On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

by William Zinsser

Students often avoid subjects close to their heart—skateboarding, cheerleading, rock music, cars—because they assume that their teachers will regard those topics as “stupid.” No area of life is stupid to someone who takes it seriously. If you follow your affections you will write well and will engage your readers.

Write about what you know and what you think.” They can’t. They don’t think they have permission. I think they get that permission by being born.

The best gift you have to offer when you write personal history is the gift of yourself. Give yourself permission to write about yourself, and have a good time doing it.