How Author Background Affects What They Write

The picture here is of me when I was five years old. This is part of my background story.

You see, it’s always been the case with me that when I read somebody else’s research results, nonfiction articles, and books, or I hear stories related to what I’m trying to figure out, I want to know the background of the author. How did their own experiences impact what they are saying now? So, in case you’re like me in this regard, this post is about me and about my experiences and views. That way, you’ll know where I’m coming from when I do my writing, speaking and sharing with you. And share I will.

Many people who read my work are likely from different generations, cultures, and experiences than my own. When we understand what came before us — what the experiential and historic context was — we can add that into the equation of what’s going on around us now and what may have formed our own views and opinions.

In Chapter 5 of The 5 Levels of Gifted Children Grown Up: What They Tell Us (Ruf, D. 2023), for example, you will see how people you had to deal with (e.g., your parents) formed their personal views and beliefs before you were born. And for those readers and listeners thinking about their own parenting or teaching, you can start to see that personal views and beliefs are not necessarily great for each youngster with…