Journalists, biographers and other non-fiction writers may be questioned about their sources, their expertise and whether their personal opinions and beliefs had any impact on their work. But those who write fiction, songs or poetry are more likely to be asked if their work is, in any way, about themselves.
The simplest answer to the latter question is that personal experience is a prerequisite to writing. One cannot tell stories, describe characters or convey ideas without reflecting on their own life. Of course, this does not mean that the story, song or poem is autobiographical; rather, writers draw on their personal experience when giving voice to the work while, at the same time, striving to evoke universal emotions.
Perhaps this sounds disingenuous to some, especially to those who "see themselves" in the author's tale. No doubt, personal reflections may surface during the creative process but they, after all, are what motivate the writer.
