Memoir

What is a Memoir? A memoir is a piece of autobiographical writing, usually shorter in nature than a comprehensive biography. The memoir, especially as it is being used in publishing today, often tries to capture certain highlights or meaningful moments in one’s past, often including a contemplation of the meaning of that event at the time of the writing of the memoir. The memoir may be more emotional and concerned with capturing particular scenes, or series of events, rather than documenting every fact of a person’s life (Zuwiyya 2000).

Memoir Vs. Autobiography? “A memoir is how one remembers one’s own life, while an autobiography is history, requiring research, dates, facts double- checked.” -Gore Vidal

MemoirAutobiography -a specific moment/event/phase in a person’s life -includes only relevant details -a person’s life from birth onward -includes details from all aspects of a person’s life

Why Write a Memoir? “Why memoir? It means the world becomes yours. If you don’t do it, it drifts away and takes a whole piece of yourself with it, like an amputation. To attack it and attack it and get it under control- it’s like taking possession of your life, isn’t it?” -Ted Hughes

Some Famous Memoirs…

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings By Maya Angelou

Eat, Pray, Love By Elizabeth Gilbert

Black Boy By Richard Wright

General Characteristics -A memory; description of a time in the past -Usually a brief period of time or one point in the life of the author -Contains narrative structure: setting, conflict, characterization, symbolism, plot, imagery -Written in first person; told through one person’s point of view -Based on the truth -Reveals the feelings of the writer through emotional writing -Has meaning; shows that the author learned from the experience -May contain reflection on lessons being learned as the author recalls events

DON’T: -Use a label instead of a title -Leave out your personality -Make it too short -Leave out action -Leave out sensory details -Forget to include some dialogue -Forget a conclusion - End it with: “The End” -Leave out a purpose or reason for readers -Overuse “we”

DO: -Give your memoir an interesting title -Use “I”. -Weave in background information -Slow down the pace; lengthen your memoir -Use sensory details -Use interesting language -Use dialogue -Give your memoir a purposeful ending -Give your memoir significance and meaning