Memoirs are similar to personal essays, except they usually focus on “grander” life events. A diary entry about your day in school may qualify as a personal piece; it won’t really make the grade as a memoir item, though.
In a sense, memoirs are heavier pieces of writing, focusing on striking and life-changing events, rather than banal and regular affairs. While light reflection can be a part of memoirs, it usually delves deeper. Rather than exploring an idea or event, it takes the same item and looks at it in a deeper light.
Something that makes a significant impact on your life – that’s what memoirs look to uncover. Why is it significant? What does it mean for you? How did it affect who you are today?
Memoirs are incredible pieces to fashion. Apart from being good writing practice, they help you train your critical thinking and introspection abilities. Instead of merely exploring experiences, they let you take the next step – trying to discover their underlying significance and overall impact. Rather than merely relay what’s happening, you turn them over to see if they offer any answers to life’s many questions.
Should everyone trying to improve their writing abilities try doing memoirs? Probably not. There are many ways to explore the avenues of writing without having to delve as deeply as these types of creative non-fiction requires. However, it is a rewarding endeavor and one you’d be best served trying at least a couple of times.
Tags: creative nonfiction, memoirs
