Journalist Neil Daniels: "I Am Currently Writing AL ATKINS' Autobiography"
December 21, 2007, 16 years ago
Rock/metal journalist Neil Daniels has issued the following "diary" entry:
"Autobiography and Biography...In response to an interview I did recently by email with the Swedish website Metal Shrine (www.metalshrine.se) in which I jokingly said that I’d still like to write ROB HALFORD’s autobiography, there has been some comments made that say I don’t know the difference between ‘autobiography’ and ‘biography.’
One such email from a guy in America named Brian Kelly reads:
“Some free advice - get a dictionary and learn the difference between AUTOBIOGRAPHY, AND BIOGRAPHY... you'll find it'll be physically impossible for anyone BUT Rob Halford to write his autobiography, lol.”Well, Brian I’ve got news for you: rarely does a rock star, actor or celebrity ever write their autobiography either because (a) they can’t write (b) they don’t have the time to write (c) they simply can’t be bothered or (d) why bother when somebody else can do it for less money? A professional writer will write the subject’s autobiography on their behalf hence my line in the interview: “I'd still love to write Rob Halford’s autobiography. I doubt that will happen now...”
Example: ERIC CLAPTON's recent book simply called The Autobiography, was written by a professional writer/journalist NOT by Clapton; he provided the sources and time with interviews, etc., but he didn’t write it. Obviously the subject has full control but the subject does not write the book.
I am currently writing (original JUDAS PRIEST singer) AL ATKINS’ autobiography; he is the narrator, I am the writer.
So there!
Neil."
