What do I put in a bio (total newbie) please?

[youkiddingme]

Hi, I've just started trying my hand at writing. Ploughing on with a first draft. Just done a free writing course. Also trying to have a bash at anything I come across which inspires me. I have a short story I want to submit and am asked to write a short bio to go with it. I have no idea what to put in a bio, given I have barely written anything yet.

Any pointers please?

Oh gosh. It could be anything. Is there any guidance at all? You could look at literary agencies to see the author bios there. Generally....if people have a lot of literary credits or experience then they put that down. If they don’t, they put something about where they live, family, and cats.

I’m judging a literary competition this year. There are four of us. The ones who have had loads of books published have listed them. The ones who haven’t have detailed the genre of books they like, and other booky things (are they a bookseller/work in publishing etc). Does that help a bit?

Mine is just a bit about my background, previous pre writing career and how I spend my weekends. As I haven't won any awards I couldn't put that! It's written in third person. So something like 'Louisa always dreamed of being a writer but spent 20 years as an electrical engineer before she was able to devote more time to it. She lives in Liverpool where she spends her weekends kayaking and visiting the cinema.' (obvs none of that though!)

Very helpful replies, thank you so much.