about him. Fortunately I had a contact who said he could find me a publisher.’
Like many starting out Geoffrey admits he didn’t know how to write a biography. So he started by applying the same principles he used as national newspaper reporter and a feature writer. ‘I began by creating a scene and sense of person to bring the characters alive. Because I am writing about extraordinary people I try to always make characters come alive.’
Soon a commission for another memoir followed. ‘It started with a phone call while writing the Observer Pendennis column. One of Cary Grant’s contacts rang to ask if I would like to interview him. I was given a time at London address, along with instructions to press the bell marked B and ask for Carole. To my amazement Cary himself answered. After the interview I wanted to write about him.’