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Last updated on Apr 27, 2023

How to Outline a Memoir in 6 Steps (with Template)

Memoirists are often daunted by the task of translating memories into a captivating narrative. Even with a clear understanding of your memoir's central themes and the stories you want to share, it can be challenging to weave them together seamlessly. 

In this article, we’ll share 6 steps to organize your memories into a compelling narrative, along with a free template to help you plot your personal story. 

How to outline a memoir: 

1. Order your stories chronologically

2. pick a fitting story structure, 3. hook the reader from the start, 4. lay out your goals and desires, 5. describe how you dealt with challenges, 6. end by showing how you’ve changed.

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If you’ve worked through our article on how to write a memoir , you should already have a hand-picked selection of powerful memories. The challenge now is to piece them together, with each memory serving as a crucial puzzle piece in an overarching narrative. 

A popular first step is to arrange your stories in chronological order. You could do this on a whiteboard, a notebook, or within your writing software of choice. For example, the Reedsy Book Editor offers an outlining board where you can create notes for your stories, then drag and drop them around.

With this bird’s-eye view, it becomes easier to spot patterns and understand what fundamentally connects your stories together, helping you find a suitable structure for your memoir. 

👻 Want to collaborate with a master storyteller to bring your memoir to life? Hire a ghostwriter! They'll handle everything in the background, but your name will be the one on the cover.

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Filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard once said that every story “has a beginning, a middle, and an end — not necessarily in that order.” When it comes to telling your own story, there isn’t a single way to structure them 一 you'll have to figure out what will have the greatest impact. To help you along, look at some of the most common memoir structures authors use. Three, in particular, stand out: 

Chronological. For memoirs that cover a specific time period or event of the author’s life and have a clear, chronological timeline (e.g. defeating cancer, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.) For example, Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air recounts the 1996 Mount Everest disaster by chronicling the ascent, summit, and descent of the mountain.

Before/After. For memoirs that revolve around a particular event so central to the story that it makes sense to organize the book in a Before/After format, where the narration keeps cutting before and after that event occurred (e.g. being sentenced to jail, or surviving a hurricane). In Lee Lawrence's The Louder I Will Sing , the author describes his life before and after his mother was wrongly shot by police during a raid on their home, using the contrast to describe the two strikingly different realities he experienced.

Theme-based. For memoirs that aren't linked together by a specific timeframe, but rather a common theme, with each story offering a unique perspective into the author's life, yet all coalescing around a central theme. A good example is Trevor Noah's memoir Born a Crime, which explores his experiences as a mixed-race child growing up in Apartheid South Africa. Noah shares a range of poignant and often humorous stories, from going to Church with his mum to selling CDs to his first date, which all grapple with the book’s central themes of resilience and identity.

When outlining your own memoir, play around with your story notes and see if you can arrange them in a unique way that emphasizes your central message or story arc. If you find this especially challenging, don’t despair. You can always collaborate with a book coach 一 they’ll help you make sense of your tales and neatly organize them into a powerful narrative. 

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But in the end, the old ways are often the best — and most stories are best suited to having a distinguishable beginning, middle, and end. Most often, the strongest outline is one that follows a chronological, novel-like structure. To that end, we’ve created a free downloadable template that will help you deconstruct your memoir scene by scene and synthesize an overarching narrative.

Let’s dive deeper into your memoir outline and see that your story hits all the right chords. 

It’s never a bad idea to start your memoir with a moment of high emotion. When deciding whether your book is worth reading, readers will skim through the opening passages , either in-store or with Amazon’s Look Inside feature. If the first few pages don’t grab them, they won’t buy it. To engage readers from the get-go, open with a powerful moment from the middle or even the end of your story .  

For example, Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild (which we’ll reference throughout the rest of this post) doesn’t start with her mother’s death, failing marriage, or struggle with drugs. Instead, it begins on day 38 of her hike along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) when Strayed accidentally drops one of her hiking shoes off a cliff. It’s a moment of profound helplessness and loneliness, evoking feelings she’s been grappling with since her mother died, ones that she hopes to overcome on her journey.  

Strayed hooks her reader right from the prologue . She knows they’ve picked up her book on the promise that they’ll get stories of hiking through the wilderness, and she delivers on it instantly, instead of spending the first 100 pages detailing her mundane ‘normal’ life.

This kind of in medias res opening is an effective way for memoirists to engage the reader right away, and leave them wanting to know more before providing background information and developing the story. 

Once you’ve figured out your hook, it’s time to lay the foundation for your narrative. If you’re following the classic Three-Act story structure , this would be your Act One.

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Some of the story elements you may want to include in the first part of your memoir are: 

Exposition 

As the main character, you’ll have to provide some background information about yourself (as long as it’s relevant to your memoir’s main focus.) You’ll want to paint a picture of who you were before the story starts, so that readers can follow along as you evolve through it. 

In Wild , Cheryl vividly portrays the profound bond she shared with her mother, and how her death set her on a destructive path of substance abuse and infidelity.

If your memoir is about joining the Navy Seals, this is the part where you share your ordinary life before military training. If it’s about grieving for your late husband, your exposition might detail how you fell in love with each other, and what made your relationship special. 

An Inciting Incident 

In most cases, you’ll be able to identify a defining moment that set your story in motion, and propelled you on a transformational journey. It’s the moment you fully decide to get out of your comfort zone to achieve your goals and desires. 

Cheryl's turning point in Wild comes after she hits rock bottom in the wake of an unwanted pregnancy. Browsing through a store, she impulsively purchases a guidebook for the PCT, thinking that the trail may help her “walk herself back to the woman she once was.”  

Of course, not all true life stories start with an earth-shaking epiphany or a serendipitous meeting. Maybe your decision to run an Ironman in your 40s was something that was brewing over a number of years, but try to think of a moment of high emotion that contributed to that choice. Was it the day you were fired from your job, or the time when a kid on the street called you 'old'? This moment could very well be your inciting incident. 

Introduction of Main Theme

As your story develops, make sure that your personal objectives are tied to a larger, universal theme that can resonate with your readers. In Cheryl's story, her primary goal is to hike the PCT, but on a deeper level, her quest touches on the themes of redemption and self-discovery. As she writes in the first pages of the book:

“It was a world [the trail] I’d never been to and yet had known was there all along, one I’d staggered to in sorrow and confusion and fear and hope. A world I thought would both make me into the woman I knew I could become and turn me into the girl I’d once been.”

Think about what your memoir's theme really is (e.g. parenting, mental health, social inequality) and spotlight it from the very beginning.

Now that your story is truly in motion, with backstory, an inciting incident, and thematic heft, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty. 

The second act of your memoir is often the trickiest. This is the section where you will usually deliver on the ‘ promise of the premise ’: if your book is about becoming an astronaut, this is the part where you’ll undergo training and plan for your mission. If you’re writing a memoir about hiking the wilderness, you better be in the woods by the start of the second act.

The tough part comes with making sure that you’re building momentum, increasing the stakes, and not just telling anecdotes that don’t contribute to the bigger picture. For this reason, a memoir’s second act usually sees your hero (you!) responding to bigger and bigger obstacles. 

Here are a few key plot points to consider to keep your narration strong: 

Rising Action

During this part of the story, you usually face external and internal challenges in order to achieve your goal. The key to maintaining credibility is to share both your failures and successes, moments of both fear and courage. 

On her first sleepless night camping on the trail, Cheryl is terrified of animal sounds. But as she grows more confident each day, she starts to join in with their howls. Despite her undersized boots, her heavy backpack, and her lack of camping experience, she manages to walk 100 miles through the Mojave Desert and reach the first campground. She also learns to trust strangers and ask for help, especially when it comes to letting go of some of her unnecessary baggage.

The rising action in your story may be less adventurous than in a travel memoir. If your topic is recovering from addiction, for example, it may include getting into arguments at Alcoholics Anonymous, before developing an uneasy friendship with your sponsor and growing more confident in your ability to get better. 

This is a turning point in your story, like a crisis, triumph, or simply a realization, that pivots your journey in a new direction. Usually, it’s a moment that carries significant emotional weight and sets the stage for the climax to come. 

Despite her growing confidence, Cheryl is forced to reckon with her emotions. This is when she loses her boots and feels helpless, used as the story hook. This time though, we get to see how she reacts: she reinforces her sandals with duct tape and keeps marching forward, with ever more strength and determination.   

Dig around your memories and try to identify that path-altering, highly emotional moment 一 it may be your midpoint. In a memoir chronicling the journey of building a successful startup, the midpoint may be a promising call from angel investors, willing to pour some money into your idea. It’s the moment when things turn around. 

It’s time to outline the final act of your memoir to end on a strong note and with a powerful message.

The Third Act is where the main conflict of your story is finally resolved, so the stakes and tension should be at their highest. Some of the key plot points to outline in this last section are: 

This is where you introduce your greatest challenge for the final act of your manuscript. It often involves a series of events that further escalate the conflict and heighten the anticipation for the ultimate resolution. 

In Wild , Cheryl deals with debilitating thirst, dodgy hunters, and a heavy storm, but more importantly, she revisits some of her most painful memories, from the abuses of her alcoholic father, to the heart-wrenching task of putting down her mother's cherished horse after her passing.

In your memoir, this is the moment before the end of your story that threatens to dash your dreams once and for all. It may be the moment when a global pandemic hits, countries close borders, and flights to Vanuatu are suspended, threatening your quest to visit every single country in a year.  

This is the point where the central conflict or challenge of your memoir comes to a head. It’s the culmination of everything you've built up to, and it should feel like a defining moment in your life. For Cheryl, it’s finally reaching the Bridge of the Gods and completing the PCT after a three-month-long hike. In your story, it may be the moment you complete an Ironman, sell your successful startup, or finally land in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu.  

Resolution/Thematic Wrap-Up

The resolution is an opportunity for you to show the results of your journey and how you’ve changed as a result of it. Here you can again address the central theme of the book, sharing the lessons you’ve learned and how your perspective has changed over time. 

For Cheryl, it’s all about redeeming her turbulent past 一 from cheating to heroine 一 owning up to it, and rediscovering that inner strength and beauty she had lost touch with. In your memoir, this is the time to reflect on what you learned from overcoming addiction or running a race, and muse on how you have been able to move forward since.

Aaand scene! It's important to keep in mind that every memoir is unique and may require a distinctive structure, but we hope that our suggestions and template will provide you with a solid foundation to write with more clarity and get that memoir published.

Also, remember that writing a book is a marathon. After outlining, writing, and publishing your memoir, you'll have to publish it! Proceed onto our post teaching you how to publish a memoir and rest assured that you have a solid roadmap in front of you.

Evelyn Sinclair says:

04/03/2018 – 21:17

I've read a lot of the Reedsy information about memoirs, finding it all very helpful and I'm around 20,000 words in. Recently I'm struggling over how to bring it to an interesting end, and whether I can reach the length of a novel.

Comments are currently closed.

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How to Write a Memoir Essay

October 12, 2023

What is a Memoir Essay?

A memoir essay is a form of autobiographical writing that focuses on a specific aspect of the author’s life. Unlike a traditional autobiography, which typically covers the author’s entire life, a memoir essay hones in on a particular event, time period, or theme. It is a deeply personal and reflective piece that allows the writer to delve into their memories, thoughts, and emotions surrounding their chosen subject.

In a memoir essay, the author aims to not only recount the events that took place but also provide insight into the impact and meaning of those experiences. It is a unique opportunity for self-discovery and exploration, while also offering readers a glimpse into the author’s world. The beauty of a memoir essay lies in its ability to weave together personal anecdotes, vivid descriptions, and introspective reflections to create a compelling narrative.

Writing a memoir essay can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires careful selection of memories, thoughtful introspection, and skillful storytelling. The process allows the writer to make sense of their past, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and share their unique story with others.

Choosing a Topic for Your Memoir Essay

Selecting the right topic is crucial to write a good memoir essay. It sets the foundation for what you will explore and reveal in your personal narrative. When choosing a topic, it’s essential to reflect on your significant life experiences and consider what stories or themes hold the most meaning for you.

One approach is to think about moments or events that have had a profound impact on your life. Consider times of triumph or adversity, moments of exploration or self-discovery, relationships that have shaped you, or challenges you have overcome. These experiences can provide a rich foundation for your memoir essay.

Another option is to focus on a specific theme or aspect of your life. You might explore topics such as identity, family dynamics, cultural heritage, career milestones, or personal beliefs. By centering your essay around a theme, you can weave together various memories and reflections to create a cohesive narrative.

It’s also important to consider your target audience. Who do you want to connect with through your memoir essay? Understanding your audience’s interests and experiences can help you choose a topic that will resonate with them.

Ultimately, the topic should be one that excites you and allows for introspection and self-discovery. Choose a topic that ignites your passion and offers a story worth sharing.

Possible Memoir Essay Topics

• Childhood Memories
• Family Dynamics
• Life-altering Events
• Overcoming Societal Expectations
• Love and Loss
• Self-discovery and Transformation
• Lessons from Nature
• Journey from Darkness to Light
• Triumphing Over Adversities
• Life’s Defining Moments

Outlining the Structure of Your Memoir Essay

Writing a memoir essay allows you to share your personal experiences, reflections, and insights with others. However, before you start pouring your thoughts onto the page, it’s essential to outline the structure of your essay. This not only provides a clear roadmap for your writing but also helps you maintain a cohesive and engaging narrative.

First, consider the opening. Begin with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader and establishes the theme or central message of your memoir. This is your chance to grab their attention and set the tone for the rest of the essay.

Next, move on to the body paragraphs. Divide your essay into sections that chronologically or thematically explore different aspects of your life or experiences. Use vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and dialogue to bring your memories to life. It’s crucial to maintain a logical flow and transition smoothly between different ideas or events.

As you approach the conclusion, summarize the key points you’ve discussed and reflect on the significance of your experiences. What lessons have you learned? How have you grown or changed as a result? Wrap up your memoir essay by leaving the reader with a memorable takeaway or a thought-provoking question.

Remember, the structure of your memoir essay should support your storytelling and allow for a genuine and authentic exploration of your experiences. By outlining your essay’s structure, you’ll have a solid foundation to create a compelling and impactful memoir that resonates with your readers.

How to Write an Introduction for Your Memoir Essay

The introduction of your memoir essay sets the stage for your story and captivates your readers from the very beginning. It is your opportunity to grab their attention, establish the tone, and introduce the central theme of your memoir.

To create a compelling introduction, consider starting with a hook that intrigues your readers. This can be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid description that immediately draws them in. Your goal is to make them curious and interested in what you have to say.

Next, provide a brief overview of what your memoir essay will explore. Give your readers a glimpse into the key experiences or aspects of your life that you will be sharing. However, avoid giving away too much detail. Leave room for anticipation and curiosity to keep them engaged.

Additionally, consider how you want to establish the tone of your memoir. Will it be reflective, humorous, or nostalgic? Choose your words and phrasing carefully to convey the right emotions and set the right atmosphere for your story.

Finally, end your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should express the central theme or message that your memoir will convey. It serves as a roadmap for your essay and guides your readers in understanding the purpose and significance of your memoir.

By crafting a strong and captivating introduction for your memoir essay, you will draw readers in and make them eager to dive into the rich and personal journey that awaits them.

Write the Main Body of Your Memoir Essay

When developing the main body of your memoir essay, it’s essential to structure your thoughts and experiences in a clear and engaging manner. Here are some tips to help you effectively organize and develop the main body of your essay:

• Chronological Structure: Consider organizing your memoir essay in chronological order, following the sequence of events as they occurred in your life. This allows for a natural flow and a clear timeline that helps readers understand your personal journey.
• Thematic Structure: Alternatively, you can focus on specific themes or lessons that emerged from your experiences. This approach allows for a more focused exploration of different aspects of your life, even if they did not occur in a linear order.
• Use Vivid Details: Use sensory details, descriptive language, and engaging storytelling techniques to bring your memories to life. Transport your readers to the settings, evoke emotions, and create a vivid picture of the events and people in your life.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of simply stating facts, show your readers the experiences through engaging storytelling. Use dialogue, scenes, and anecdotes to make your memoir more dynamic and immersive.
• Reflections and Insights: Share your reflections on the events and experiences in your memoir. Offer deeper insights, lessons learned, and personal growth that came from these moments. Invite readers to reflect on their own lives and connect with your journey.

By organizing your main body in a logical and engaging manner, using vivid details, and offering thoughtful reflections, you can write a compelling memoir essay that captivates your readers and leaves a lasting impact.

Reflecting on Lessons Learned in Your Memoir Essay

One of the powerful aspects of a memoir essay is the opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned from your personal experiences. These reflections provide deeper insights and meaning to your story, leaving a lasting impact on your readers. Here are some tips for effectively reflecting on lessons learned in your memoir essay:

• Summarize Key Points: In the conclusion of your essay, summarize the key events and experiences you have shared throughout your memoir. Briefly remind readers of the significant moments that shaped your journey.
• Identify Core Themes: Reflect on the core themes and messages that emerged from your experiences. What did you learn about resilience, love, identity, or perseverance? Identify the overarching lessons that you want to convey.
• Offer Personal Insights: Share your personal insights and reflections on how these lessons have influenced your life. Were there specific turning points or moments of epiphany? How have these experiences shaped your beliefs, values, or actions?
• Connect to the Reader: Make your reflections relatable to your readers. Explore how the lessons you learned can resonate with their own lives and experiences. This allows them to connect with your story on a deeper level.
• Offer a Call to Action: Encourage readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how the lessons from your memoir can apply to their own journeys. Pose thought-provoking questions or suggest actions they can take to apply these insights.

By reflecting on the lessons learned in your memoir essay, you give your readers a chance to contemplate their own lives and find inspiration in your personal growth. These reflections add depth and impact to your storytelling, making your memoir essay truly memorable.

Crafting a Strong Conclusion for Your Memoir Essay

The conclusion of your memoir essay is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers. It is where you tie together the threads of your story and offer a sense of closure and reflection. Here are some tips to help you craft a strong conclusion for your memoir essay:

• Summarize the Journey: Remind your readers of the key moments and experiences you shared throughout your essay. Briefly summarize the significant events and emotions that shaped your personal journey.
• Revisit the Central Theme: Reiterate the central theme or message of your memoir. Emphasize the lessons learned, personal growth, or insights gained from your experiences. This helps reinforce the purpose and impact of your story.
• Reflect on Transformation: Reflect on how you have transformed as a result of the events and experiences you shared. Share the growth, self-discovery, or newfound perspectives that have shaped your life.
• Leave a Lasting Impression: Use powerful and evocative language to leave a lasting impact on your readers. Craft a memorable phrase or thought that lingers in their minds even after they finish reading your essay.
• Offer a Call to Action or Reflection: Encourage your readers to take action or reflect on their own lives. Pose thought-provoking questions, suggest further exploration, or challenge them to apply the lessons from your memoir to their own experiences.

By crafting a strong conclusion, you ensure that your memoir essay resonates with your readers long after they have finished reading it. It leaves them with a sense of closure, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of personal storytelling.

Editing and Proofreading Your Memoir Essay

Editing and proofreading are crucial steps in the writing process that can greatly enhance the quality and impact of your memoir essay. Here are some tips to help you effectively edit and proofread your work:

• Take a Break: After completing your initial draft, take a break before starting the editing process. This allows you to approach your essay with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
• Review for Structure and Flow: Read through your essay to ensure it has a logical structure and flows smoothly. Check that your paragraphs and sections transition seamlessly, guiding readers through your story.
• Trim and Refine: Eliminate any unnecessary or repetitive information. Trim down long sentences and paragraphs to make your writing concise and impactful. Consider the pacing and ensure that each word contributes to the overall story.
• Check for Clarity and Consistency: Ensure that your ideas and thoughts are expressed clearly. Identify any confusing or vague passages and revise them to improve clarity. Check for consistency in tense, tone, and voice throughout your essay.
• Proofread for Errors: Carefully proofread your essay for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Pay attention to common mistakes such as subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, and punctuation marks. Consider using spell-checking tools or having someone else review your work for an objective perspective.
• Seek Feedback: Share your memoir essay with a trusted friend, family member, or writing partner. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement.

By dedicating time to edit and proofread your memoir essay, you ensure that it is polished, coherent, and error-free. These final touches enhance the reader’s experience and allow your story to shine.

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Table of Contents

Part 1: Uncover Your Memoir

Part 2: outline your memoir, memoir example of a finished outline, how to outline your memoir (a complete step-by-step guide).

You might think that because you’re writing a book about your own life, you don’t have to do any outlining for it.

That’s not true.

I know it’s tempting to start writing without a plan. But if you do that, you’ll end up with a convoluted mess—if you finish at all.

Every good book—including every good memoir—starts with a good outline .

Before you start writing, it’s important to know what your book will include. Your outline will be your roadmap throughout the writing process. It will keep you on track and make sure that you’re writing a compelling story that appeals to your audience.

But before you say, “What if I don’t have a compelling story to share?” — let me stop you.

Every story matters.

Every person has overcome struggles in their life that are worth sharing.

Every person has a story to tell, and every person has a good memoir hiding inside them.

I truly believe that.

At a minimum, if you write down your life experiences, your kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids will know who you were and where they came from. That’s valuable by itself.

But if you turn those real-life turning points into a compelling story, you’ll also be able to help other people in the world. People who are facing the same struggles you did.

We’ve helped thousands of Authors publish their personal memoirs. And while there’s no such thing as a standard memoir, there is a process that will help you write the best memoir possible.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for outlining your life story.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Memoir Outline (with Template)

We’ve put together an entire Scribe Book School course on memoir writing. It’s a free, self-directed course that covers everything from what makes a good memoir to writing (and editing) your first draft .

But for this article, I’m going to focus on creating a memoir outline.

Outlining your memoir is actually a two-part process.

I’ll break down the two parts below. Each part contains a video overview, plus a step-by-step written breakdown that goes more in-depth.

Before you get started, download this template . I suggest you use it as you watch or read along.

Step 1. Determine what you’re hoping to get out of your memoir

Pull up your memoir template and start from the top.

Answer this very basic question: “What are you hoping to get out of writing your memoir?”

Choose the 3 things you want most.

Your answer might be something tangible. Maybe you want to find more clients for your business or earn more money .

Or your answer might be intangible . Maybe you want to help others in need.

Whatever the case, be as specific as possible. This will give you a concrete goal to work toward and an easy way to measure your progress later.

And be realistic . A lot of writers start off with unrealistic goals like, “I want to be on Oprah.”

Why? Aside from serving your ego, what will that do for you?

It’s much better to set incremental, attainable goals that will actually improve your business, help your target audience , create a lasting legacy, or serve whatever purpose you are writing for.

Step 2. What do you think your memoir will be about?

Next, take 2 minutes and answer this question: As you sit here—right at this moment—what do you believe your memoir will be about (recognizing you may change your mind)?

The reason I say “2 minutes” is because this should be your gut reaction. Don’t overthink it.

Nothing causes writer’s block quite like anxiety. Don’t give yourself a chance to get nervous. Just jump in and write what comes to mind.

Don’t stop before 2 minutes is up, either. That probably means you aren’t giving it enough thought.

“My life story” isn’t specific enough. Neither is “my entire life.”

Try to think about the key elements you’re going to include or what major events might go in your book.

What life experiences are relevant to the story you want to tell?

Step 3. Figure out what excites you

Take another 2 minutes and answer this question: What are you most excited about with regards to your memoir?

There are a number of answers to this. You could be excited about the stuff that’s going to go in the memoir. I’m excited to write the story about founding my business. I’m excited to tell people about the time I went to Aruba.

You could write down answers related to the process of writing the memoir. I’m excited to spend time working through my thoughts about this particular part of my life. I’m excited to see the memoir when it’s finished!

Or, it could be something related to your emotional experience of the memoir. I’m excited to deal with my issues in writing. I’m excited to share my truth with others.

Whatever the case may be, figure out what excites you.

Memoir writers inevitably struggle during the writing process because it’s hard to dig through your past.

Your answer to this question will give you motivation when the going gets rough.

Step 4. List your self-expectations

Take another 2 minutes to answer this question: What do you expect from yourself in the process of writing your memoir?

Your answers may be positive. I expect to set up a writing plan and stick to it. I expect to write 250 words every day. I expect to complete the first draft in six months. I expect to write some funny flashbacks about my time in high school.

As always, the more specific you can be, the better. Give yourself concrete goals to work toward.

Your answers may also be negative. We all have some bad habits, and it’s important to be honest with yourself. I expect that I will sleep in instead of getting up at 5 a.m. to write. I expect that I’ll procrastinate when I get to the hardest parts of the story because I don’t like remembering them.

If you can acknowledge those tendencies from the get-go, you’re more likely to fend them off when you’re in the thick of writing.

Awareness is the first step to making progress.

Step 5. Imagine the afterglow

Writing a book is never easy. I don’t care whether you’re a first-time Author or a professional writer. You’re going to hit a slump at some point.

The way to keep going is to keep the finishing line in mind. That’s one reason you listed your goals in step 1.

But there’s another kind of motivator that can keep you going—the way writing your memoir will make you feel .

Take 2 minutes and imagine how you would like to feel after you’ve written your memoir.

Do you imagine feeling proud of your hard work? Overjoyed? Deeply satisfied because it was a cathartic experience?

What’s your emotional goal with this book?

I need to point out something important, though.

Be careful how much pressure you put on your book.

Write down how you’d like to feel after putting all that work into your memoir. But understand that the memoir itself can’t do anything for you.

In other words, your emotional goal needs to come from inside you.

Writing a memoir isn’t going to make your dad love you or make your addiction go away.

Writing a memoir can help you process those feelings and help you motivate yourself so you can keep working through them.

Step 6. Consider how your life might change

Take 2 minutes and answer the following question: How do you think your life will change after writing your memoir?

Speaking your truth in a memoir will inevitably change your life.

Short-term, it can be painful. You might have to face some unpleasant, hard truths.

But in the long run, the change is going to be for the better.

Again, don’t immediately fast forward to visions of grandeur. Writing a memoir probably isn’t going to land you on the main stage of TED or get you on The Today Show .

It might help you develop more discipline in your day-to-day life. It might give you a sense of calm since you’ll learn how to express yourself. Or it might help you feel prepared to tackle some emotional challenges in your life.

But be honest with yourself.

Step 7. Define the limits of your memoir

Now we’re going to change it up. Only take 1 minute for the next question.

Consider this: Do you anticipate your memoir will cover your whole life, a specific period in your life, a specific relationship or theme in your life, or something else?

You’re not writing a memoir because you want to tell the world about the great sandwich you had at lunch.

You’re writing a memoir because there’s something in your life that’s worth telling. What is that something?

I believe most people who sit down to write a memoir know what they want to say. You may not have admitted it to yourself yet, but deep down, you know.

That’s why I suggest only taking a minute for this question.

It’s also why I also don’t extensively cover the types of memoirs. Sure, some memoirs cover a whole life, while others cover a single event or theme. Some move chronologically, while others don’t.

None of that really matters when it comes to planning your memoir.

You know your truth. You know what’s compelling you to write your story. Just be honest, and that truth will become clear.

This question is still important, though, because it helps you realize specifically what it is about your story that’s worth telling.

It will also help you start thinking about your narrative arc and story structure. What are the turning points in your memoir? What did you learn and how?

Don’t feel locked in by this answer. It can always change. But it’s important to get the ball rolling by considering what the most impactful elements of your life story are.

You’ll sort it out more as you write the book.

Step 8. Create a working title

If you were to title your memoir—just right now, not permanently—what would it be?

Only give yourself 1 minute for this.

I’ve written about how hard it can be to come up with the perfect title . I’ve also written about how important it is to get it right.

But your title doesn’t need to be perfect at this stage. It just needs to be something that works for you.

Ideally, it will be something that encapsulates your mission and gives you a sense of direction as you move forward.

But remember, the aim here is to start zeroing in on a direction, not to nail the bullseye.

Your working title can be boring and straightforward, like My Cancer Story .

Or, it can be enigmatic, like Candy Rain .

It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it means something to you.

Just brainstorm.

Step 9. Develop a sense of urgency

Why write your memoir now? Why not wait?

Give me the short, honest answer. This shouldn’t take more than a minute or 2.

It takes a lot of motivation to write a book, so what’s your motivation?

Why is this story so worth telling that you want to take on the extra trouble, time, and effort right now?

Did something just happen in your life to motivate you? Are you trying to process your feelings about something? Is there a pressing need for it in the community you want to serve?

What’s your purpose?

Here’s my advice: if you have a burning desire to tell a story, now’s the time. Don’t wait. Why? Because you’re going to change. As humans, we’re always growing and evolving.

There are things I’ve written that, at the time, were my absolute truth. But I can’t even imagine writing about them now.

If something about your story feels urgent to you right now, seize the opportunity.

Step 10. Dig deeper

Take 2 minutes and dig as deep as you can. Why are you really writing your memoir?

Be brutally honest.

You don’t have to show this to anyone, so there’s no answer that should make you feel embarrassed.

The more upfront you can be with yourself about your reasons, the easier it will be to write a memoir that fulfills you, your mission, and others’ needs.

But remember this: a memoir isn’t about telling people what to do. If you want to do that, consider writing a knowledge-share nonfiction book .

A memoir is about digging deep into your personal story and your own emotions.

If you want others to learn about themselves from your memoir, the best way to do it is to be honest about yourself.

Others may see themselves reflected in your story—and chances are, they will—but they aren’t the subject of the book.

Step 11. Sum it all up

Now it’s time for your big takeaway.

Working through all these questions should give you a lot more clarity about what your memoir is about and why you need to share your own experience.

So, given your answers above, what do you think your memoir is really about?

Your answer doesn’t have to be about specific content, although it may be related.

Maybe your “what’s it about” is sharing a particular experience or insight. Or maybe it’s about sharing your journey through a difficult time.

Perhaps it’s about answering a question that’s driven you professionally for decades.

Or, maybe it’s about a feeling you want to have on the other side (e.g., I am not a mistake. I am worthy.) Just remember, your personal memoir can’t heal you. But the work that you put into it can.

Step 1. List the stories, experiences, events, or time periods that might go in your memoir

Open your template and scroll down to the orange section. Where it says “memoir topic,” include your answer from Step 11 of Part 1.

Now you can get into the actual outlining.

To be clear, there are many ways to outline a memoir.

But I recommend the simplest way possible, which is to brainstorm the stories, experiences, major events, and time periods that you want to cover in your book.

For this step, make bullet points and jot down all the stories you want to cover.

They don’t have to be connected. They don’t have to be complete sentences. They just have to remind you of what you’d like to cover in the book.

Think of this as a brainstorming exercise. These stories might end up in your book, and they might not.

With a memoir, a lot of the discovery comes in the writing. This is just your basic guide for all the stuff that could or should be in the first draft.

Step 2. Put those stories in the best order for your specific memoir

Once you have all your bullet points, put them in the order you want them in the book.

Don’t feel like your book has to move chronologically. What matters is that everything is in an order that resonates with you.

When you’re done, your outline will look very basic, almost like a table of contents.

I realize this is very simple. I literally just told you to write down the memories you want in the book and put them in order.

But do not mistake simple for easy.

This process will require you to really understand what you want your memoir to be about.

Also, this outline exercise almost guarantees that your memoir will change as you begin writing.

Your outline doesn’t always have to connect the dots. In fact, your final book may not even connect the dots.

For example, take Tiffany Haddish’s The Last Black Unicorn . It sold a million copies for a reason—but there are no dots there.

The reader can read it and see dots that connect certain themes.

But the stories aren’t directly connected. Tiffany just wanted to tell her most important stories as honestly as possible.

She did. And they were great. If you go to Audible, you’ll find countless reviews that testify to the power of her stories.

Your dots don’t all have to connect for your story to resonate.

Here’s a good rule of thumb. If you don’t want to connect the dots, that’s okay. But it probably means that connecting the dots would be too painful.

Ask me how I know… Connecting the dots was a bridge too far when I was writing my “fratire” stuff. I wasn’t ready to dig that deep, emotionally.

If you need to, just tell your stories.

And if you’re an overthinker, you might want to actually try not to connect all your dots.

Because sometimes when you over-plan, it’s a sign that, deep down, you don’t think your story is meaningful enough. You don’t think it can stand on its own without an elaborate structure behind it.

Steps 1 and 2 should take anywhere from an hour to 4 hours combined.

Do not take longer than 4 hours. In the next step, I’ll explain why.

Step 3. Are there stories that should be on that list but aren’t?

Unlike a knowledge-share nonfiction book, notice that I don’t recommend taking much time to outline your memoir. I also don’t teach you how to structure your chapters (if you want a comparison, check out this article on outlining a knowledge-share book).

That’s because a memoir works differently. You have to struggle a little putting together your outline. You have to struggle a little while writing each chapter.

Those struggles will help you figure out what’s important. They will strengthen your story.

You’re going to feel like your outline isn’t complete.

That’s okay. It probably isn’t.

Your outline isn’t going to be perfect. But perfection isn’t the point of an outline. The point is to get you writing quickly in the right direction.

In fact, if you wait until you have a perfect outline before you start your book, you’re doing it wrong.

You’ll discover much of your book as you write it . That’s just how it works.

Other stories will come to you as you write. You’ll uncover hidden connections. You’ll develop deeper insights as you get deeper into the material.

That’s all part of the process.

Your outline gives you a scaffold so you know how to move forward. But you still have to put in the struggle to make the story come to life.

Uncovering your truth is hard. If you try to make it easy, you won’t actually uncover that truth.

Like I said, your memoir outline will be very basic. It will look almost like a table of contents.

It may not make a lot of sense to an outside reader yet, but it will make sense to you.

Since I mentioned Tiffany Haddish’s The Last Black Unicorn earlier, I’ll give you her table of contents as an example.

Here’s what it looks like:

• Mascots and Bar Mitzvahs: High School Years
• Laugh Factory Comedy Camp
• Family and Foster Care
• Titus the Boyfriend
• The Pimp Gets Pimped
• Roscoe the Handicapped Angel
• How I Got (Restarted) in Comedy
• The Ex-Husband
• The Long Road to Comedy Success
• Tiffany’s True Hollywood Stories

You can tell there’s a rough chronology at work. We start with high school stories and end with Hollywood.

But within that basic narrative arc, there’s not necessarily a clear connective thread.

These are basically the moments that mattered most to Tiffany. They’re the formative experiences that made her into who she was.

And that was enough to create a riveting, vastly popular book that sold millions of copies because it spoke to her readers on a deep emotional level.

An outline is indispensable, but at the end of the day, there’s no wrong way to organize your memoir.

A memoir’s success hinges entirely on 1 thing: authenticity. Are you speaking your truth? Are you being vulnerable? Are you letting your readers see who you are?

If so, the specific dots won’t matter. It’s all about how you tell them.

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Crafting Your Legacy: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Captivating Memoir

• Advice for Writers , Writing Your Book

Learning How to Write an Engaging Memoir Takes Practice and Dedication

Memoirs have the unique power to capture the essence of a person’s life, preserving their experiences, insights, and emotions for generations to come. Writing a memoir is both a creative endeavor and a personal journey that requires careful planning, introspection, and a skilled approach. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or merely someone with a compelling story to tell, this guide will show you how to plan, craft, and write a captivating memoir that resonates with readers.

And once you have the first draft put together, you can submit your manuscript for consideration with the Atmosphere Press team!

Choosing Your Theme and Focus

Every life is a tapestry of experiences, emotions, and relationships, so the first step in how to write a cohesive memoir is to determining the central theme and focus. How will you write in a way that provides a throughline for your memoir from seemingly disconnected life events? Reflect on the pivotal moments, struggles, triumphs, and lessons that have shaped you as a person. Consider:

– Defining moments: Think about events that have left a lasting impact on your life, such as personal achievements, challenges, or turning points.

– Relationships: Identify key people who have played significant roles in your journey – mentors, family members, friends, or even adversaries.

– Overcoming adversity: Explore the obstacles you’ve encountered and how you’ve navigated through them, showcasing your resilience and growth.

– Lessons learned: Reflect on the wisdom you’ve gained from your experiences and how these insights can resonate with others.

Finding Your Voice

A compelling memoir is a window into the author’s world, and learning how to find your unique voice in which to write is crucial. Write authentically, capturing your thoughts and emotions honestly. Consider the tone of your narrative – will it be introspective, humorous, or contemplative? Allow your personality to shine through, making your readers feel like they’re getting to know you personally.

If you’d like to learn more about how to find your voice as an author, check out our blog post on the topic.

Structuring Your Memoir

The structure of your memoir is like the scaffolding that supports your narrative, providing a clear path for readers to follow while allowing your story to unfold in a meaningful way. Properly organizing your memoir before you write can greatly impact how readers engage with your experiences, emotions, and insights. Here, we’ll delve deeper into the various structural approaches you can take to ensure your memoir resonates with your audience.

1. Chronological Structure: From Beginning to Present

The chronological structure is perhaps the most common and straightforward approach to structuring a memoir. It takes readers on a journey through time, starting from your earliest memories and progressing toward the present day. This format offers a clear sense of progression, allowing readers to witness your growth, transformations, and the evolution of your experiences.

However, be cautious not to simply present a laundry list of events; weave your personal growth and insights into the narrative to keep readers engaged and emotionally invested.

2. Thematic Structure: Exploring Key Themes

In a thematic structure, your memoir is organized around central themes or motifs that have shaped your life. These themes could range from resilience and perseverance to love, loss, and personal identity. By organizing your memoir thematically, you have the flexibility to jump back and forth in time while exploring the deeper meanings behind your experiences.

This approach can be especially effective if you’ve had a varied life with distinct phases or if you want to highlight particular life lessons or transformative moments.

3. Hybrid Structure: Blending Chronology and Themes

A hybrid structure combines elements of both chronological and thematic approaches. This allows you to create a well-rounded narrative that captures the essence of your life while also diving deep into significant themes.

Begin with a chronological framework, moving through your life in a linear fashion. Along the way, introduce thematic sections that delve into specific lessons, relationships, or challenges, providing a multi-dimensional view of your journey.

4. Framed Structure: A Singular Event as the Entry Point

In a framed structure, you begin your memoir with a singular event or experience that serves as the entry point to your larger narrative. This event acts as a “frame” through which readers view your life story. As you recount the events that led to and followed this pivotal moment, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of your life’s trajectory and the impact of that defining event.

This structure creates a sense of suspense and intrigue, encouraging readers to explore how the initial event shaped your life.

5. Circular Structure: Returning to the Beginning

The circular structure is a thought-provoking approach where you start and end your memoir at the same point or with a similar reflection. By returning to the beginning, you create a sense of closure and symmetry, emphasizing how your journey has come full circle.

This can be especially effective for memoirs focused on personal growth, transformation, or the cyclical nature of life’s lessons.

Tips for Crafting an Effective Structure

– Outline: Before you start writing, create a rough outline of your memoir’s structure. This will serve as your roadmap, helping you maintain a clear direction as you write.

– Transitions: Smooth transitions are essential, especially in non-linear structures. Ensure that readers can easily follow shifts in time or theme by using clear transitions and signposts.

– Balance: Strive for balanced pacing throughout your memoir. Avoid spending too much time on certain periods or themes while neglecting others.

– Reflection: Incorporate moments of reflection throughout your memoir. This allows readers to connect with your insights and emotions, creating a deeper bond.

– Experiment: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different structural approaches. Sometimes, trying out multiple structures can help you discover the one that best serves your story.

As you prepare to write your memoir, remember that how to best structure your memoir depends on what aligns best with your story’s themes, your personal style, and the emotional journey you wish to take readers on. The chosen structure should complement the content and enhance the overall impact of your narrative.

Crafting Vivid Scenes

Transporting your readers into your world requires the creation of vivid scenes. Use descriptive language to paint a clear picture of the settings, people, and emotions you’re describing. Engage all the senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch – to make your narrative more immersive.

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of merely stating facts, show your experiences through actions, dialogue, and sensory details. This technique helps readers emotionally connect with your story and better understand your journey.

Honesty and Vulnerability

Honesty and vulnerability are the cornerstones of a compelling memoir. Embrace your imperfections and share your raw emotions, even if they are difficult to confront. This authenticity resonates deeply with readers, creating a powerful connection.

Seeking Feedback

Before finalizing your memoir, seek feedback from trusted friends, writing groups, or beta readers. Constructive criticism can help refine your narrative, highlight areas that need improvement, and provide a fresh perspective on your work.

Choosing the Right Memoir Publisher

After meticulously crafting your memoir, the next step is to publish it. Choosing the right memoir publisher is a crucial decision that can impact the reach and success of your book. Here are some factors to consider:

Reputation: Research the publisher’s reputation within the industry. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any awards they’ve received.

Fit: Ensure that the publisher aligns with the themes and values of your memoir. Some publishers specialize in specific genres or themes.

Editing and Design: A publisher that offers comprehensive editing and professional design services can enhance the quality of your book.

Distribution: Consider the publisher’s distribution network. A wider distribution reach can help your memoir reach a larger audience.

Royalties and Contracts: Understand the royalty rates and contract terms offered by the publisher. Make sure the terms are fair and favorable for you.

If you’re ready to explore memoir publishing options, you can visit Atmosphere Press’s guide to finding the right memoir publisher for more information.

Atmosphere Press Will Treat Your Memoir – and Life – Right

Writing a memoir is an opportunity to reflect on your life’s journey, share your experiences, and leave a lasting legacy. With careful consideration of your theme, voice, structure, and emotional authenticity, you can create a memoir that captivates readers and resonates with their own lives.

While there is a learning curve in understanding how to write a memoir, remember that the end result is a powerful testament to the uniqueness of your story. So, embark on this literary adventure with courage, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the vulnerability that comes with sharing your personal narrative.

Once your memoir is drafted into a complete manuscript, it’s important to work with a professional publishing team who will treat your work with the care and devotion it deserves. At Atmosphere Press, we’ve been the chosen memoir publishers for many incredible people, paving the way to publication for their incredible life stories. If you’d like to more about how to take the next step, reach out to our team for a publication consultation !

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Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below. 

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We hold true to those principles today.

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Memoir coach and author Marion Roach

Welcome to The Memoir Project, the portal to your writing life.

How To Structure a Memoir That Works

STRUCTURE A MEMOIR, write a memoir, sell a memoir. Sound like a good mantra for the new year? If so, let’s heighten it. Structure your memoir. Write your memoir. Sell your memoir. Sound even better? Well, then you are going to love this next version, one you’ll want to say over and over to yourself in 2018: Structure my memoir. Write my memoir. Sell my memoir.

So, let’s start chanting, people, and then let’s get to work.

In the time I have been a memoir coach, the people I have worked with have brought into my life diverse and astonishing stories, no two of which are ever even vaguely alike, even if their themes are similar. No two caregiver stories are the same, nor are those of love or loss, living with dogs or with cats, learning to garden, meditate or finding peace in your own backyard.

For me, this has been a huge lesson in the value of telling our tales, as I observe that by doing so we compound our understanding and appreciation for the human experience, as each story adds value to the themes we share as we live life together on this planet.

Stumble in, Stumble Throughout

But while the stories may be unique, all storytellers share one, common problem, one place at which we stumble on the threshold to getting our tales told. I use the word “threshold” here deliberately, since this is an entry-way problem, and therefore one from which no piece of writing can recover after the writer makes it, no matter how much that writer pours his or her well-meaning heart into the tale. Make this mistake and your piece is doomed to fail.

Don’t believe me? Picture this: you trip on your way into a friend’s home, literally on the doorframe coming in. How’s that going to affect your entrance? What will you miss in those first moments? Think about it. Making a shaky entrance, we remain on shaky ground.

How does this apply to writing? Well, stumble in, stumble throughout. It’s another mantra of mine, and hard-won, having written all too many things before giving them enough thoughtful consideration. The result? They didn’t work.

What Makes Memoir Work?

No one lacks for a life story. In other words, we all have the material we need to write memoir. But if there is a dividing line between writing good memoir and writing bad memoir – and there is – it’s the structure brought to the tale. Build a solid structure from the start and no one will stumble into – or around – the parts of your story .

Let’s move back out of the writing world for a moment and put this again in purely construction terms. Build an uneven entrance to your home with a toe-stubber of doorframe, use cheap materials throughout and throw on a lousy roof and no one will want to spend much time inside, right? Instead, if you provide an inviting entrance, a thrilling foyer, a convenient and spacious closet into which the visitor can shed some of her belongings and then open onto a living room that provides all the cues of your style and substance, well, I’ll want to stay as long as you’ll have me.

It’s the same with your memoir writing, where poor construction on your part drives your visitor – in this case, your reader – out of the place faster than a bad fraternity band on a hot Friday night. No one will want to be there unless you give some thought to their comfort. No one. Nope, not even your parent, partner or the children who you think are waiting breathlessly to read your memoir writing.  In short, no one can read something that is poorly designed just like no one can live comfortable in a shoddy house.

You’ve read books without structure, though you might not have identified them as such. At the beginning, you feel a bit lost. In the middle, you feel confused and at the end – if you get there – you feel let down, as though someone did not deliver on a promise. Because someone did not. Books are a promise. Specifically memoir is a promise from me that I experienced something, I’ve given some real thought to it and now know what it is, and now I am going to share what I now know with you. The promise is not that I am going to recreate the experience or make you relive it with me.

For instance, in a caregiver memoir, I don’t want the list of the drugs your mother took or the doctors your father saw. I want to know what you now know about caregiving. Those are two very different assignments, one of which is a diary and the other of which is a memoir.

Not having a book structure will present endless problems, the first being not knowing how to start and the second never knowing where to finish. After that, and along the way, a book without a working structure is recognizable by its lack of logic, its dependence on your chronological tale, its diary-like style and the absence of a universal theme. But that’s not all.

The Six Worst Structure Problems

I can work this construction metaphor all day, in part because it supplies the six big problems you build into a book when you do not have a structure. In purely homebuilding parlance, these are:

• An uneven threshold
• A crowded coat closet
• No living room
• Too few windows to the outside world
• A leaky roof
• A ghostly, unidentified smell

And what do those six things give your reader?

• A jumbled stumble into your tale
• No place to shed his or her own story in favor of yours
• No understanding of your style or voice
• No context in which to place your tale
• No one, solid, unifying theme to live under
• The sense that some untold backstory lingers under this story

What are readers to do with a book like this? Only one thing: Wander aimlessly only until they find the first door out.

Do you recognize any of these problems in your own work? Let me help you out of them and into the best writing year of your life.

How to Build a One Story House

That’s right. Because in that little visual is my first tip to you on book structure. Here it is: You have to tell one story at a time, no matter how long the piece of memoir. Whether it be a blog post, a personal essay or a book, all we want is to go from here to there. We only want to tackle one tale at a time.

And right now you are pushing back thinking, well, but my story is so compelling that it will just delight the reader right along.

Okay, let’s pretend that might be true. Let’s say that yours is the one-in-a-zillion tale that defies all rules of function, that is so utterly remarkable that it simply invites us in and whisks us through. I’ve never met that book, but hey, I’m willing to believe you – that is, if you can answer this question: What’s it about?

Simple as that.  Except I do not refer to your plot when I ask that question. Instead, what I want to know is what you know after what you’ve experienced. And, as a result, what will I, the reader, know that I did not know before I entered your tale? Because if you do not know the answer to that, you may be building a fun home and not a one-story house. What’s the difference? The first sets us wandering through myriad entertainments but never lets us feel the deeply satisfying comforts of home. The second is a good book.

What is This About?

I have written extensively about the “what is this about?” aspect of books. It’s in my little irreverent book on how to write memoir . It’s in my essential blog post about the three-legged stool of memoir ; it’s here in this post on knowing what your story is about . In short, it is the essence of my online memoir classes .

“What is this about?” It’s the question I ask myself after every interesting life encounter. What just happened here? What human-to-human or human-to-dog, or human-to-nature thing just took place here? And when I ask this, I do not refer to the plot or the action. I refer to the theme. Was this a transaction of mercy? Was it one of generosity? Did it have to do with patriotism, how we relearn the lessons of kindness or what’s reaped with a stingy heart? What is this about?

That, my writing friends, is the single question which, with its answer, will transpose your story to a higher key, lifting it out of being about you and placing it into the realm of being interesting to others. Answering this question well is where you begin to build a structure. No piece of memoir can succeed without one.

What is this about? It’s one of only two index-card admonitions that live in my office, reminding me every day to start there, choosing the best materials I can with which to construct a tale.

What will we do with that? Let me show you.

My Foolproof Memoir Writing Algorithm

If you know me at all you know my memoir writing algorithm. After all, I talk and write about it all the time. It’s part of my Memoir Manifesto . It’s part of me, as well, since I use it every single writing day.

Here it is.

It’s about x as illustrated by y to be told in a z

What are we doing here? We are building you a memoir writing toolbox. Did you hear that clink? I just dropped in your first handy helper. With this in your writing toolbox you can build anything. But don’t believe me. Let’s fill it in.

• The story is about mercy, as illustrated by my visit to the gravesite to be told in a blog post.
• It’s about responsibility as illustrated by first day babysitting to be told in a college essay.
• It’s about shedding shame as illustrated by my newfound love for meditation to be told in a book.

See how this goes?

Figure out your x factor and you will know what your book is about. After that, it’s easy to narrow down the numbers of tales from your whole life story to only those needed to tell that one tale.

Make sense? Good. If you have not done so already, please read the previous posts in this series, including how to choose your memoir structure , how  writing memoir will save your life ,  and a piece on  the biggest challenges to writing a book . Then keep your eyes on this space for the next in this series.

Together, let’s make this the single most productive writing year of your life. And just how might I define that word “productive?” Simple: This is the year you write and finish that one-story book of yours.

Roll up your sleeves, get ready to add to that toolbox of yours and let’s get to work.

Photo credits:

Photo by mugley on visual hunt / cc by-sa, the jacobs house in madison wisconsin. courtesy of the library of congress., share this:.

Related posts:

• How to Choose Your Memoir Structure
• What is a Memoir? A Book with Structure
• How to Structure a Book? Learn How & Overcome Writing A Book’s Great Challenge

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Reader interactions.

Katherine Cox Stevenson says

January 20, 2018 at 1:47 pm

Thank you Marion. This is incredibly helpful!! And SO timely. Indeed this is the year I am going to finish my memoir.

Carole Werry says

January 25, 2018 at 1:05 pm

I thought my book was about my cardiac arrest, my double bypass, my two hip replacements and how I would inspire others to get through their health challenges. I now know my book is about “how much fortitude people possess.” Thanks for the first step in Structuring a Memoir.

I can’t wait to see the Memoirama webinar!

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Join me on instagram, mroachsmith.

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The Personal Memoir

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These resources discuss some terms and techniques that are useful to the beginning and intermediate creative nonfiction writer, and to instructors who are teaching creative nonfiction at these levels. The distinction between beginning and intermediate writing is provided for both students and instructors, and numerous sources are listed for more information about creative nonfiction tools and how to use them. A sample assignment sheet is also provided for instructors.

Because the personal memoir is more demanding than the personal essay, for both writer and reader, it doesn’t fit into introductory courses as well as the personal essay. An intermediate level course is a good place to introduce the memoir. However, if the instructor takes the time to explain and introduce the memoir form, it can be adapted for introductory courses.

Difference Between the Personal Essay and the Memoir

While the personal essay can be about almost anything, the memoir tends to discuss past events. Memoir is similar to the personal essay, except that the memoir tends to focus more on striking or life-changing events. The personal essay can be a relatively light reflection about what’s going on in your life right now.

Where the personal essay explores, free from any need to interpret, the memoir interprets, analyzes, and seeks the deeper meaning beneath the surface experience of particular events. The memoir continually asks the following questions:

• Why was this event of particular significance?
• What did it mean?
• Why is it important?

In this sense, the memoir is heavier than the personal essay, and it mines the past to shed light on the present. The memoir seeks to make sense of an individual life. The questions that are left unanswered in Wole Soyinka’s essay from the personal essay resource, Why do I Fast? are answered in the memoir.

Generating Ideas for Personal Memoirs

Moore’s memoir exercise from The Truth of the Matter: Art and Craft in Creative Nonfiction is useful in both beginning and intermediate courses:

“Make a list of six to ten events or circumstances in your own life, or the lives of those very close to you, that still provoke your curiosity. Mine your own life for the events and circumstances that still raise questions in your mind. Once you have the list (and this list should be private - don’t share it with others - and don’t hold back because you think someone else will be looking), pick one of the questions on the list that you are willing to explore.“

The potential questions Moore asks in this exercise are meant to be answered in the memoir. While the memoir tries to make sense of experience, it also shares something in common with the personal essay - the exploration of the question, and the process of trying to arrive at an answer, is at least as important as the answer or resolution you may arrive at.

Writing the memoir is not a simple Q & A with yourself; rather, the complicated process of trying to seek the answers is what makes the memoir engaging to write, and read. Here is an example from Carlos Fuentes’ How I Started to Write :

Fuentes is constantly questioning and answering, interpreting and analyzing his experience, trying to make sense of why and how he did what he did in order to become a writer. He seeks answers and tries to make sense of his life by interpreting his own experience, the cultural and political life of his time, the meaning of language and literary influence, and by stepping over imagined nationalist borders.

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How to Write a Memoir Outline: 7 Essential Steps

POSTED ON Nov 22, 2020

Written by Joe Bunting

How do you write a memoir outline that not only results in a really captivating book about your life, but also saves you hundreds of hours? 

You know that you have a story to tell, but you don’t know how to get started with writing it. 

Hint: It starts with a memoir outline. 

But what should you include in a memoir outline? How do you structure it? What information should you add? 

When I was writing my memoir, Crowdsourcing Paris , these are the questions that occurred to me about six months too late, after I had already finished the first draft. It was only then that I realized what my so-so memoir needed to become a great memoir: an outline.

And so I set out to figure out how to write the perfect memoir outline. In this post, I want to share exactly what I learned, and how you can write a memoir outline that will save you time and increase your story’s quality. 

Need A Fiction Book Outline?

Here are the steps to write a memoir outline:

• Know when to create a memoir outline
• Write your memoir idea as a one-sentence premise
• Find the big moments in your memoir
• Add the first act to your memoir outline
• Build the outline with the second act
• Include your memoir’s final act
• Structure each scene for your memoir outline

Learning how to write a memoir outline will help you have a better memoir in a fraction of the time. How do I know? Because I tried to write a memoir—a real-life adventure story set in Paris—without an book outline and failed. Then, I began to learn how to outline a memoir, and it changed my entire writing process.

#1 – Know when to create a memoir outline

The biggest mistake I made when I was writing my memoir was in creating my outline too late. 

Honestly, I should have known better. This wasn’t my first book, it was my fifth, and each of those books relied heavily on outlines, so I knew how to write an outline.

But writing a memoir felt different. After all, it was a story about the experience I had in Paris. All I had to do was remember , right? How hard could it be?

And so it wasn’t until after I had written the first draft of my memoir that I finally realized I wouldn’t be able to make it good without writing an outline.

So when is the best time to create a memoir outline? The answer: as early as possible. 

Let me break it down:

If you’re thinking about writing a memoir, start with learning how to write a memoir outline.

If you’re in the middle of your memoir, take a step back and create an outline using the process below. 

And if you’ve already finished your memoir and are thinking about next steps, it’s not too late to create your outline to help finetune your manuscript. 

Outlining your memoir will help you at every stage of the process. 

Even if you identify more with the pantsers on the planner vs pantser spectrum , having some kind of outline using the elements below will help you.

Here’s when to create a memoir outline: 

• Before you start writing. If you haven’t started writing your memoir yet, then this is the perfect opportunity to get ahead and create your memoir outline before you start.
• If you’ve already started. Even if you’ve started writing your manuscript, you can still draft a memoir outline to use as a roadmap for your writing.
• Once you’ve completed your manuscript. Already finished writing your memoir? It’s not too late to create your memoir outline. This can help you identify any gaps in your story, and can help in your editing process. 

Now that you’ve identified when it’s the right time to learn how to write a memoir outline, it’s time to move on to the next part, which is all about what to include in your outline. 

To begin, we’ll start with your idea.

#2 – Write your memoir idea as a one-sentence premise

Why sum up your whole book idea in one sentence? Because you can’t write about everything. Good memoirs—books like Wild and Eat, Pray, Love —are not about your whole life. No, they’re about a specific season, a particular, very intense period of time. 

One of the biggest mistakes new memoir writers make is to try to do too much in one book, to share too many stories, to talk too much about details the reader doesn’t care about.

That’s why, at the very beginning, you narrow your memoir idea down to a single sentence, because it forces you to focus on only the most important events for your story. 

Then, anything that doesn’t fit in that sentence can go into the next book.

How do you write that sentence? Every premise for a memoir needs to contain three things: a character, a situation, and a lesson. 

Here’s what to include in your memoir’s one-sentence premise:

• A character . For memoir, this is going to be you, the author. Fill out a character profile template , so you can look at yourself objectively as a character in a story.
• A situation . What is the specific situation you were going through that will make up the core of the story?
• A lesson . NY Times bestselling memoirist Marion Roach Smith says , “Memoir is about something you know after something you’ve been through.” What big life lesson did you learn from this situation?

How does this look practically? Here’s an example premise from my memoir, Crowdsourcing Paris :

“ To raise $600 for his dream Paris trip, a cautious writer accomplishes 12 uncomfortable adventures given by his Internet followers, and through it all learns that the best stories come when you get out of your comfort zone. “

Let’s break that down. Character : a cautious writer. Situation : not quite enough money to make it in Paris. Lesson : the best stories come when you get out of your comfort zone.

#3 – Find your memoir’s big moments

Your premise sets the scope of your story. Again, the point of memoir is not to share everything that ever happened to you. The purpose of memoir is to share a compact but powerful story about a specific situation that led to a life-changing realization.

Once you have your premise, then you can start making a list of all of the most important moments that fit into the scope of that premise. 

Look especially for life and death moments, moments of intense romance (or betrayal), or moments of rebellion against society’s expectations.

Important Note: Don’t discount the intensity of these moments. One major realization I had as I wrote Crowdsourcing Paris was how easy it is to look back at our life and downplay the intensity of an event. 

For example, there was this one moment when I experienced sheer terror in Paris. I was in the catacombs, the 170 miles of illegal caves and tunnels below the city, and I was lost and all alone in the pitch black with nothing but a tiny LED flashlight that was all but worthless. I honestly thought I might die there. 

But for years, looking back at that moment, I would minimize the terror I felt. After all, five minutes later I was *spoiler alert* once again perfectly safe and happy. 

But the good memoirist doesn’t diminish her terror or excitement or hurt or bliss. She puts a magnifying glass to it realizing that this is where the best parts of our stories lie.

It took me three years to learn that lesson, but when I did it changed everything for me.

Tips for adding the big moments to your memoir outline: 

• Keep it relevant to your memoir’s premise. With your one-sentence premise from the previous step in mind, think about all of the big events or moments that fit into the scope of your story’s premise. 
• Think big. Include any milestones, major moments, or memorable experiences that are relevant. Include any life and death moments, and moments of intense feeling or action.
• Don’t minimize the moment’s intensity. Try to remember how intense the feeling or experience was for you, and work to authentically re-create the experience for your readers. 

#4 – Add the first act to your memoir outline

Good memoirs contain the best of a novel and a nonfiction self-help book . They should be entertaining and instructive at the same time.

And like a novel outline , good memoirs have a first, second, and third act.

Your job is to slot the events in your life into these three acts so that it feels like a cohesive story.

Here’s a trick to creating your outline: if the average memoir has 60 scenes or moments, your first act should have about 15 scenes, your second act should have about 30 scenes, and your final act should have the final 15 scenes (including your big climactic moment). 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind about your memoir’s first act:

• Begin the story as late as possible . For example, my memoir is a travel memoir, and most travel memoirs begin when the author is first arriving in the country. 
• Use flashbacks, but carefully . To begin the story as late as possible, you can use flashbacks to give the reader important information that happened earlier in the story. Be careful to only use full scenes, though, and not info-dump.
• Start big . Since my memoir is an adventure story, Shawn Coyne, creator of Story Grid , told me that my “very first scene needed to be about one of the biggest life and death moments of the book.” The same is true for your story. For example, if your story is about a romantic relationship, you can begin with a moment of love or rejection. 
• End the first act with a major decision . As the main character, it’s your decisions that drive the story. Too often, memoir writers talk about the things that happened to them, not the things that they made happen. Instead, focus on the decisions you made that drove the events of your story forward, and make sure to include one of those important decisions toward the end of your first act.

What moments from your list of big moments that you made in step #2 feel like they would fit here in the first act?

Too often, memoir writers talk about the things that happened to them, not the things that they made happen.

#5 – Insert the second act

The second act is often the hardest part of writing any story, whether a memoir or novel. 

It’s usually twice as long as the first and third acts, and often it can feel slow and disorganized if you don’t handle it right. 

Here are a couple of tips to make your second act sing:

• Start your subplot here. One thing I learned from Save the Cat is that if you’re story is going to have a subplot, it usually begins in the second act. In fact, it’s often the first scene in the second act. 
• Center your second act on the all is lost moment . This might be weird, but my favorite thing to write is the all is lost moment, the moment when everything has gone wrong and the main character finally comes to the end of themselves. Why do I like it? Because it’s always this moment when the character finally learns they need to grow if they are going to make things right. Even better, that event happens in the second act, usually about 60 to 70 percent of the way through the story. 

What moments from your list of big moments that you made in step #2 feel like they would fit here in the second act ?

#6 – Include the final act of your memoir

The third, or final, act is where all the pieces come together and all the clarity that you’ve fought for in acts one and two finally start to pay off.

For me, the final act is always the most fun to write, the payoff to all the things you’ve been building throughout the book. Have fun with it!

Here are a few tips for your third and final act:

• Your final climactic moment comes here . The climax of a novel almost always happens in the third act, and the same is true for your memoir. The climax is when the main character makes a huge, life changing decision, evolving from the smaller person he was in act 1 to the much bigger person he is in act 3.
• This is also where you learn, once and for all, the big lesson of the memoir. Remember the lesson you outlined in your premise from step #1? The moment when you finally learn and cement that lesson happens in act three.
• End the story with the conclusion of your subplot . If your subplot begins in the second act, the final moment of your subplot works really well as the final scene of your memoir. For example, the subplot of my memoir was about my relationship with my wife, and so the final moment of the book is about holding my wife’s hand as we leave Paris together. Readers are subconsciously expecting this, and when you can deliver on it, it makes them feel like your book is working.

#7 – Structure each scene for your memoir outline

Now that you’ve outlined each act and placed the big moments of your story into each act, you can start thinking about how to structure each scene.

Here I’ve learned so much from Story Grid, which says every scene must contain five things .

The five things to include in each scene for your memoir:

• Inciting incident . The conflict that begins the action of the scene.
• Progressive complications . A series of events where bad goes to worse.
• Crisis . The most important part of the scene, when a character is presented with a choice between either two very bad things or two very good things. (For more on this, check out my article on literary crisis .)
• Climax . The payoff when the character makes the decision presented in the crisis.
• Resolution . The new world order after the decision is made.

These are traditionally elements for a novel, but when I went through each scene of my memoir and rewrote them to include these five elements, it made the book as a whole much better.

Now, I plan every scene with this structure, and you should too.

Your memoir outline can change your life

It sounds kind of grandiose to say that an outline can change your life, but it’s true. Not only will the outlining process I shared above save you hundreds of hours, it will result in much better memoir.

Take the time to plan your memoir strategically, regardless of where you are in the process. Even if you’re not naturally a planner, spending time in this process will pay off for you.

And don’t forget, writing a memoir should be fun. Happy writing!

How about you? What is your one-sentence memoir premise?

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The Memoir in Essays: A Reading List

Elizabeth kadetsky on the multiple ways we can look at the self.

While the personal essay has enjoyed continued popularity, a book-length collection of linked essays, centered on an author’s self or life, is less common than a traditional memoir or novel. A truly successful essay collection can reveal the author processing experiences at many different points in time and through many different lenses. As a writer, I’ve always been drawn to the essay as a form, for its concision, for its ability to highlight an intriguing gap between author and narrator that lends an inherent tension and self-questioning. A collection of essays treating the same or related inquiries multiplies this effect.

The distance afforded by those multivalent lenses can allow an author to regard one’s younger self as a different character, a different persona. This can create an unease or uncertainty that is exciting, and also very relatable to the reader. An author’s ability to forgive that earlier version of herself is especially prevalent in the memoir-in-essays, perhaps because of the extended time period covered as a writer composes essays across years or even decades.

We are lucky enough to be in the middle of a renaissance. Several recent and upcoming memoirs-in-essays use the inquisitive essay form to tell life stories from different vantage points and make the reader question and revel in unreliable narrators and new perspectives. The more traditional memoir focuses on seeking and attaining redemption. The nonlinear structure of an essay collection reveals that there is never easy redemption, never clear resolution: bad things happen for no reason; overcoming one trial does not lessen the need to adapt in the next.

These new, enchanting and powerful collections are a welcome reminder that in our collective state of unrest and unknown futures, there is a comfort in knowing that there is an inherent uncertainty in having the answers.

Emily Arnason Casey, Made Holy: Essays (University of Georgia Press)

In beautiful, scenic prose, Emily Arnason Casey probes her middle American childhood from the stance of different venues, times of life, and primary characters—a family cabin and repository for memories both happy and sad; a little sister who grew up and wasn’t a sidekick anymore; a mother who didn’t reveal the family propensity to alcoholism until it was too late; an aunt who succumbed to the illness’s lure. In a spiral-like structure that keeps returning to a central and unanswerable question—how, and why, must this family battle the draws and effects of alcohol addiction—Arnason Casey tells a poignant story of a “normal” family that through its quirks and desires must find a path to survival. The author finds solace in nostalgia and a way forward by examining the errors of the past and by embracing, as a mother, the promise of the future generation. Her probing and compulsive need to question reminds us that alcoholism has no simple etiology, and that its cures are as individual as they are elusive.

Sonja Livingston, The Virgin of Prince Street: Expeditions into Devotion } (University of Nebraska Press)

At a time of dwindling religiosity, Livingston finds herself wishing for greater connection to her Catholic roots while also exploring the physical space of the church in upstate New York that made memories for her as a child. Because of religious attrition, the church that she grew up in becomes the gathering space for dozens of rescued saint statues deaccessioned from other churches nearby. Livingston embarks upon a quest to find a missing Virgin Mary statue, that moves not in straight lines but elliptically, following a parallel physical and emotional journey that is an exploration into faith, Catholicism, and a desire for spiritual connection on modern terms. In examining the sustained power of a central icon of the Catholic church and an object of personal, sentimental attachment, Livingston’s linked essays highlight the irresolvable paradox of modern religiosity—that the seeker must follow an uncharted middle pathway when the old texts and their tropes, their patriarchy and their strictures, necessarily fall away.

Amy Long, Codependence (Cleveland State University Poetry Center)

In this haunting and troubling book, Long revisits scenes and anecdotes from her  boyfriend’s heroin addiction and her subsequent dependence on opioids for chronic pain. Formal experiments such as essays disguised as lists, prescription forms, and medical reports are interspersed among scene-driven recollections from different points in time: the author’s first introduction to the drug; the allure of an older addict; attempts at recovery. The grounding presence of the author’s supportive mother is offset by the narrative’s tragic other constant—the euphoria and escape offered by the drug. By eschewing a linear narrative structure, Long illustrates the difficulty of achieving recovery and puts lie to the myth that addiction is a logical disease that naturally ends with a cure. In its very form, this memoir undermines the narrative so prevalent in media treatments of this illness—that in order to trounce the beast, the individual suffering from addiction need only attend a recovery program. Having written about and witnessed my own sister’s decades’ long struggle to overcome opioid addiction, I was drawn to Long’s wisdom in portraying addiction not as a problem to be solved so much as a complexity to be observed and penetrated.

Sejal Shah, This Is One Way to Dance (University of Georgia Press)

The Indian-American author continually revisits her troubled relationship to her American identity through layered essays treating her bifurcated Indian and American past. Exploring her family’s immersion in Gujarati subculture when she was a child growing up in Rochester, New York; her experience as one of few people of color in her MFA creative writing program; and many family weddings in which she must confront her presumed future as a desi bride, Shah questions her place in both American culture and the thriving American-Gujarati subculture. By placing dates at the ends of the essays, it is suggested that her complicated and lifelong conflicts about race and cultural identity can be told chronologically. But, as she explains in her introduction, many essays had multiple end dates after having been revised and reconsidered as time moved forward. The multiple end dates elegantly upend the notion that a rational, hypothesis-thesis-synthesis structure can encompass the complexities of identity and belonging. Shah’s choice to write non-narratively about her conflicts of identity provide insight for anyone raised with a dual or multiple cultural identity—anyone who may, at different points of time, feel a greater allegiance to one culture, another, or a never straightforward amalgam of many. Who we understand ourselves to be, Shah’s book tells the reader in subtle ways, is not a fact so much as a moving target, an unending query.

Sue William Silverman, How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences (University of Nebraska Press)

Silverman is the author of three previous memoirs. In How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences , she tells her life story through the lens of an obsession with death and the desire to come to terms with the inevitable but often avoided reality that in the end we are mortal. The essays begin with a chronological life story of growing up in New Jersey and encountering American culture’s death-avoidance, but then take a swerve when several brief but elusive mentions accrue into an account of a rape at a young age and a discovery that her memory of the event connects to her fixation on death. A chronological structure gives way to a thematic plot, in which Silverman seeks to confront her topic through reporting, immersion, and reflection—for instance by visiting a morgue, exploring mythological figures associated with death, and recollecting a family funeral. The sophisticated writing and structure make the whole greater than the sum of its many fascinating and worthy parts. Silverman’s essays continually reveal the irrational functioning of memory and how it connects our pasts to our worldviews. Honoring subconscious logic, How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences makes the gambit that the mysteries of the self are both keys to understanding and uncertainties to be celebrated. We become who we are without being fully conscious of our choices—probing those choices won’t give us easy answers, but the discoveries along the way will be illuminating and well worth the necessary befuddlements.

__________________________________

Elizabeth Kadetsky’s memoir , The Memory Eaters, is available now from University of Massachusetts Press.

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3 Ways to Experiment with Memoir Structure to Improve Your Narrative Arc

Today’s post is by writer and editor Lisa Cooper Ellison .

Most  memoir first drafts  consist of stories writers have told themselves or everyone else. Some of those tales have great punchlines or stab the reader’s heart so deeply they lose their breath. In the beginning, many of us are convinced our only job is to find the words that make those stories sparkle.

But revision teaches us how malleable the truth is. So much depends not on the events themselves, but on how we perceive them. Letting go of capital T “Truth,” we create draft after draft, hoping to at least create something authentic, and maybe beautiful.

Anxieties often spike during this messy middle part of the revision process. One way to calm them—and maybe even have some fun—is to stop searching for The One Perfect Structure and instead spend a few drafts playing around. Experimenting with different forms can teach you important skills and give you the mental flexibility needed to build your narrative arc.

Best of all, it’s possible to do this without hacking your project to pieces—that is, unless you want to.

1. Story draft

Memoirs might deal with true events, but they’re closely aligned with fiction. In a story draft, you’ll learn how to employ the elements of storytelling by crafting well-written, engaging scenes that use dialogue, sensory details, and action to bring your story to life. As you string scenes together, you’ll learn how to manage pacing and time.

If you’re a new writer, one of the best ways to learn these skills is to apply a linear,  three-act structure  to your manuscript. Using this structure as a starting point can teach you how stories work and what’s required to turn your very interesting circumstances into a great book, no matter what structure you ultimately decide on.

To do this without breaking your manuscript, consider writing the key “beat” scenes for your memoir, something Suzette Mullen advocates for in Why Preparing a TED Talk Makes You a Better Memoirist.

2. Letter or epistolary draft 

Perhaps you’ll finish a story draft and decide that’s all you need to explore. But if the voice is drab, you’re still not sure what your story is about, or you haven’t identified your audience, consider writing at least a portion of your book in letter form.

Epistolary memoirs are written as one, or a series, of letters addressed to a specific person. This structure has a long history in the world of fiction, and includes novels like  The Color Purple ,  Dracula , and  Frankenstein . Ta-Nehisi Coates  Between the World   and Me  and Mary Karr’s  Lit  are two well-known epistolary memoirs addressed to their sons.

Letters are intimate. They take you inside a special relationship. Choosing to write your memoir as a letter to a singular audience can help you hone your voice and decide which scenes truly belong. You can also use this draft to understand your characters.

Gayle Brandeis’s braided memoir,  The Art of Misdiagnosis: Surviving My Mother’s Suicide,  explores the tangled web of her grief, her mother’s mental illness, and the ways illness and mental illness intersect within this mother/daughter relationship. Gayle’s earliest draft was a straight-forward grief narrative that dealt solely with the aftermath of her mother’s death. But as she began to explore the deeper aspects of her story, she decided to write a draft as a letter to her dead mother. After completing it, she realized her mother needed to have a voice in her memoir. This gave rise to the second arc around her mother’s unfinished documentary,  The Art of Misdiagnosis , and the third arc around illness that twines the two women together.

During an interview for the  Writing Your Resilience podcast , Laura Davis, author of  The Burning Light of Two Stars , talked about how her use of letters evolved over several drafts and why she kept excerpts from certain ones in her published memoir.

To see if this is a good fit, write a single letter to a key character in your memoir, a younger version of yourself, or the reader who most needs your book, and see what you discover. If this work energizes you, consider writing a chunk of your book in this format.

3. Essay draft

Essays provide you with an opportunity to build an argument around your topic that can ultimately lead to platform-building bylines and a leaner, more focused narrative arc. They have also been the impetus for several well-known and acclaimed memoirs. Cheryl Strayed’s essay, The Love of My Life , served as the impetus for her memoir  Wild .  Debra Gwartney’s 2002 radio essay for  This American Life  led her to write  Live Through This :  A Mother’s Memoir of Runaway Daughters.  Stephanie Land’s  essay for  Vox  led to her book deal for Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive.

Writing an essay draft that convinces readers of something can help sharpen your book’s essential argument and become part of the conversation happening around your topic. But sometimes letters, traditional essays, and story drafts aren’t enough—you may still not understand what you’re writing about. If that’s the case, toy around with a hermit crab or braided essay.

Braids allow you to juxtapose items. Take this Brevity essay, The Once Wife by Heidi Fettig Parton, which threads the death of her husband around a trip she took to Germany before the destruction of the Berlin Wall, or Jo Ann Beard’s The Fourth State of Matter.  Even if you decide against a braided structure, juxtaposing scenes or events on note cards can lead to new and interesting connections with your material.

Hermit crab essays impose a structure like a  syllabus ,  rejection letter , or  body wash instructions  onto your material, which forces you to distill your message. This compression, like coal in a cave, can help you create the diamond-like narrative arc you’re looking for. Your essay could encompass your entire book, or a portion of your material. It could even inspire you to write an experimental book, like the Pushcart-Prize nominated memoir,  Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang.

However you choose to play, note what works, what feels stilted, and what cracks lightning inside you. Those sparks of inspiration are signals that you’re on the way to creating something that’s not just beautiful but authentic and personally true.

Lisa Cooper Ellison is an author, speaker, trauma-informed writing coach, and the host of the Writing Your Resilience podcast. She’s spent the last two decades helping clients and students turn difficult experiences into art, and teaches courses in memoir, the psychology of writing, and the book proposal. Winner of the 2022 HippoCamp edition of the Lancaster Story Slam, her essays and stories have appeared on Risk!  and in the  New York Times , HuffPost ,  Hippocampus Literary Magazine , and  Kenyon Review Online , among others.

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Very informative! Thank you for showing me how to tell my story by not just telling my story.

Thank you for reading, Nicki! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.

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Structuring (and Restructuring) Your Memoir

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Memoir Writing: Structuring Your Story

Course Details

This course can only be taken as part of the Certificate in Writing .

About this Course

How do writers of memoir organize their material to create unified and compelling narratives? This is the key question that will guide us throughout this course in structuring your memoir.

We’ll read critically acclaimed memoirs together and analyze the functions of dramatic arc, chapter development and unifying threads. We’ll then dive into how experienced authors of memoir employ sections, transitions, prologues, epilogues and framing devices in structuring their material. You’ll be given multiple opportunities to generate new writing and receive insightful feedback.

Designed For

Those who want to organize their memoir material and begin the writing process.

What You’ll LeArn

• How to define your writing project goals in terms of overall organization and narrative arc
• Ways to utilize narrative modes in memoir writing: scene, summary and musing
• How to analyze your own writing and the work of others in relation to narrative modes, story structure, theme and use of time
• Techniques for identifying the anatomy of a scene and creating a fully realized scene
• Methods for applying the concepts you’ve learned to future writing projects

Program Overview

To earn the Certificate in Writing , complete any three courses in two years or less.

You should register for all courses individually; there is no application process for the certificate program.

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Memoir Writing: Writing Your Story

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Home — Essay Types — Memoir Essay

Memoir Essay Examples

Selecting the right topic is the cornerstone of a compelling memoir essay. It's the initial step in crafting a narrative that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impression. The chosen topic serves as the foundation upon which your entire memoir is built, setting the tone and direction for your storytelling journey. To better illustrate this point, let's examine some memoir essay examples in our base of essays.

When you carefully consider your memoir essay topics, you're essentially inviting readers into your world, allowing them to connect with your personal experiences, emotions, and insights. The more relatable the topic, the deeper the connection you can establish with your audience. After all, the power of memoir lies in its ability to evoke empathy and understanding.

To gain a better understanding of this concept, we can turn to some well-known memoirs, such as "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls and "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, as memoir essay examples. "The Glass Castle" revolves around her unconventional upbringing and the struggles of her impoverished family, illustrating how the right topic can engage readers and make a memoir not just a personal narrative but a shared human experience.

Finding Inspiration for Memoir Essay Topics

So, where can you find inspiration for your memoir essay topics? The answer lies in your own life experiences, and there are countless facets to explore.

I. Start by reflecting on significant life events, such as your childhood memories. Think about the moments that shaped you, the adventures that left a lasting impression, and the challenges that forced you to grow. These events often hold the key to compelling memoir essay ideas, as they offer glimpses into your personal journey.

• A Life-Altering Event and Its Profound Impact
• Exploring the Impact of Milestones in Life
• Personal Crisis Leading to Transformation
• Influence of Key Moments on Life's Path
• Lessons from Milestones: Successes and Failures

II. Additionally, consider your milestones and achievements. Successes and accomplishments, both big and small, can be fertile ground for memoirs. Whether it's graduating from college, starting a business, or completing a marathon, these moments represent your growth and perseverance.

• Reflecting on the Marathon: Perseverance and Transformation
• Transitioning from College to the Real World
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Navigating Challenges in Business
• Shaping Character Through Personal Achievement
• Personal Growth Through Accomplishments

Personal challenges and growth experiences also make for engaging topics. Everyone faces adversity at some point in their lives, and sharing how you navigated through these trials can inspire and connect with readers who have undergone similar struggles.

Of course, here are the essay topic examples marked up as a list:

• My Journey Through Personal Challenges and Triumph
• My Most Memorable Experiences in Life
• Navigating Personal Struggles for Personal Growth
• Triumphing Over Life's Obstacles: Stories of Resilience
• Lessons from Adversity: Building Empathy and Connection Through Shared Struggles

Lastly, your career and professional experiences are a goldmine of stories. Share your successes, the challenges you've faced, and the valuable lessons you've learned along the way. Your career journey can offer valuable insights and inspiration to others pursuing their own professional paths.

• Lessons Learned from My Professional Journey
• How Past Experiences Influence Our Present
• Overcoming Challenges and Thriving in My Career
• Shaping Growth Through Career Path and Mentorship
• Inspiring Others with Insights from My Professional Odyssey

By delving into these various aspects of your life, you can uncover memoir topics that are not only deeply personal but also universally relatable, creating a narrative that resonates with readers on a profound level.

A memoir essay, with its vulnerability, introspection, and focus on key life lessons, differs from a standard personal essay or autobiography. Unlike chronological autobiographies, memoir essays thoughtfully reflect on specific meaningful experiences. By candidly revisiting impactful moments, memoir essayists gain self-awareness, find meaning in hardship, preserve family histories, and share life-changing epiphanies. 

Great memoir essays , illustrated by memoir essay examples , balance vivid scenic recreation, raw emotional insights, and universal truths. Evocative sensory details transport readers to pivotal moments, while introspective narration reveals the inner turmoil, growth, and realizations that recollection brings. The most compelling memoirs extract wisdom from lived experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys.

In the process of studying and crafting your memoir essay, it’s crucial to delve deep into understanding and portraying personal experiences with authenticity and emotional depth. By unlocking free profile essay examples , you can gain insights into different approaches to storytelling and character exploration, enriching your memoir with new dimensions and perspectives.

Memoir Essay’s Central Theme 

Identifying your memoir essay’s central theme or message provides focus for both writing and reflection. Set aside time for deep thought about the big life moments you could explore within your memoir essay and what universal insights they hold.

Common memoir themes include overcoming adversity, grief and loss, achievement, parenthood, sexual identity, family dynamics, disillusionment, recovery from trauma or addiction, spiritual awakening, and more. For example, a parent’s memoir may center on personal growth through raising a special needs child. A memoir of grief could find meaning in love and legacy after loss.

Once you land on a specific theme, use it as a touchstone while shaping your memoir’s scenes, tone, and takeaways. Let it guide your writing toward impactful self-revelation.

Memoir Essay’s Structure

An intentional structure connects your memoir’s scenes into a cohesive narrative arc. Chronological organization works well for linear stories, while a braided narrative with interwoven timelines suits winding journeys. 

Some memoirs, as in memoir essay examples for college students, utilize frame narratives that “bookend” the story, like Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette’s childhood recollections in My Mother’s House. Others divide chapters into thematic segments, like cancer survivor Kathy Kamen’s shifting outlooks in The Medicine Wheel.

Play with different structures until you find one that mirrors your narrative’s emotional cadence. Outline essential scenes like epiphanies, darkest moments, turning points, and resolutions to build your blueprint. A strong structure elevates your memoir’s impact.

Memoir Essay’s Voice and Tone

An authentic narrative voice and complementary tone shape how readers connect with your memoir. Your voice should fit the story, while your tone reflects the narrator’s perspective. 

For example, a humorous, ironic tone could capture the absurdities of childhood. A somber, reflective tone may suit a memoir of loss. Word choice profoundly affects tone, so select descriptors deliberately based on the desired mood and emotions.

Beyond tone, stylistic devices like metaphor and imagery convey voice. Is your narrator contemplative? Sarcastic? Lyrics? Fragmented sentences or analytical asides also contribute nuance. Remember your voice makes the memoir uniquely yours.

Bringing Scenes and Characters to Life 

Transport readers right into your memoir’s most pivotal scenes using vivid sensory description. Share sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes that set the scene and make it relatable. Zoom in on resonant images and telling details that reveal deeper meaning and character insight.  

Dialogue and anecdotes also help dramatize events and portray relationships. Let important conversations and interactions unfold naturally to illuminate the interpersonal dynamics, motivations, and emotions at play. Specific, evocative details turn recalled moments into immersive scenes.

Polishing Memoir Essays

Refine your first draft by revisiting your memoir’s central theme and emotional impact. Strengthen the narrative arc and deepen insights through targeted revision:

• Read sections aloud to polish language and flow.  
• Ask trusted readers for constructive feedback.
• Develop motifs and metaphors that underscore themes.
• Enhance scenes with more vivid sensory descriptions. 
• Adjust structure and pacing as needed.
• Clarify the narrative perspective and voice.

Revision is key to crafting a memoir that resonates. It takes raw recollections and molds them into universally relatable experiences suffused with meaning.

Free Memoir Essay Examples

We hope these free memoir essay examples inspire you to embrace the power of storytelling and to celebrate the uniqueness of every life’s narrative. Explore the pages of these memoirs to witness the resilience of the human spirit, the complexities of relationships, and the transformative power of personal reflection. These examples of memoir essays are a testament to the richness of the human experience and the artistry of memoir writing.

College Memoir Essay Examples

These insightful essays provide a glimpse into the diverse and transformative experiences of college life. Explore these stories of growth, challenges, and self-discovery as students share their personal narratives, shedding light on the unique journey that is higher education. Whether you’re a student seeking inspiration or simply curious about the college experience, these essays offer valuable insights and perspectives.

How to Write a Memoir Essays

Tips in memoir essay infographics.

Checklist for Writing a Memoir Essay

• Before You Start

✓ Choose a Specific Topic: select a meaningful and impactful life experience to write about.

✓ Identify Your Message: determine the central theme or message you want to convey through your memoir essay.

✓ Gather Memories: brainstorm and collect memories, details, and emotions related to your chosen experience.

✓ Narrow Your Focus: decide on the specific aspect or moment within your experience that you’ll explore in-depth.

• Structuring Your Memoir Essay

✓ Create a Three-Part Structure: plan for a clear beginning, middle, and end in your essay.

✓ Craft an Engaging Introduction: start with a compelling hook that introduces the topic and grabs the reader’s attention.

✓ Develop the Body: explore your chosen experience in detail, utilizing vivid descriptions, emotions, and reflections.

✓ Conclude Thoughtfully: wrap up your essay by tying together loose ends and leaving readers with something to ponder.

✓ Reflect and Connect: consider the broader implications of your memoir, connecting your personal experience to universal truths or lessons.

• Writing Your Memoir Essay

✓ Write Clearly and Concisely: use clear and concise language to convey your story and message effectively.

✓ Use Sensory Details: incorporate sensory details to bring your experiences to life for the reader.

✓ Be Honest and Authentic: share both strengths and vulnerabilities to make your memoir more relatable and authentic.

✓ Embrace Vulnerability: don’t shy away from sharing your emotions and vulnerabilities, as they add depth to your narrative.

✓ Revise and Edit: carefully revise and edit your work for clarity, coherence, and overall polish.

• Additional Resources

✓ Refer to Memoir Examples for College Students: seek inspiration and guidance from memoir examples tailored to college students’ experiences.

✓ Explore how to start a memoir essay examples: study various ways to begin your memoir essay effectively, drawing from examples.

Using this checklist can help you stay organized and focused while writing your memoir essay, ensuring that you craft a compelling and meaningful narrative.

While delving into the intricacies of writing a memoir essay, it’s essential to embrace the complexities of your narrative, weaving together the threads of your experiences with insight and reflection. However, expanding your understanding of different essay formats can further refine your writing craft. Specifically, by crafting a problem-solution essay , you can develop a keen eye for identifying and articulating challenges within your stories, while also presenting thoughtful, engaging resolutions. This skill not only enhances the depth and structure of your memoir but also equips you with a versatile approach to writing that can be applied across various genres. Engage with this dynamic essay format to enrich your storytelling toolkit and bring a new level of sophistication to your memoir.

Figurative Language Memoir

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The Transformative Power of Literacy

Literacy, in its simplest definition, is the ability to read and write. However, it is much more than that. Literacy is a fundamental skill that enables individuals to communicate, comprehend, and learn. It is an essential tool for success in life and is the foundation…

The Significance of Family: A Memoir Paper

Introduction Families are the cornerstone of society. They provide love, support, and guidance to their members, helping them navigate the ups and downs of life. Each family has its unique story to tell, shaped by the experiences they share together. As a college student, I…

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Lessons Learned from Childhood, College, and Long-Distance Connections

Friendship is a fundamental aspect of human life. This memoir reflects on the author’s experiences with childhood friends, college friends, and long-distance friendships, highlighting the lessons learned and the power of friendship in overcoming life’s challenges. Childhood Friends Childhood friends are often the first friends…

Preserving Family Culinary Traditions: A Connection to My Cultural Roots

Food is an essential part of our culture and identity, and it plays a significant role in shaping our family traditions. Growing up, my family’s kitchen was always filled with the smells of delicious home-cooked meals, and the recipes that have been passed down through…

My Journey as a Syrian Refugee: Shedding Light on the Realities of the Crisis

With over 80 million people forcibly displaced from their homes. Syria has been at the forefront of this crisis, with millions of Syrians fleeing the country due to the ongoing civil war. As a Syrian refugee myself, I have experienced the challenges and obstacles that…

Life Experiences: Shaping My Identity

Life is a journey filled with twists and turns that shape who we are today. Our past experiences, both good and bad, have a profound impact on our lives and help us grow into the person we are today. As a college student, I have…

Journey of Self-Discovery through Memoirs

Introduction Memoirs are a powerful tool for self-discovery. They allow individuals to reflect on their past experiences and use them to gain a better understanding of themselves. In this essay, I will be sharing my personal journey of self-discovery through my memoir. I hope that…

From Struggles to Success: My Journey

Introduction Life is a journey full of twists and turns, ups and downs. My journey has been no exception. Growing up, I faced many challenges that tested my resilience and strength. However, through hard work and determination, I was able to overcome these struggles and…

What is a memoir essay?

This type of writing is often mixed up with autobiography essays. However, it is not the same as it represents a first-person narrative that describes a certain part of a person's life. The topics and ideas are always chosen by the author. In terms of comparing a personal essay vs memoir, it is necessary to understand that memoir still keeps to a certain chronology even if describing a single day.

How to write memoir essays?

Even though it is not a fiction story, memoir essay writing still uses various metaphors or literary devices that increase an emotional effect. You can see our memoir essay examples that show how it is done in practice. The structure has a strong temporal effect and an overly emotional tone, which is acceptable for memoir writing. Remember to end your writing with an important argumentation that will make readers think.

How to start writing a memoir essay?

To begin writing a memoir essay, start by identifying a compelling personal story or theme from your life. Reflect on its significance and outline the key moments. Then, create an engaging opening that hooks readers, drawing them into your narrative. Finally, let your story unfold with honesty, reflection, and vivid detail.

How to write a memoir essay structure?

A memoir essay typically follows a chronological or thematic structure. Start with an engaging introduction, introduce the central theme or event, and provide vivid details. Progress through the narrative, building tension or insight. Conclude by reflecting on the significance of your story, offering lessons, or leaving readers with a thought-provoking idea.

How does a memoir essay differ from other types of writing?

Memoir essays differ by their introspective nature, centering on personal experiences and lessons learned. They often incorporate vivid descriptions and emotional depth to engage readers on a personal level.

What are some common themes explored in memoir essays?

Common memoir themes include overcoming adversity, family dynamics, personal growth, grief, identity, and transformative moments. These themes provide a framework for exploring life's complexities.

What is the ultimate goal of a memoir essay?

The primary goal of a memoir essay is to share a personal story while offering universal insights or lessons that resonate with readers. It aims to create a meaningful and reflective narrative.

How much personal detail should I include?

Be judiciously vulnerable. Share telling details that lend insight, but avoid oversharing or exposing others’ privacy. Strive for candid self-revelation in service of the larger theme.

How do I conclude in a meaningful way?

Offer closing reflections on your memoir’s central insights, tying together the theme and narrative arc. Look ahead to the future or revisit where the journey began. End on an uplifting or poignant note.

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The Braided Approach to Memoir

Our lives are made up of many strands—some of experience, some of memory, some of meditation and reflection, some of ongoing action. Those who write memoir must find the appropriate forms for ensuring that the textures of life will have their full expression.

What we know about the braided essay offers us a plan for making sure that we put a fully lived life on the page. Taking our cues from this form can invite us to dramatize important moments from our lives, blend the past with the present and the future, and find a place from which we can reflect, meditate, think, and make meaning.

So here’s a writing activity designed to allow you to wrap past and present through the lens of action and memory, to move from the role of participant to spectator, to project the course of our lives through the present and on into the future.

First, identify a line of action from your past, something that has stayed with you long beyond its resolution in real time. I might, for example, choose the night I stole my father’s car when I was a teenager. Write the first scene of this narrative thread.

Second, find another story line from the present that in some way connects to the one from your past. You don’t need to know how it connects at this point. Trust your instinct. Say to yourself, “When I think of that story from my past, I also think of this story from the present.” Write the first scene of that present-day narrative.

Third, slip into a more reflective mode. Maybe begin with the line, “If I could tell my younger self what I know now, I’d say. . . .” Speak from a wiser perspective. Allow yourself to make meaning from the past experience.

Fourth, attach what you’ve written in the third step to the present-day story line. Maybe begin with the line, “And what would my younger self tell me now? Maybe he or she would tell me to. . . .”

Fifth, continue to wrap steps two and three around the first one until you arrive at a place where you can make some sort of statement about the future. Maybe begin with the line, “I know that tomorrow. . . .”

Once you have a draft, you can decide whether to take liberties with the form of the braid. The purpose of the exercise is to invite past, present, and future onto the page through the discourses of dramatization and reflection. Now that you’ve gathered your material, you can relax the form if you wish or make it even more stringent, depending on how well it serves what you’ve come to the page to think more about.

The strands of our lives are multiple and complex. Our memoirs should formally allow those strands to converse, and by so doing, to make them resonate with us and our readers.

15 Comments

You have no idea how much your post helps me this morning. If only I could get some discipline and WRITE. I have a book inside of me dying to get out. I find some reason to ñot sit and my desk and WRITE. Time’s awasting. I’m not getting any younger. But meantime, I enjoy what others write. Especially your latest book: “Late One Night.” It kept me interested until the very end. Thanks!

I’m so glad to hear that his was helpful to you this morning, Eileen! And thank you so much for the kind words about “Late One Night.”

Brilliance, as usual, without pridefulness–not to overlook the part-the-waters miracle clarity. Wow.

Thanks, Lee.

Thanks, Roy. You have me wondering whether this braided approach works for writing poems–maybe through different images, etc?

Lee, you’re a godsend. I have spent three years on writing scenes for my memoir, only to hit a brick wall when I tried to find the right structure. After being suggested to write a braided narrative, i first tried a frame narrative, couldn’t get it to work for me. When I decided to write a braided narrative, I searched different articles online, and thankfully came across your piece.

Thank you so much for your wealth of knowledge on this subject! Don

You’re very welcome, Don. I’m glad I could be of help. I put a new post up every Monday. You might also be interested in my craft book, Telling Stories: The Craft of Narrative and the Writing Life , which will be out October 1, although friends tell me their pre-ordered copies from Amazon.com have already started to arrive. At any rate, thanks so much for visiting my blog and for taking the time to leave this comment. I wish you all the best for your work.

I am glad there is a name for what I have written. Critiques say I should be more chronological. Others like it, but they know me. I don’t know if I CAN rearrange it.

Thanks. I enjoy this and others of your posts.

Thanks for reading my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment. The thing I love about creative nonfiction is the fact that there are so many different approaches–and all of them are valid!

I am stuck on deciding on the right structure. I’m leaning toward braided narratives. Could you possibly shoot some advice? I’ll give you some info on my memoir if you email me. Thank you!

[email protected]

Josh, if you’re interested in braided approaches, find a book called “Writing Creative Nonfiction,” edited by Carolyn Forche and Philip Gerard, and read the piece on braided essays by Brenda Miller. Good luck!

A friend forwarded this to me. Your exercise just produced ideas and an essay outline ready for development. Appreciate the template. I have struggled with how to add complexity to linear pieces: braiding is the answer. Thank you!

Heidi, I’m so glad that my exercise worked for you, and I thank you for taking the time to leave this comment.

This was a very helpful post. I am struggling with structure on a rough draft of my memoir which I feel could benefit from being rearranged into a more present/past/present/past braid. This post gave me an idea of how to go back and examine what I have and rework. Structure is my biggest challenge. Thank you very much.

I’m so glad you found my post helpful. Thank you for reading and for taking the time to leave a comment.

I hadn’t heard of braided memoire writing before this – thanks for explaining, Lee.

btw, I love anything to do with books & would be thrilled if you’d write a guest blog post for my site, which is for anyone who enjoys writing, or books, and all the arts. If you think it might be fun or helpful to have my followers (who total about 10k across my various social media) meet you, here’s the link for general guidelines: https://wp.me/p6OZAy-1eQ

best – da-AL

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How to Write a Captivating Memoir Essay (Guide With Memoir Essay Examples)

Mar 29, 2024 | 0 comments

Mar 29, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

 Writing a memoir essay can be a powerful and cathartic experience, allowing you to reflect on significant moments and experiences. But where do you start? How do you turn your memories into a compelling and engaging essay that resonates with readers? In this article, we will explore the steps and techniques you can use to craft a compelling memoir essay that captures the essence of your experiences. From choosing a central theme to structuring your narrative and creating vivid descriptions, writing a memoir essay requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to delve deep into your memories. To help you get started, we will also provide examples of memoir essays showcasing the power of personal storytelling. So, whether you are a seasoned writer or new to memoir essays, this article will guide you through writing a memorable and impactful personal reflection piece.

What is a Memoir Essay?

A memoir essay is a  personal essay that explores an important memory, event, or pivotal moment in the author’s life. Unlike an autobiography, which recounts one’s life story, a memoir essay focuses on a specific experience or series of related memories. By delving into personal experiences, memoir essays offer readers a glimpse into the author’s life while providing insights into broader life lessons or themes.

At their core, memoir essays are a form of creative nonfiction that allows authors to explore pivotal moments or personal journeys. By crafting a compelling narrative around these experiences, memoirists invite readers into their world, providing insights into their thought processes, emotions, and personal growth.

Before proceeding, I encourage you to check out our article on “ How to Write a Narrative Essay ” to further enhance your storytelling and writing skills across different genres.

Importance of Memoir Essays

Why are memoir essays important? These personal narratives offer a unique opportunity for self-expression and reflection. By examining our life experiences through the lens of memoir writing, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the events that have shaped us. Additionally, memoir essays can be a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and connecting with others who have faced challenges or shared similar experiences.

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Types of Memoir Essays

• Personal Story Memoir : This type of memoir essay zeroes in on a specific event or period in the writer’s life. It introduces the central theme through an engaging introduction and then dives into the pivotal events and circumstances that shaped that experience. Louisa Deasey’s author memoir ‘Love and Other U-Turns’ is a great example of this type of essay, where she chronicles her journey of self-discovery after her marriage ended.
• Thematic Memoir: Rather than focusing on a specific event, this memoir essay or article explores broader themes or topics throughout one’s life experiences. It introduces the central theme upfront and then weaves together various threads and anecdotes that illustrate that central theme or message. Mary Karr’s memoir book ‘Lit’ is a powerful thematic structure exploring her struggles with alcoholism and dysfunctional relationships.
• Short Memoir: As the name suggests, this concise and focused memoir could be about a pivotal moment or life-changing event. Despite its short word count, a well-crafted short memoir still aims to give readers deeper meaning and emotional depth. Many essays provide a glimpse into the author’s world through this format.
• Inspirational/Motivational Memoir: This essay centers around personal growth, transformation, and overcoming adversity. The memoir focuses on the lessons learned and how those experiences shaped the author’s perspective. Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild’ is a powerful example that led to a book deal and inspired many readers with its raw honesty.

Unlock the secrets to crafting a compelling synthesis essay by exploring our in-depth Synthesis Essay Writing Guide – your one-stop resource for mastering this challenging yet rewarding form of academic writing.

How does a memoir essay differ from other types of writing?

A memoir essay is a unique form of writing that sets it apart from other genres. It’s a deeply personal account of one’s life experiences, emotions, and growth. Unlike fiction, a memoir essay recounts real-life events with honesty and authenticity.

• Personal and Vulnerable Nature: When writing your memoir, you invite readers into your innermost thoughts and pivotal life events. This vulnerability and self-reflection connect with readers on a visceral level, allowing them to see themselves reflected in your shared human experiences.
• Relatable Themes and Universal Experiences:  Memoir topics and themes often focus on universal experiences that resonate broadly, such as overcoming adversity, navigating relationships, or themes of growth and self-discovery. Successful memoir essayists like Louisa Deasey’s author memoir masterfully weave these relatable themes into their narratives, making their stories both intimate and universally resonant.
• Emotional Depth and Impact: A well-crafted memoir essay doesn’t merely recount events; it delves into the emotional depth and impact of the experiences. The author’s unique voice, introspection, and ability to find meaning in their journey set a memoir apart from other forms of nonfiction writing.
• Thematic Structure and Narrative Arc:  Memoir essays often have a distinct thematic structure, with each section or chapter contributing to a broader narrative arc or central message. This intentional crafting of the story elevates a memoir beyond merely recounting events.
• Self-Discovery and Healing: While getting published is a goal for some, writing your memoir can be a powerful exercise in self-discovery and healing, allowing you to process and find meaning in your own human experiences. Even if your memoir has not been published, the process can be deeply rewarding.

How to Write Memoir Essays

Writing a compelling memoir essay allows you to delve into the pivotal events and personal experiences that have shaped your life journey, providing readers with an honest and authentic glimpse into your unique story. In this guide, we will explore the art of writing a memoir, covering everything from choosing resonant memoir themes and structuring your narrative arc to incorporating vivid details that allow the reader to connect with your life-changing events and personal growth emotionally.

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Step 1: Choosing a Topic for Your Memoir Essay 

The first step in writing a compelling memoir essay is to choose a topic that resonates with you. Reflect on the significant events, relationships, or transition periods that have left a lasting impact. These pivotal moments often serve as fertile ground for memoir writing involving personal growth, life lessons, or profound realizations.

As you explore potential topics, consider the following questions:

• What  childhood memories  or experiences shaped your worldview or values?
• What personal struggles or challenges have you overcome, and how did they transform you?
• What relationships (romantic, familial, or platonic) have profoundly influenced your life?
• Have you experienced a significant loss or trauma that forced you to reevaluate your priorities or perspectives?

Once you’ve identified a few key memories or experiences, finding a unique angle or perspective that sets your memoir essay apart is important. Ask yourself:

• What unique insights or lessons can I share about this experience?
• How can I approach this topic in a way that hasn’t been explored before?
• What aspects of my story might resonate with readers or give them a fresh perspective?

Ready to hook your readers from the very first line? Discover the art of crafting irresistible hooks that will leave them craving for more with our “ How to Write Compelling Hooks For Essays ” article.

Step 2: How do you write a memoir essay structure?

Like any good story, a well-structured memoir essay should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. However, the structure of a memoir essay can be flexible, allowing you to experiment with different approaches to engage your readers effectively.

Begin with a Hook: The introduction of your memoir essay should immediately grab the reader’s attention with a compelling hook. This could be a thought-provoking quote, a vivid description of a pivotal moment, or a rhetorical question that piques the reader’s curiosity. The goal is to draw the reader in and make them want to continue reading.

Develop the Narrative: The body of your memoir essay should weave together a cohesive narrative that explores the central event, experience, or theme. Use vivid descriptions, sensory details, and dialogue to transport the reader into the heart of your story. As you develop the narrative, consider incorporating conflict, character development, and thematic exploration to create a rich and engaging reading experience.

Craft a Compelling Ending: The conclusion of your memoir essay should leave a lasting impression on the reader. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the significance of your shared experiences and tie together any loose threads or themes. A powerful ending can reinforce the central message or lesson learned or leave the reader with a thought-provoking question or insight.

Step 3: Setting the Tone and Style 

Finding your authentic voice is one of the most crucial aspects of memoir writing. Your memoir essay should reflect your unique personality, values, and perspectives, allowing readers to connect with you more deeply.

To find your authentic voice, consider the following:

• Write as if you’re conversing with a close friend or trusted confidant.
• Embrace your natural writing style and avoid imitating others.
• Be honest and vulnerable, allowing your emotions and thoughts to shine through.
• Use language and expressions that feel natural and genuine to you.

Balancing fact and emotion is essential as you develop your memoir essay’s tone and style. While the events and experiences you recount should be truthful and accurate, your memoir essay should also convey these moments’ emotional weight and personal significance.

Incorporate sensory details, internal monologues, and vivid descriptions to help the reader understand what happened, how you felt, and what it meant to you. By blending factual storytelling with emotional resonance, your memoir essay will resonate with readers on a deeper level.

Step 4: Using Vivid Details and Imagery

Effective memoir writing relies heavily on the power of vivid details and imagery to transport readers into the heart of your story. By painting a clear picture with your words, you can create an immersive experience that allows readers to connect with your experiences on a visceral level.

To achieve this, incorporate sensory details that engage the reader’s five senses:

• Sight: Describe the visual elements of your story, such as the colors, textures, and landscapes.
• Sound: Capture the auditory elements, such as dialogue, background noise, or music.
• Smell: Evoke the scents and aromas during the pivotal moments you recount.
• Taste: Describe the flavors and textures of any significant foods or beverages associated with the experience.
• Touch: Convey the physical sensations, such as the warmth of a hug, the roughness of a surface, or the weight of an object.

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Step 5: Crafting Characters in Your Memoir Essay

While your memoir essay primarily focuses on your personal experiences, the people who played significant roles in those experiences will also be central characters in your narrative. Crafting well-developed, authentic characters is essential to creating a compelling and engaging memoir essay.

When portraying others in your memoir, consider the following:

• Provide detailed physical descriptions to help readers visualize the characters.
• Capture the unique mannerisms, speech patterns, and quirks that make each character memorable.
• Explore the characters’ motivations, desires, and internal conflicts to add depth and complexity.
• Use dialogue to reveal the characters’ personalities and relationships with one another.
• Avoid portraying characters in a one-dimensional or stereotypical manner.

Remember, even though you’re writing about real people, treating them as fully realized characters in your narrative is important. By developing them with care and authenticity, you’ll create a richer, more engaging reading experience for your audience.

Struggling to find a captivating personal experience essay topic? Explore our curated list of thought-provoking “ Personal Experience Essay Topics ” that will ignite your creativity and leave a lasting impact on your readers.

Step 6: Navigating Ethical Considerations 

Memoir writing often involves sharing deeply personal experiences and stories, which can raise ethical considerations regarding privacy, consent, and the representation of others. As a memoirist, navigating these issues with care and sensitivity is crucial.

Balancing Privacy and Transparency: While honesty and authenticity are essential in memoir writing, respecting the privacy of others involved in your stories is also important. Consider using pseudonyms or changing identifying details to protect the identities of those who may not wish to be publicly associated with your work.

Handling Sensitive Topics: Some memoir essays may delve into sensitive or potentially triggering topics, such as trauma, abuse, or mental health struggles. When addressing these topics, do so with care and provide appropriate content warnings. Additionally, consider incorporating resources or support information for readers affected by the subject matter.

Obtaining Consent: If your memoir essay involves the stories or experiences of others, it’s advisable to seek their consent before publishing. Have open and respectful conversations about how they will be portrayed and address any concerns they may have.

Representing Others Fairly: While your memoir essay is your narrative, it’s important to represent others fairly and avoid harmful stereotypes or misrepresentations. Strive for nuanced and empathetic portrayals, even when discussing challenging relationships or situations.

Step 7: Editing and Revising Your Memoir Essay

Once you’ve completed the initial draft of your memoir essay, it’s time to embark on the crucial process of editing and revising. This step is essential for refining your writing, ensuring clarity and coherence, and producing a polished and compelling piece.

During the editing and revision process, consider the following:

• Read your memoir essay aloud to catch any awkward phrasing, repetitive language, or areas that lack clarity.
• Examine the pacing and flow of your narrative, ensuring that the story progresses smoothly and maintains the reader’s interest.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your descriptions, dialogue, and sensory details, and make adjustments where necessary.
• Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and inconsistencies.
• Seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or writing groups to gain fresh perspectives and identify areas for improvement.

Don’t forget to explore our article “7 Steps on How to Write a Case Study Successfully” for comprehensive guidance and insights!

Incorporating Memoir Essay Examples 

One of the best ways to hone your memoir writing skills is to study successful examples from published authors. By analyzing the techniques and strategies accomplished memoirists employ, you can draw inspiration and gain valuable insights into crafting your compelling narratives.

When reading memoir essays or books, pay close attention to the following elements:

• The author’s unique voice and writing style
• The structure and pacing of the narrative
• The use of vivid details and sensory descriptions
• The development of characters and their relationships
• The exploration of themes, life lessons, or personal growth
• The emotional resonance and ability to evoke empathy in the reader

As you read, take note of the techniques and passages that particularly resonate with you. Analyze how the author achieves these effects and consider how you might apply similar strategies to your memoir writing.

Additionally, seek out memoir writing resources, such as workshops, masterclasses, or writing guides, to further develop your skills and gain a deeper understanding of the genre.

Memoir Examples as Inspiration

Memoir Essay about Your Life Experiences

Memoir Essay Example: Unraveling the Threads of My Life

The Power of Traveling: Personal Experiences and Reflections

The Wandering Soul: My Life’s Journey Through Travel

Lessons Learned from Childhood, College, and Long-Distance Connections

Memoir Essay on Forging Connections: A Memoir of Lessons Learned

Personal Change: Memoir Essay

Molting into the Light: A Memoir Essay of Personal Change and Perpetual Becoming

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, writing a captivating memoir essay requires a delicate balance of personal storytelling, introspection, and craftsmanship. Following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a powerful and resonant piece that invites readers into your world, shares valuable life lessons, and leaves a lasting impact. Remember, your unique voice and experiences make your memoir essay special, so embrace the power of storytelling and let your authentic self shine through.

FAQs on How to Write a Good Memoir Essay

How do you start a memoir essay.

When starting a memoir essay, reflect on significant events, emotions, and experiences in your life. Consider the overarching theme or message you want to convey. Start with a compelling opening that grabs readers’ attention and sets the tone for your narrative.

What is the structure of a memoir essay?

The structure of a memoir essay typically includes an introduction, where you establish the context and purpose of your memoir; the body, where you delve into key events and reflections; and a conclusion that provides closure or leaves readers with a lasting impression.

How do you format a memoir essay?

Format your memoir essay with a clear introduction, logical body paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties everything together. Use descriptive language to evoke emotions and paint readers a vivid picture of your experiences.

What are the five parts of a memoir?

The five parts of a memoir usually include the introduction, where you set the scene and introduce the main characters; the rising action, where the story unfolds and events build-up; the climax, which is the most intense part of the story; the falling action, where things start to resolve; and the conclusion, where you reflect on the lessons learned or the impact of your experiences.

With a deep understanding of the student experience, I craft blog content that resonates with young learners. My articles offer practical advice and actionable strategies to help students achieve a healthy and successful academic life.

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Fewer Pesky Words, More Movie Stars Steer a New ‘1984’

A hectic high-profile adaptation for Audible plays fast and loose with George Orwell’s original text.

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By Shreya Chattopadhyay

Shreya Chattopadhyay is on the editorial staff of the Book Review.

1984, by George Orwell, read by Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott, Tom Hardy, Chukwudi Iwuji and others.

“Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood,” Winston Smith, the pain-addled protagonist of George Orwell’s dystopian 1949 classic “1984,” ponders while learning to love Big Brother at the end of a needle — his rogue thought offering a kernel of humanity amid the novel’s grim landscape.

You won’t find that line in “George Orwell’s 1984,” Audible’s star-studded “original adaptation” helmed by playwright Joe White, though this new version’s approach to Orwell attests to the endurance of people’s desire for connection and communion, even in the worst circumstances.

At nearly three and a half hours, it also runs about a third of the length of other “1984” audiobook versions. This is because, save some key passages, it radically alters the text. Gone are Orwell’s sardonic third-person descriptions. Here instead is Andrew Garfield’s breathy Winston, muttering to himself and “you” (us, the listeners of “the future”) with all the trappings of 21st-century speech and sensibility. What is happening in Oceania is “surveillance,” he explains redundantly. If his thoughtcrimes are discovered, he’ll be consigned to a “terrible job in the suburbs” — or worse, in which case he’s not sure what to do. “I’m a coward,” he remarks, with palpable self-loathing.

Instead of Orwell’s words, this version relies heavily on audio effects, from gadgety voices of telescreens whirring “Microphones enhance” to a cinematic score performed by the London Metropolitan Orchestra (featuring pop disco and video game synths galore) to the extravagant heavy breathing of Winston and Julia (Cynthia Erivo) as they declare the liberatory power of their love. The resulting experience feels less like a book than a high-budget play behind a curtain, or a movie watched with your eyes closed. (Tom Hardy also appears briefly as a steely but avuncular Big Brother, and Andrew Scott is harrowing as Winston’s torturer and foil O’Brien.)

In one sense, this approach emphasizes the paranoid qualities of the story, engulfing the listener and closing in. But stripping “1984” of so much of its language mostly serves to undermine the novel’s central themes about language — its role as a tool of state repression, its ability to structure not only communication but thought.

When Winston and Julia betrayed each other, I didn’t quite believe them; for psychologically tortured dissidents turned foot soldiers, they sounded just a little too relatable. Maybe Audible has made 2024 America’s “1984,” with our freshly reconsidered antiheroes and love amid climate collapse . But not George Orwell’s.

1984 | By George Orwell | Read by Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott, Tom Hardy, Chukwudi Iwuji and others | Audible Originals | 3 hours, 27 minutes

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