senior memoir essay

Main (540) 591-2100
Marketing (540) 591-2200
Careers (540) 591-2105
Giving a Gift

Home ▸ Blog ▸ Writing Your Memoir: A How-To Guide for Seniors

A senior man sites down at a desk to write in a journal

Careers Form

First Name *
Last Name *
I'd like more information about: I'd like more information about: Volunteering Part-time employment Full-time employment
Your Message
I'd like to receive emails about events, offers and news.
Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Writing Your Memoir: A How-To Guide for Seniors

Have you thought about leaving something of value behind for the people you love? Something even more personal than your personal assets? You might want to consider writing a memoir. You don’t have to be a professional writer or someone with connections in publishing. In fact, if you don’t try to be a “writer” and simply be yourself, you’ll be able to preserve your voice and your perspective for all time. And it’s always your choice whether to publish it or not. The act of writing a memoir is a reward in itself, but it doesn’t hurt to come to the task with some basic understanding and a few memoir writing tips in your pocket. Let’s find out what memoir writing is all about.

What a memoir is, what it isn’t, and what you need to begin.

Is a memoir the story of your entire life? No, that would be a book-length autobiography. A memoir is a much shorter story — it can even be a personal essay — that illuminates one specific aspect of your life. A good, tight memoir takes place during one particular period of time, or one certain set of events. Because of this, you must make a series of reducing decisions. Everyone and everything in your life doesn’t belong in your memoir. You need only include those people and things that are relevant and that coalesce around a single theme — mercy, honor, growth, transcendence, patriotism, love, or whatever it is you feel about this particular episode.

You can write about something from your childhood or a place you’ve visited. You can write about an injustice you encountered, or an unexpectedly happy occasion. A memoir can be about anything, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential. You don’t have to search intensely to find episodes you think are “important” enough to be worthy of including in your memoir. Just look for small, self-contained incidents that are important to you and still vivid in your memory. If you remember them, they have meaning for you, and they may contain something readers will recognize in their own lives. Your biggest stories will often have less to do with their subject than with their significance — not what you did in a certain situation, but how that situation affected you and shaped the person you became.

Memoir writing is about sharing honestly what you think and feel; it’s writing about something you’ve gone through with the possibility that someone else may learn something from it. It’s also a way for you to learn and understand what you really think about these events that have stayed with you for so long.

Tell your story, but don’t make yourself the hero.

To the extent that you refer to yourself in the narrative, don’t paint yourself as faultless. It comes across as insincere and it doesn’t accurately display the growth and insight that gives your memoir its power. If you skim over your own mistakes or shortcomings, the story will feel superficial, and it’ll be hard for any reader to relate. Don’t use your memoir to air old grievances or settle old scores; get rid of that anger somewhere else. The best memoirs are written with a sense of love and forgiveness about something that might have meaning beyond just yourself. So, how do you begin?

Find your theme.

The theme is the universal takeaway from your memoir; it’s how someone else will relate to your personal story. How do you find it? Look back at your life and think about critical choices, influential people, key conflicts, lasting beliefs, changing beliefs, lessons learned, and maybe even mistakes you’ve made. Plot your life’s most significant moments. Look for one pivotal event that stands out as particularly intriguing or meaningful. If you don’t see one, don’t worry. Just look inward and feel the different turning points in your life. Eventually, you’ll find a story that wants to be told — the one experience that led to who you’ve become today.

Interview yourself.

Now that you know what you’ll be writing about and when it happened, sink into your memories, and see if you can uncover something new about it all. Just attempting this may yield new insights or ideas on how you want to structure your story. Collect the key moments of your narrative. Unlike an autobiography, a memoir distills just those relevant moments from a particular event in your life to illuminate your theme. Find the moments of highest emotion … the most important moments on this particular timeline … the moments that changed you.

Be as accurate as you can.

Fact-check everything that can be fact-checked. Dates, names, places, the weather … if you mention any kind of event or anything that would have been in the news, you can fact-check to see if it actually happened the way you remember it. Revisit locations to make sure you’re portraying them accurately. Look through newspapers and photos from that time and place. All this will jog your memory to help you mine for additional details, and also give you an objective reference against which to compare how you remember things. When you’ve done your research, write out a timeline of events to make sure you have everything in order in your mind. If you’re not able to figure something out, don’t make it up … especially if it’s something that could possibly be fact-checked. If you as the author don’t do it, someone else may. Being incorrect about verifiable facts takes away from the credibility of your story.

In medias res.

