A memoir is a form of writing that tells a personal story, usually focusing on a specific period or experience in the author’s life. Unlike autobiographies which spotlight a person’s life story from birth till a particular point in history, memoirs are more time and event bound.
Through vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections, with memoirs, the author invites the reader along on their journey of self-discovery, allowing a glimpse into their past, struggles, and a new understanding.
Memoir writing helps the author to share their unique perspective, thoughts, and emotions with readers while creating a sense of intimacy between the reader and author.
We all want to feel connected!
I read Will Smith’s ‘Will’ the other day, and was instantly drawn into the world he’d created and lived. Seeing through his eyes, as he painted his successes and failures, made me see how different, yet alike we all are at the end of the day. A delve into Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, as she tells her story as well as her family’s pre and post White House experience was particularly inspiring, yet personal.
There is a certain power in personal storytelling that cannot be found anywhere else. Who doesn’t enjoy a good tale?
In my memoir, The Girl in the Mirror: How 2020 Became the Year of My Grand Shift, I wrote about the 2020 pandemic phenomenon, the events happening in society, like the Black Lives Matter protests in the USA, as well as the END SARS protests in Nigeria. Pulling from these incidents, I was able to draw a concrete connection between what was happening, and the events in my life.
A good memoir can be therapeutic as it often seeks to explore identity and shape cultural and social narratives. As such, it is important to maintain a great degree of accuracy and authenticity when writing one.
No one can tell your story as well as you can, as they would need to get into the same shoes as you—which may not be possible. If you would like to explore who you are, however, you definitely should consider writing a memoir. I can tell you for free that it changed my perspective on life.
Although writing a memoir can be uncomfortable, as you would need to meet different versions of yourself, it is helpful to face these emotions so you can own who you truly are and move on to who you’d like to be.
Memoirs often take different forms and can cover a vast range of topics, from personal tragedy and triumph to travel and adventure.
Here are 10 themes to explore in your next memoir.
Coming of age. One of the chapters in my memoir, ‘To My Sixteen-Year-Old Self’ captures this in brief. You could explore the experiences and challenges of growing up and finding your place in the world. 18 to 21-year-olds often have some stuff going on with them and it could be really helpful to share your experience, so they can successfully navigate theirs.
Family dynamics. Family can be complex and is often the source of who we become as adults—”good” or “bad.” You may want to examine the joys, conflicts, and complexities of relationships with family members, both biological and chosen. This can help you to find peace in some form, or even, acceptance.
Career Trajectory. Work is an essential part of our lives as humans. You can detail the ups and downs of a particular career path(s), including challenges you faced, successes, as well as personal growth. Sharing this in a memoir could help readers invested in that career path make informed choices.
Love and relationships. Oh yeah, we all love to love. Reflecting on romantic relationships and their impact on your personal growth and development is a guaranteed winner. You may decide to share what you’ve been through, and who you are now as a result of your relationship choices.
Travel and adventure. Are you a sucker for adventure? Do you like to travel the world and discover exotic places and people? A travel memoir may just be right for you. Sharing your tales of exploration and adventure, both close to home and around the world, can help your readers pick out their next fun place to go. Or not.
Personal tragedy. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings tells a tale of trauma, and racism as well as the path to finding her voice. Tragedy is a universal event and some experience it more than others. No manual to it—just the way life works. Detailing the impact of a traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one, can help in the process of healing and recovery.
Mental health. In 2020, I struggled with depression. I’d had it coming for some time, but the solitary confinement brought about by the pandemic only made it worse. Writing a memoir helped me explore personal struggles with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. At the end of the day, I was a whole new being—having undergone the self-therapy I didn’t know I needed. It could do the same for you too.
Identity. You could examine how your identity has been shaped and transformed, whether through race, gender, or other factors. If you don’t even know who you are, how can you be who you are supposed to be?
Politics and activism. Olusegun Obasanjo’s My Watch details in 3 sequences, his personal experiences in the public eye, the country he’s known and loved, as well as the politics thereof. You could write a memoir that curates political movements or social justice causes, and the impact of activism on your personal growth. We could definitely use more of those.
Spiritual or philosophical exploration. In the search for meaning, we often travel far and wide, in our minds and also to physical places. You could write a memoir that explores your purpose, spirituality, and the impact of personal beliefs on your life experiences.
Regardless of the specific focus, what makes a memoir truly fascinating is the author’s ability to craft a story that not only entertains but also enlightens and inspires.
When done right, a memoir can be a deeply moving and transformative experience for both the author and the reader.
Ready to get started on your memoir?