A memoir is an autobiographical work that focuses on a single important event or time period from the author's life and reflects on its meaning. It is told from the first person perspective and aims to reveal the feelings and lessons learned from a true experience in the author's past through descriptive writing in a natural voice. When writing a memoir, authors should select a meaningful topic and ensure their perspective and emotions about the event come through for the reader.

2. Memoir
What do you think of when you hear the
word Memoir?

3. Memoir
Memoir-Memory

4. Memoir
A memoir is a type of autobiography

5. What is a memoir?
 A type of autobiographical nonfiction where a
writer takes a reflective stance in looking back on
a particular time in his or her life.
 A short narrative focused on one memory that is
important to the author.

6. Characteristics of a Memoir
 A memory; a description of an
event from the past
 Written in the first person; told
from one person’s point of view
 Based on the truth
 Reveals the feelings of the writer
 Has meaning; shows what the
author learned from the
experience
 Focused on one event; about
one point in the author’s life
 About the author’s experience
more than about the event itself

7. Memoir
 A nonfiction work about one important
event in the author’s life.
 The author reflects/thinks about this event
and mentions what was learned

8. Writing a Memoir
 Use words from your natural speaking vocabulary.
 Make it sound like YOU.
 Select topics that you feel strongly about and know
about.
 Make sure your feelings about your topic come through.
 Write with your audience in mind.