This document provides a checklist for writers to consider when creating a profile or portrayal of a subject. It prompts writers to reflect on whether they truly understand their subject's inner and outer selves, the long-term significance of the subject's life, and whether their portrayal will maintain reader interest and share the writer's perspective. Writers are also encouraged to determine their emphasis, level of detail, approach, sourcing of information, how their work differs from prior coverage, and whether their representation is fair and supported by evidence.

1. Writer’s
profile checklist
Notes from Art and Artifact by Lynn z.
Bloom

2. Do I know my subject?
• Do I know my subject’s inner and outer self?
• Do I understand the long-term significance of
their life?

3. Is my reaction positive or negative?
• Will I sustain my reader’s interest?
• Are my readers likely to share my opinion?
• How will this effect how I present the
information?

4. What is my emphasis?
• Character or personality?
• The unusual or commonplace?
• Activities, skills or lack of?
• Roles and relationships?
• Growth and maturation?
• Time and place?
• Membership in a group?

5. How selective or comprehensive am I?
• Do I say enough?
• Do I restrict my portrait?

6. What approach do I use to create my profile?
• Descriptive
• Dramatic
• Impressionistic
• Historical or contextual

7. Do I have enough information from primary
sources?
• Primary and secondary?
• Reliable?
• Accurate?
• Up to date?

8. Has the subject been written about before?
• What new information am I bringing to the
table?

9. Do I successfully recreate my subject’s mannerisms?
• Speaking
• Gesturing
• Verbal and nonverbal communication

10. Is my representation fair?
• Do I interpret?
• Do I provide enough evidence?