1. MEMOIRS
What is memoir style writing?

2. Writer Ralph Fletcher on
Memoirs…



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


4. Characteristics of a memoir #2
In-Depth look at a specific
incident from your life.
 Exploring one theme


5. Characteristics of a memoir #3

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


10. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Reflective
In-depth look at an
incident/series
New understanding/insight
Non-fiction
Usually told in past tense
Written in 1st person
Conversational tone