As writers, we all know the importance of hooking the reader with a killer first line.
When I sit down to write I don’t initially think about that all important first line unless it was the catalyst for the story (like a prompt).
I wait and pay more attention on the first rewrite.
This gives me the opportunity to build the characters and story. I need to know and feel the characters before I commit to anything.
The difference with memoir though, is that the author already knows all of the players involved. The feelings, emotions, and events are already present.
So, we know ourselves better than anyone else, right?
You already know your story and all the behind the scenes action, so, what would your opening line be for your autobiography?
It’s good to start thinking about these things now…
Here are a few examples:
I spent much of my childhood listening to the sound of striving.
Michelle Obama: Becoming
Hmmm. The first line has set the tone and we know that this was not an easy life journey that we’re about to read about.
(My Journey to Bad-Assery.) I toyed with the idea of writing a book a number of years ago and started jotting down things I could include.
Geena Davis: Dying of Politeness:A Memoir
Okay, this makes me think that there’s humor and reflection… Interesting.
What would your memoirs first line be?
Here’s mine…
Born the seventh of eight kids, I learned early on that there was only so much to go around, but if I was super quick, sharpened my wits, and never gave up, I could always score the wish-bone.
Faye Arcand
I think I need a new picture for my memoir, but there’s still time because I haven’t written it yet.
What would your first line be?
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If my sister was the good twin…what did that make me?
hahah….I love it. I hope you write it Heather.
It was “Hi, I’m Jeff.” Don’t laugh. It actually worked.
There I was, lying on the floor, naked.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, very interesting. I really like this as a first line Aggie! It’s so intriguing. Are you laying on the floor naked and “happy” or were you pushed, beaten, and stomped upon as someone tore off your clothes? That line is a keeper. Oh, and don’t tell me the answer, I’d like to read the book. xoxo