1. Writing Memoir
INGL 3201
Prof. W. Mercado

2. What is a memoir?
A memoir is a piece of autobiographical writing, usually shorter in nature than a comprehensive autobiography. The memoir, especially as it is being used in publishing today, often tries to capture certain highlights or meaningful moments in one's past, often including a contemplation of the meaning of that event at the time of the writing of the memoir. The memoir may be more emotional and concerned with capturing particular scenes, or a series of events, rather than documenting every fact of a person's life.

3. continued
The memoir may be more emotional and concerned with capturing particular scenes, or a series of events, rather than documenting every fact of a person's life.
“Snapshot” of your life’s experiences
Helps frame a special moment of understanding that was “vivid or intense” as in childhood.
Experiences may be positive or negative

4. Characteristics of a Memoir
... Focus on a brief period of time or series of related events
... Narrative structure, including many of the usual elements of storytelling such as setting, plot development, imagery, conflict, characterization, foreshadowing and flashback, and irony and symbolism
... The writer's contemplation of the meaning of these events in retrospect
... A fictional quality even though the story is true
... Higher emotional level
... More personal reconstruction of the events and their impact
... Therapeutic experience for the memoirist, especially when the memoir is of the crisis or survival type of memoir

5. Example: My Dad
I remember watching my dad go up the front steps from my room’s window in the second floor and I would run to hide inside the closet that was in the hallway near the door. So when my dad came through the door me and my brother and my sister would jump out of the closet and “scare” him.

6. My Dad (continued)
We wouldn’t be able to stop giggling so we gave away where we were, and when we did jump out of the closet he would hug us, and I remember his itchy face against mine, his cold ears and nose and the smell of Brut Faberge on his scarf and coat.

7. Write your own Memoir? List at least 5 childhood memories
Choose one and write about it and make a drawing