A Memoir is an engaging account of the writer’s slice of life. It is a narrative reflecting the storyteller’s perspective, voice, memory, and reflection.

By narrating your significant life moments, you gain the self-realization that your life was interesting, and you leave a valuable gift for future generations. Finally, revisiting your life helps you gain a new significance and meaning to life in general.

Here are some tips for Writing a memoir.

• Memoirs should be in first person. Of course, there are memoirs where narratives are in the second and third person too. However, first person makes sense because you are narrating your own life stories, so it feels more natural. For instance, Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey by Florence Williams is the author’s own account of grief and healing.
• Make sure your memoir is engaging from the word “go.” Everyone loves to read stories. It will be even better if these engrossing stories can help them come across viewpoints and insights that are fresh and meaningful! Maybe choose a dramatic event to open your memoir. The details can follow later, but a sneak peek into what is coming up will likely arouse the reader’s curiosity. Further, adopt a fiction-writing style and incorporate its elements of story, suspense, humor, tragedy, etc. Make sure you follow a story structure comprising a powerful opening, middle, and end to guide the readers through your narrative.
• Even though you write your memoir in a fictional style, it is still your So, build the reader’s confidence by letting them know that you are sharing a secret that has never seen the light of the day.
• Since your memoir will also mention other people who have been a part of your journey, be sensitive to their confidentiality. You should take permission from various people included in your memoir before penning down their role in your life. Change names to conceal their identity, if needed. Furthermore, even if you dislike them in real life, exercise humility. Do not try to settle scores through your writing.
• Your memoir should be as objective as possible. Even if you have been the victim, avoid self-pity. Similarly, blowing one’s own trumpet is also a strict no-no. It’s best to be down-to-earth, humble, and unassuming. Your readers will love to see a writer who has the ability and courage to laugh at themselves. Additionally, lead it with humor whenever you have a gloomy story to share. Give your readers an assortment of emotions so that they don’t feel low reading your memoir.
• Remember to avoid unnecessary details. Include interesting details and life experiences that support your memoir. Keep your narrative crisp and relevant to ensure you do not bore your readers.
• Use language that has the power to connect with your audience. Evoke emotions in your reader. If they can relate to your story, they will weep in your sorrow and rejoice in your happiness.
• You don’t need to follow a chronological order while you set out to write your memoir. I consider these mental blocks that might procrastinate your writing, sometimes leading to writer’s block. Get started with the most inspiring part of the story or the one closest to your heart. Once you have created the first draft, revisit the beginning to see how you wish to open the narrative. Trust me, by the subsequent few drafts, you will have landed with your perfect ending.
• Memoir writing is known to have a therapeutic effect. While writing it, you get a space to mention the events you choose to pen down and how you felt about them, even if those feelings were embarrassing or humiliating at that time.

While penning your memoir, revisit your life’s moments and make better sense of how you lived. The experience of writing will heal and transform you. In the process, you are also creating a priceless legacy for future generations.