Memoir Writing

In the olden times, when the entertainment resources were limited, people often resorted to the art of storytelling. Folklores were very much a part of people's life. Children grew up listening to the stories of their fathers and forefathers. Everyone was well acquainted with their family history and knew their cousins, second cousins and even third cousins by name. However, times have changed since then and so have the entertainment sources for people. Family stories have lost their old charm and people now barely recognize their first cousins. However, some people still believe in reviving the old art of storytelling and passing the glorious family traditions to the next generation through memoir writing.

What is Memoir Writing

Memoir is any piece of literature which depicts the writer's personal experiences, memories or views on his life. It is a type of narrative writing, which need not always be a chronicle of someone's life. It can be a short family history, a history of family business, hometown, anything. Simply put, memoir is any literary piece of writer's memory which he wishes to share with his readers. Writing a memoir differs from writing an autobiography in several ways. Autobiography or biography is an account of a person's life in chronological order. It often covers a vast time frame. However, memoir is dedicated to a particular theme. Only experiences, views or memories pertaining to this theme are recorded in a memoir. It resembles fiction writing as the incidences are narrated like a story. For instance, struggle with a life-threatening disease, childhood days in a particular city, an influential person in your life etc. can all provide subjects for writing a memoir.

Memoir Writing Tips

Oftentimes, people shy away from writing memoirs even though they may have a lot to share. They think that people won't be interested in what they have to say, just because they are not famous. However, one must realize that even the most ordinary, mundane things can be narrated in the most extraordinary way. Often, the greatness of extraordinary things lies in their extreme ordinariness! People may like to read your ordinary experiences about ordinary people because they may be able to relate to these things. Apart from this, a memoir reveals your perspective on any person, incidence or experience in your life. Memoir can also serve as an heirloom for future generations. So, do not shy away from this very sincere literary form and brace yourself for writing your own memoir. Basics of memoir writing given in this article should help you write an exemplary memoir.

• Do your homework well before starting with the project. Make a list of all the key points that you wish to include in your memoir and accordingly collect the details for each.
• Although, details such as day, date, year are important, do not dwell on them too much.
• Stick to important information and leave out unnecessary stuff. The dose of details should not become overwhelming for your readers.
• As far as possible, stick to your theme of memoir. Additional details can be narrated in passing, but do not deviate from the main subject.
• A memoir should always be written in the first person, as it is from your perspective.
• Get all the facts right. Double check certain dubious facts.
• In case, you intend to publish your memoir and if it is likely to be controversial, change the names of controversial people and let them know about your plans beforehand.
• First get ready with the rough draft and then work on editing part. If you keep on revising your writing as you write it, you may never be able to finish it.
• Write the memoir as you would narrate it. Do not fuss too much on the literary aspect of it. If you are sincere with your narration, it will invariably turn out to be a great piece of writing.

While the above tips should help you, remember that in the end it's your own memories that you are doing justice to. Hence, write how you genuinely feel about your memories.