The Form of a Memoir

Here are some of the nuts and bolts I am dealing with at the moment. I am trying to learn how to write a memoir. More specifically, what format a memoir should take. I am in the process of writing a fictional one, a novel in the form of a memoir. I have completed a couple of drafts of my book, and am now circling the wagons, trying to re-imagine how the way I am telling the story might be improved, more thoroughly crafted, guided by the genre.

I checked out about a dozen memoirs from the library in an effort to discover a common form. Some were indistinguishable from an autobiography. Others were reflections on a single event or period in the memoirist’s life. Many had descriptions, a sense of place and dialogue – all the elements of creative nonfiction. But the exercise was not a great deal of help. At least in this crude survey I found no clear form.

I did, however, uncover a book that I think will help me. It is called Memoir: A History by Ben Yagoda. Yagoda has written both biography and autobiography, so I think he can help me understand what my project has me dealing with. As soon as I finish Greg Schwipps’ latest novel, What This River Keeps (which I highly recommend, especially to my fellow Hoosiers!), I’ll begin to take council from Ben. Here’s to hoping.

Get in on the conversation

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Comments