Qualitative Research: An Introduction to Methods and Designs

Writing Autoethnography

“Okay, I understand how I might start to do autoethnography,” says Susan, “but how do you go about writing it?”

“Good question,” says Carolyn. “Autoethnography is not only a way of conducting research but also a way of representing research; it's both a process and a product. And, like the process, the product is a synthesis of autobiography and ethnography.”

“So there are rules for writing?” asks Cindy.

“Yes,” says Tony. “Consider what it might take to write an autobiography. In most cases, a person must possess a fine command of the print medium, and create an artful and evocative text that engages readers” (Adams, 2008).

“This often means using conventions of storytelling, such as character, scene, and plot development” ...