WRITING A GOOD MEMOIR

1. WRITE A MEMOIR, NOT AN

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

•Biography = Entire Life

•Memoir=Just One Story from that Life
 2. DIAGRAM YOUR LIFE

•For Perspective
•The Most Intriguing or Meaningful
•Categorize events in your life.
 3. DON’T BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING

•Avoid predictability.
•Start with instant action/intrigue.
•“Hook”
 4. USE ALL YOUR SENSES.

•Start by writing a rough draft or

outline.
•Show, don’t tell.
 5. FLEX YOUR WRITING MUSCLES.

•Set a target/day...
•Discipline is key…
 CRITERIA FOR YOUR MEMOIR

•Interest - 10
•Plot - 25
•Description/Imagery - 35
•Dialogue - 30