Should An Author Share Their Own Experiences?

[Denv12]

Hi.

I'm writing a dating advice book. What I would like to know is,should an author give some examples of their own experiences? Do readers like reading examples of an author's experiences? Is it a good idea or not?

Thanks.

[binghams04]

I enjoy reading about personal experiences but I don't like when it takes up lots of the book. I feel it is good to share your own experiences, as long as, it is a small part of the whole.

[spencermack]

If it helps build your narrative it's effective. Connecting with the reader on a personal level can build positive rapport.

[EllieLieberman]

I think author's experiences in non-fiction books can be excellent when used well. Just like with any tool in writing, it is not something you want to do too much of. That being said, personal experience of the author can help to validate that you know what you're talking about, can help the reader connect to both the author and the subject matter on a personal level, and can help to illustrate a point.

[lisalynn]

Any self-help or informational book of this type is filled with antidotal examples. Your personal experiences are probably what led you to write the book anyway, so some of the examples can be personal.

[DATo]

Well, I'd say that if you actually experienced the thing you are going to talk about your comments are validated and worthy of citation as real-life examples of the points you wish to make. As far as how they are presented: you don't have to say that they are from personal experience. You can simply cite them as examples.

[Kister Bless]

I think they should to encourage the newbies in writing.

[ErikaP13]

Hi.

I'm writing a dating advice book. What I would like to know is,should an author give some examples of their own experiences? Do readers like reading examples of an author's experiences? Is it a good idea or not?

Thanks.

I think it could help bring the advice you're trying to give into a more concrete realm. It might also give some solid substantiation to what you're saying. just be careful to not overdo it.

[Bles]

Yeah sure so that others can learn from their experience.

[Azariah Scott]

I enjoy reading about personal experiences but I don't like when it takes up lots of the book. I feel it is good to share your own experiences, as long as, it is a small part of the whole.

I agree with this.

Just be careful not to lecture an idea. I watch videos on charisma and how to do certain things and the guy that does the videos shares a lot of his personal experiences and it works because he shares the positive and the negative. He isn't the focus because he shares what he has found that other people have done that worked and didn't work.

I think personal experiences are good to share in moderation and with balance.

[Divya Tamilselvan]

It is of course a good idea. Authors can share their own experiences so that readers will feel more connected and people will get to know real life examples.

[F N Chamomile]

I think author's experiences in non-fiction books can be excellent when used well. Just like with any tool in writing, it is not something you want to do too much of. That being said, personal experience of the author can help to validate that you know what you're talking about, can help the reader connect to both the author and the subject matter on a personal level, and can help to illustrate a point.

Agreed. I'd say do it because it can emphasize your expertise. But you should do so only moderately because your readers may take your book the wrong way. For example, it may seem too one-sided, resulting in your readers being unable to relate with what you write.