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I would like to write an absurd fictional biography/memoir

How do I go about it?

What does Autobiographical Science fiction inspire you?

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    Autobiographies of fictional characters is an established form of fiction. A good example in the science fiction genreis Bio of a Space Tyrant by Piers Anthony. That said, asking how to go about writing such works is a spectacularly broad request which cannot possibly be answered on a forum such as this. Focus in on one aspect of the writing process and ask a smaller scale question. We are happy to help but need a tighter-defined direction before we can even try. Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 6:02
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    Hello and welcome to Writers SE! I suggest you to edit your question a bit: it is too short, and it is not very clear what you're asking and what you're trying to achieve. If you develop a bit your case, more answers might come in help!
    – FraEnrico
    Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 10:00
  • Bro, what the heck are you on? Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 20:11
  • I am trying to "combine autobiography with fiction (...) take aspects of my real life and combine them, more or less seamlessly, with science fiction and fantasy elements" The story is about a character (me, which I reveal later) that as decided to digitally clone and enhance his digital self with Artificial Intelligence to become a famous rich and successful person. Which he failed to do with his real life.
    – user108180
    Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 20:17
  • @user108180 This sounds like a first person point of view story, not an autobiography. If it were an autobiography, all of the elements of the story would have actually happened in real life. Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 20:31

1 Answer 1

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There are basically three approaches to this:

1) Present fiction as autobiography: In other words, write whatever you want, but in the first person, optionally as a character with your name.

2) Present autobiography as fiction: So here (for example) you're writing about your relationship with your first girlfriend, but it takes place in space.

3) Combine autobiography with fiction: This is what Philip K. Dick did in works like Valis --take aspects of his real life and combine them, more or less seamlessly, with science fiction and fantasy elements.

The first approach is more or less pointless --or rather, it's just fiction with a first person narrator. The third approach is very meta-fictional, it will probably lend a surreal edge to your work. The second approach is used widely, and without much fanfare, by many authors, who use it to add depth and realism to an otherwise invented circumstance.

Whichever one you are using, you'll still need to make sure it has ll the elements of a satisfying story --including dramatic tension, and a believably flawed protagonist. A transparent wish-fulfillment fantasy might be gratifying to you, but it's unlikely to appeal to an audience.

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  • The Chronicles of Amber are a fine example of approach 1. The two pentologies are each written autobiographically, covering imporant events in the lives of a father and son.
    – Zeiss Ikon
    Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 19:14
  • I am trying to "combine autobiography with fiction (...) take aspects of my real life and combine them, more or less seamlessly, with science fiction and fantasy elements" The story is about a character (me, which I reveal later) that as decided to digitally clone and enhance his digital self with Artificial Intelligence to become a famous rich and successful person. Which he failed to do with his real life
    – user108180
    Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 20:18
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    @user108180 - Not "wish" as a plot element, but in terms of being a fantasy version of something you would like to have happen in real life. People tend to find other people's explorations of their private dreams very tedious unless something is done to make them both more believable and more relatable. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Sue for more. Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 21:02
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    @ggiaquin not sure if you see what I mean?
    – user108180
    Commented Nov 16, 2017 at 21:58
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    I think that sounds like a great SF story idea. I can't make any promises that I'll have time to read it, but my email is in my profile. Commented Nov 17, 2017 at 3:49

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