Memoirs allow writers to gain perspective on past events and experiences. They reflect on who the author was at a particular time. Memoirs explore a specific theme or incident from the author's life in an in-depth, reflective way. Effective memoirs are written in a first-person, conversational tone that brings readers into the reflection and lessons learned from the past.

1. MEMOIRS
What is memoir style writing?

2. Writer Ralph Fletcher on
Memoirs…
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Memoir allows us to revisit things that happened
to us before; it allows us to gain perspective on
the things that happened in the past.
Memoirs are saying who I am and who I was at
a particular time in my life.
Memoirs can bring people ‘in’ if they’re written
well.

3. Characteristics of a memoir #1
The piece is always
reflective—looking back into
our past
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4. Characteristics of a memoir #2
In-Depth look at a specific
incident from your life.
 Exploring one theme
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5. Characteristics of a memoir #3
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Non-Fiction—
how
you recall your own life; not
necessarily how someone else
views the same event

A memoir is not an
autobiography. It is a story about
one important event in the

6. Characteristics of a memoir #4
A new understanding or
insight is gained; a lesson is
learned, relearned or
reinforced


7. Characteristics of a memoir #5
Told in past tense, since it is
a reflection

Can
include dialogue

8. Characteristics of a memoir #6

Written in
st
1
person

9. Characteristics of a memoir #7
Conversational voice…the
reader of the memoir feels
spoken to.
Includes good
establishment of a tone
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Reflective
In-depth look at an
incident/series
New understanding/insight
Non-fiction
Usually told in past tense
Written in 1st person
Conversational tone