By the way, here is the 25 word bio on his homepage:
Born in Cork 1955
Grew up in the coastal village of Whitegate
Educated at University College Cork
Degree in Philosophy & English
Married. Two sons.
I go back and forth on this issue. As not only a writer, but an avid reader, I like to Google my favorite authors and see what they’re up to. Sometimes reading a review, interview or a blog post by or about them makes me want to buy another of their books. But as a shy kid, who grew up to be an introverted writer, I am always challenged by putting a lot of information out there. Yet, I still do it.
What do you think? Do you like knowing the personal details of the writers you read? Would 25 words be enough? As always, I’d love to hear from you.
P.S. Here’s the bio page on my website. It’s at least 500 words, maybe more. Could you do your own bio in 25 words? If you can–and you feel like sharing–please put it in the comment section!
P.S. I am an ex-shrink who writes novels. Check out my books here.
Putting yourself, your life, your personality out there is definitely a double-edged sword. On one hand, marketers will tell you to do just that. Be out there! Create a following! Get people interested in YOU! And yeah, I’m doing it to some degree, but I admit I’m a little wary because, in my experience, it’s best for me not to know too much about the authors, actors, singers (etc) whose work I admire because when I start looking, about half the time, I find something off-putting about them personally which makes it more difficult (sometimes impossible) for me to continue to appreciate their work in the same way.
As for a 25 word bio, brevity has never been my strong suit, although of course I could follow Wall’s template…
Although of course I keep a blog, and the website is right up there advertising for me, I’ve often thought about going against the crowd and not doing any promo. In fact, Thomas Pynchon and I were talking about this the other day as we were posing for new photographer’s headshots. Seriously, I think people like this have the right idea. Aren’t we all sick of Kardashians by now?
It seems that showing off every moment of your life is what people who have little to offer do. When Isaac Asimov got his post doc degree, he debated getting stationary that read “Dr. Isaac Asimov” or “Isaac Asimov, PhD” etc. He finally just went with the simple “Isaac Asimov.” He figured the name spoke for itself. Similarly whenever I see a web page or advertisement and the person doing the sales pitch impresses you too much with their “qualifications,” I am put off.
My bio in 25 words or less: John Grabowski†was born on the east coast and now lives in Northern California. Entertaining Welsey Shaw is his first novel.
There! 21 words (or 19, depending on what you count). Actually I rather like it. I might add another line about past work experience that includes TV news and advertising, to account for the fact that I have met and talked to some celebrities over my lifetime, but that’s about it.
†Does that count as two words right there? I mean, you kinda have to use those two, so it’s really 23 words.
Interestingly, speaking of private people, just saw this today. I’m glad he’s getting the American Masters treatment. Always had great respect for Mr. Carson—another very private individual.
https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2012/01/johnny-carson-gets-the-american-masters-treatment.html‘
Thanks for the great comments. It seems there are pros and cons for both positions. Hopefully, we can find our own happy medium and know instinctively when we’re selling out our need for privacy.
Like William Wall, I don’t think my life is that interesting. I work hard. I write. With every story or poem, I aim for my own personal greatness. I am always seeking mastery. I guess there are worse things and better things to seek. But if you were to watch me do what I do on any given day, it would look a lot like sitting around.
I love you guys. Keep those comments coming.
Also, from one of our lovely email subscribers and a comment on facebook:
“Hi Susan, I loved your bio…that could be that I am such a curious person—I want to know everything about everybody. Annoying to some and a release for others. I should have become a therapist, like you, but I decided to go into teaching instead. Loved teaching but I think I would have been a better therapist. Knowing what makes people tick is awesome. I retired several years ago and now dabble in poetry. I feel at peace with poetry and yes, it is an intimate experience for me.
I could write my bio in 25 words, but it would be boring.
Happy New Year Susan,
Mary”
Thanks, Mary. Always great to hear from you.
And from my pal, eston, on facebook: “Born 1932 in New Orleans, LA. graduated Berry College, UNC-CH, three years in USMC, married Dorothy H., 1956, five children–one boy, four girls. That 25 words, Susan!”