A memoir is the recollection of a portion of the author’s life that captures key moments and reflects upon their meaning and impact. The memoir typically focuses on a certain section of the author’s life story, such as early family life, coming of age, being a parent, embarking on a spiritual quest, traveling, overcoming difficulty, suffering through a terrible disease, interacting with a fascinating person, experiencing a great adventure, or doing something interesting such as serving in political office.
Generally, a memoir:
- Is remembered rather than carefully researched
- Focuses on an event or events experienced during a discrete time period
- Discusses the ways that the event/events changed the author’s attitudes or otherwise altered his life.
What’s the difference between a memoir and an autobiography?
The terms “memoir” and “autobiography” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Although both are written in the first person, an autobiography is a detailed presentation of the entire life story. In addition, the author does not typically reflect upon the meaning of the various events described in the autobiography. In contrast, a memoir is concerned with a specific period in the author’s life and does involve a good deal of reflection.
Here’s how William Zinsser compared the two genres in his book Inventing the Truth: The Art and Craft of Memoir: “Unlike autobiography, which moves in a dutiful line from birth to fame, memoir narrows the lens, focusing on a time in the writer’s life that was unusually vivid, such as childhood or adolescence, or that was framed by war or travel or public service or some other special circumstance.”
Is there a specific form for writing a memoir?
There are many different ways to tell the story contained in a memoir, but a popular (and classic) approach is called “the heroic journey.” The heroic journey follows the author as she is cast into a sea of difficulties. (Think Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.) Perhaps for the first time in her life, she cannot rely on aid from her parents or others who have helped her in the past. Instead, she develops new friends (the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and Cowardly Lion) and resources (the ruby slippers), and acquires a mentor or teacher (the Good Witch Glenda and, later, the Wizard himself). She eventually hits rock bottom and then, with the help of these friends and mentor, overcomes the difficulties. At the end of the story, thanks to all that she has learned, she is now stronger, wiser, happier and/or richer than before.
Do memoirs have to be 100% truthful?
Memoirs are nonfiction, which means they should contain no lies and the truth should not be stretched. However, very few of us jot down everything that happens to us as we experience it, record every conversation and snap pictures of everything we see. This means that memoirs are, by necessity, based on memory – which is never perfect. And even if the author does remember the events clearly, she will have her own perspective that will cause her to discuss only certain things and put them in a context that supports her interpretation of events.
As author Gore Vidal says in his memoir titled Palimpsest, “…a memoir is how one remembers one’s own life…”
We at Taylor-Fox can help you create your memoir, biography, inspirational book or other book and get it ready for publication. We’ve helped scores of people achieve their goals, and some of their books have landed on bestseller lists. Call us at 818-594-0379.
Nadine Taylor and Barry Fox write, ghostwrite, rewrite and edit books in many genres, including health, business, inspiration/ spirituality and memoirs. Their resume is long and varied but there’s one thing that never changes: They love to work with words, creating books that are clear, compelling and pleasurable to read. If you’re interested in writing a book, editing a book and/or publishing a book, you’ve come to the right place!
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