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How To Write an Autobiography Introduction

How To Write An Autobiography Introduction

If you look at the average autobiography introduction, you’ll usually find a story about how that person was born. Even though an autobiography is a life story, to the reader, the person is just a character. Readers need a frame of reference in order to begin getting to know you.

Even though an autobiography is a life story, to the reader, the person is just a character. Click To Tweet

The goal is actually rather simple: you’re essentially saying “Hello” for the first time.

How you would introduce yourself to a stranger? That’s essentially how you’ll write this introduction in a memorable way. The stories that you normally tell to break the ice will do so for your readers if you put them into writing.

Here are some general rules to follow if you want your autobiography introduction to be truly memorable.

#1. Focus your introduction the main point your book is trying to make.

When you’re telling a life story, there must be a certain thesis or theme woven into the various chapters of your autobiography to engage the reader. There is a point to what you’re writing. If you include that point within your autobiography introduction to give readers an idea of what to expect, you’ll help to pique their interest for the next story you have to offer.

#2. Give your readers a preview of your topics.

Autobiographies are a great way to safely ask difficult questions that might not get asked otherwise. This is because you’re using your life as the safety net for those questions. When you can give the reader a taste of what topics you’ll be covering throughout the autobiography, you’ll give them the chance to decide if they want to invest time to read the rest of what you’ve written.

#3. Is there one event that forever altered your life?

Like a movie that starts at a key point near the end of the story, an autobiography introduction can begin at the one key moment where everything began to change for you. Sharing the epiphany you had can help you connect to readers on a very personal level, especially if they’ve had life circumstances that were similar to your own. Just make sure you bring readers back to this key point somewhere within the body text of your autobiography as well so you create a harmonious document.

#4. Discuss what makes you tick as a person.

Sometimes it is more important to establish the rhythms of your narrative in your autobiography than to establish an idea or a thesis statement. This applies especially when your narrative may be difficult for the average reader to follow. By letting the reader see your style before you get into your main stories, you’ll lessen the shock their eyes receive.

#5. Choose something about yourself that you feel is completely unique.

This will help readers begin to understand why you are different. You don’t have to be a celebrity to publish an autobiography. You just need to have life experiences to share which others may find to be valuable. Discuss in the autobiography introduction what makes you different and why you feel that is important. It will help others begin to connect with you while you establish your credentials as someone who is worthy to have their life stories told.

#6. Remember your formatting.

The formatting of your autobiography introduction should be the same as the rest of your document. If you’re writing a novel-sized narration (120,000-ish words), then you may wish to include this introduction as a separate chapter. If writing an essay, you’ll want to follow whatever writing style you plan to follow (expository, persuasive, or analytical). If you’ve chosen your citation format, remember to cite any outside sources in parenthetical form as needed.

#7. Be yourself.

Far too often, an autobiography introduction falls flat because people try too hard to be something they are not. Just be yourself. Write what comes to mind. Edit that thought after you write it down a couple of times to help merge it into the primary text you’ve created. If you’re just starting your autobiography, then use this writing process to form story ideas for the rest of your text. Remember: this is you on a page. It must be authentic to draw readers into the story.

 

The gist of it

Knowing how to write an autobiography introduction means showing readers who you are and what you intend to share with them. When you can follow these steps, you’ll be able to create something that will intrigue them enough to have them continue reading your story.

Further Reading

What Is the Best Autobiography Layout?
How to Write An Autobiography Conclusion
Memoir vs Autobiography
How To Come Up With Autobiography Titles
9 Great Autobiography Writing Tips

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