How to write a biography of a dead person
How to start a biography of a person.
How to Structure a Biography Book + Tips for Authors of Biographies on Chapters and Word Count
This is the most common approach.
Biography format for students
But this doesn’t necessarily mean that a “cradle-to-grave” biography is wise. It might be too long. It might be too dull.
Some authors weave themes into the central story, while others periodically pause from the main narrative to expound on a particular theme.
Many books begin with an incident from the middle or end of the subject’s life, then circle back to the beginning.
How to write a biography for studentsEach chapter can use a similar approach, too.
When pausing from the main narrative to expound on something or to provide context, how much is “too much” context?
A few hundred words is usually enough. Be consistent with the length of your asides, too.
It can be very disorienting for the reader when there are excessive leaps back in time.
Try to tell your story in a way that avoids lengthy or frequent jumps back in time, and try to tell the story from start to finish.