A memoir, by definition, is a factual summary of a person’s life that has been put into writing. It originated from the French word “mémoire” meaning “memory.” In contrast to an autobiography, a memoir is a literary piece that focuses only at one or specific part of somebody’s life. It usually narrates a person’s experiences during his or her adolescence, childhood, married life, etc. This type of non-fiction is a tale with complete elements, proper emphasis, and one topic. It also includes the writer’s thoughts and reflection on that particular event of his or her life. What makes this piece compelling to the readers is because of its authenticity and rawness. The emotions and experiences that were laid down are true to life and can also happen to others; thus, it can spark sympathy and understanding from the readers.
It has been already stated that memoirs and autobiographies are two contrasting things. However, just like everything else, they also have some things in common. The former falls into the latter’s category but it is considered as a sub-genre, it is a story taken from a specific moment of someone’s life. The latter, on the other hand, is a story of a person’s life from the beginning to present. The main function of a memoir is to provide an opening for other people to get a glimpse into the experiences, beautiful or painful, of a person.
Writing a memoir is not daunting as it appears to be. It is as easy as having a casual conversation with a friend about some time in your life where you celebrated your birthday in the grandest way. However, the most complicated thing is opening up and letting others have the opportunity to see the vulnerable parts of you. Thus, if you opt to write a memoir, the following are the best steps on how to create one:
- Narrow Down your Topic
Again, a memoir is just a snapshot of your life. If you compare your life to a book, the memoir is just a chapter. Take for example the memoir “Once Caregiver’s Journey” of Eleanor Gaccetta. The story centers on how the author took care of her mother for 9 and a half years. That is why you must narrow down your choices on what portion of your book you want to share to people. Is it your childhood, first heartbreak, wedding day, or married life? Choose.
- Adjust your Focus
There are two important things to consider in writing a memoir. First is the moment that you want to put into writing, next are the other ingredients that contributed to the completion of that experience. You must adjust your focus to see the bigger picture. Although you must write about only one topic, you are not restricted to talk about or mention the things related to that moment. For example, you ought to write about your teenage life. You should mention who your friends were, what are the activities that you were fond of doing during that stage of your life, where do you mostly hang out, and what are your reflections on that experience. That said, you can communicate well with your readers by telling them a story with complete details.
- Speak the Truth
Memoirs fall under the non-fiction category, which means that all parts of it are based on facts. It is important to avoid story fabrication because you might lose the attention and trust of your readers. So, you must always stick to your truth and write with honesty because your intention is to open your walls and share you story. It will lose its purpose if you try to write a piece that is purely fiction or with a touch of fiction.
- Make Use of your Words
In creating this piece, your medium is your words. They are the primary agents that contribute to the completion of your work. Utilizing them helps you bring and nurture the other elements of your story, such as the setting, characters, plot, point of view, conflict, and theme. Moreover, your words are significant because they add to the absoluteness and beauty of the story. They can ignite the emotions and relay the message of the work to the readers. That is why it is important that you make use of your words and trust them to shape up your story.
- Paint a Picture
Imagery is essential to every story, fiction or non-fiction. What makes stories and books different and more powerful than films and television shows is its capacity to build up and flash wonderful images to the minds of the readers. Using descriptive words is the best way to create an image in the reader’s mind. Thus, painting a picture and creating images in your memoir help exercise the minds and stir up the imagination of the audience. It can make an interaction between the written work and the reader.
Memoirs are not complicated stories to write. You only need three things: your truth, your words, and your will. These are the factors that lead to the creation of a compelling true to life story. There are no wrong and right in memoir-writing. As long as you keep your story factual and authentic, you can definitely captivate the hearts of the readers.
The Happy Hammock 