How to write a memoir

Is it the story of how you fell in love? Or what happened when you decided to take that once in a lifetime trip by yourself and the adventures you went on? A memoir is all about sharing a special and memorable time in your life in a non-fiction story, written by you.

Whether you want to write it for yourself as a hobby to share with family, or you’re writing it to get published, there are a few important things to consider before you begin writing.

Of course, the most important thing you need is a good overarching story that’ll really leave a lasting impression on the reader. Your story should be engaging, powerful with a clear beginning, middle and end. Once you have the initial idea for your story, you’re ready to put pen to paper.

The beginning

As all writers know, your story should begin with a strong hook to entice the reader and engage them from the very first sentence. In the first few pages of your story, try to document the most exciting or dramatic moment of your tale. This will leave your reader with many questions - how did they get there? What will happen next? Once you’ve drawn the reader in, chapter one can start from the real beginning of your story. You can then revisit this period in more detail later on in the book.

If you’re struggling to think of a good beginning, many writers write the beginning once they’ve finished the book. While you’re writing you might find something that would work as an enticing beginning or remember something that you didn’t remember when you first started.

Be open and honest

A memoir in many ways is like a diary, and you’re sharing your secrets with your reader. In order to build that trust and rapport with your reader, it’s important for you to be honest in your words and experiences throughout. This will also help the reader share the emotions you go through in the book while they’re reading so that they can empathise and understand your journey better.

Including emotions

Successful memoirs evoke a range of emotions in their reader, and even the saddest memoirs can include some laughs along the way. It’s okay for your reader to be laughing one minute and crying the next, the stories that bring out a huge range of emotions are often the best.

Creative writing

Just because your story is based on true events, doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Throughout, you should write in a sensory way, describing all the feelings, sights, smells and emotions you were feeling in each moment. You should place yourself as the main character from the beginning and the central themes and conflicts should be clear throughout.

Stick to the story

As you’re writing, you may remember certain side stories and be tempted to go off on a tangent. While this would work in a biography, it’s important to focus on the key story of your life in your memoir as to not confuse or distract the reader from the important and relevant events of this story.

Think about the reader

Think of your memoir as though you’re inviting the reader to share your experiences. Your writing shouldn’t sound as though you’re delving into your mind and the effect this event had on you. Your reader is on the journey with you and they should feel like they are learning more about your life experiences.

Consider other characters

While it’s important not to censor or miss things out of your story that could be important, it’s a good idea to talk to the people who make an appearance in your memoir to check they are happy to be included. If they’re not keen on the idea of having their part of the story shared, it might be a good idea to change that character's name and appearance so that you're respecting that person's privacy.

Some of our favourite memoirs

Most popular

How to write a poem

The best movies based on books

How to write a novel

How to write a children's book