1. 5 Elements of Memoir:
Truth – Memoirists aren’t reporters, so the truth they tell is subjective and influenced by memory and bias. Memoirs should feel authentic and read as nonfiction, but will likely not be the objective truth.
Theme – Memoirs aren’t intended to capture the complete story of a life like an autobiography does. Memoirs have a selection of themes or a prominent theme that will bind the work together.
POV – First person narration
Memoirs should read as literature, and will include literary elements – especially descriptive language and sensory imagery, but also can include motifs or recurring images or symbols.
Humor – Memoirists almost always include humor in their presentation of their lives.

2. Read excerpt from Mary Karr’s The Liar’s Club In this excerpt, which elements do you clearly see?

3. Written Response: 5 minutes
How do you know you can trust your memory?
How do you write about people you love without somehow betraying them?
How do you find your authentic self and authentic voice?

4. Listen to: Mary Karr on Writing Memoirs
Start at beginning and listen to 1:05
Start at 10:00 and listen to…

5. Revisit Written Response: 5 minutes
How do you know you can trust your memory?
How do you write about people you love without somehow betraying them?
How do you find your authentic self and authentic voice?

6. 6 Word Memoirs
Test your creativity and ability to “paint a picture” with very few words by writing a six word memoir.
Some examples: