Basics of Memoir Writing

A memoir is a story based on a person's true life story, the way he remembers it. Writing a memoir is different from writing an autobiography, because a memoir concentrates on some significant aspect or event. The major difference between a memoir and an autobiography is that the former is narrative and not descriptive. A memoir is not only about narrating a particular incident, but also the authors attitude and feelings towards it while writing. For instance, a memoir can be written about one's relationship with his mother, recounting several important incidents that added meaning to their relationship. Here are some basic factors one must remember while writing a memoir.

A memoir can be a particular incident or a series of events that has fascinated or changed the life of the author. However, memoirs must be written like a novel or a fiction. A memoir should have all the literary elements like plot, setting, scene, characters, dialogues, etc. which would make it interesting for the readers. Adding details like smell, colors, sounds, etc. is important to create an imaginary atmosphere of the incident, for the audience.

Although a memoir is written like a novel, the story should not be fictional. There is a thin line between truth and imagination in memoir writing. It is important that you write the true account of your life. Clarity is one of the most important factor to be pondered on, while writing a memoir. It is very difficult to write about one's life truthfully. You will have to reveal your inner feelings, negativeness and weaknesses while writing a memoir, which is not an easy task. It is very important to be honest and truthful to yourself, to make your memoir an authentic document.

When you decide to write a memoir about some incident in your life, the first thing you should do is brainstorm and create an outline. You may not remember every detail of the incident like the weather, color of the walls or may be the exact dialogues, but you could take help of others who were present when the incident took place, like any family member or friend. However, remember that every person has a different interpretation of the situation and also may remember it differently. It is very essential that you do not get influenced by their thoughts and attitudes, about the incident. The memoir should reflect your perspective and attitude towards that incident.

Writing a memoir is said to work like a therapy, if it's about a crisis in the person's life. While writing a memoir, a person is reliving that particular stressful incident or event, which may help him relieve his tension and pain, inflicted by that situation.

A memoir can be about a negative or a positive incident in the life of an individual. You can write it in first, second or third person narrative. A memoir is a recall of an important memory in the life of a person, and should be written in such a way that the reader understands the writer's inner feelings and thoughts.