This Latin term means “in the midst of things.” It’s a narrative technique that, with no preamble or chronological setup, plunges the reader into a crucial situation that’s part of a related chain of events. So, you might start your memoir at a moment of high tension or deep importance that captures the essence of your theme. Then, take readers back to the beginning and work forward to that crucial moment. Telling your story in strict chronological order can come off as predictable and less interesting.

What was said and done, exactly?

Go for a balance of dialogue and expository detail. Precisely what was said? It’s not always possible to know. It’s rare, if not impossible, to remember the words of everyone involved in actions that may have occurred years ago. Try to think how you felt in the moment. Think of the others who were part of this scene. Recreate dialogue as best you can, and keep it as true to the moment as possible. Don’t twist anyone’s persona. Don’t worry about making what you write perfect. Just relax and focus on getting the story out. There’ll be time to polish it later.

Feedback is important.

Finally, when you think you’re done, but before you actually stop writing, be sure to get some outside opinions of your memoir — from friends or family who are familiar with, or were present at the events you describe, as well as from people unfamiliar with anything in your story. They’ll be able to see it more objectively and determine whether it’s a compelling narrative that stands on its own without the bias of having been in the story themselves. Consider carefully what they tell you, then revisit your draft and make adjustments accordingly.

You might want to enroll in the memoir writing class at The Glebe

A memoir is a portal to self-discovery. Everyone has stories to tell, and telling them teaches us who we are and what we think and feel about things. Living at The Glebe in Southwest Virginia gives senior adults the chance to do this every day.

Our faith-based, nonprofit Life Care community https://glebeprd.wpengine.com/what-is-life-care/ is home to more than 200 people who moved here to enjoy an engaging, fulfilling, active lifestyle. The Glebe is where excellent service, amazing amenities , the spirit of hospitality, and commitment to exceptional care are the highest priorities.

And yes — in addition to having our own woodworking shop, art gallery receptions and performances by local m usicians — we offer a memoir writing class to put you in touch with the moments that make you … you.

Get to know The Glebe. Contact us today .

To learn more about living or working at The Glebe or to schedule a tour of our beautiful Life Plan Community, please fill out the request form.

Interested in: Interested in: Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Other
For whom are you inquiring? For whom are you inquiring? Self Parent Spouse Friend Relative Other
Community Brochure
Services and Amenities
Meet Our Residents
Area Attractions
Contract Options & Pricing
Floor Plans
Circle of Friends
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing
Senior Rehabilitation
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Virtual Tour
What is Life Care?
Meet Our Team

This is for testing purposes

TRY OUR FREE APP

Write your book in Reedsy Studio. Try the beloved writing app for free today.

Craft your masterpiece in Reedsy Studio

Plan, write, edit, and format your book in our free app made for authors.

Guides • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Apr 06, 2021

21 Memoir Examples to Inspire Your Own

Writing a memoir is a daunting endeavor for any author: how do you condense your entire life story into a mere couple hundred pages? Of course, you'll find plenty of online guides that will help you write a memoir by leading you through the steps. But other times that old adage “show, don’t tell” holds true, and it’s most helpful to look at other memoir examples to get started.

If that’s the case for you, we’ve got you covered with 21 memoir examples to give you an idea of the types of memoirs that have sold well. Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in?

The autobiographical memoir

The autobiographical memoir — a retelling of one’s life, from beginning to present times — is probably the standard format that jumps to most people’s minds when they think of this genre.

At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward recount of your past. However, don’t be deceived! As you’ll be able to tell from the examples below, this type of memoir shines based on three things: the strength of the author’s story, the strength of the story’s structure, and the strength of the author’s voice.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. The woman who Toni Morrison said “launched African American writing in the United States,” Angelou penned this searing memoir in 1969, which remains a timeless classic today.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Less of a singular memoir than a collection of humorous anecdotes framed around his life as a transplant to Paris, the star of this book is Sedaris’ dry voice and cutting humor.

A Two-Spirit Journey by Ma-Nee Chacaby. Chacaby’s remarkable life — from growing up abused in a remote Ojibwa community to overcoming alcoholism and coming out as a lesbian as an adult — is captured in this must-read autobiography.

The “experience” memoir

One of the most popular memoirs that you’ll find on bookshelves, this type focuses on a specific experience that the author has undergone. Typically, this experience involves a sort of struggle, such as a bitter divorce, illness, or perhaps a clash with addiction. Regardless of the situation, the writer overcomes it to share lessons learned from the ordeal.

In an "experience" memoir, you can generally expect to learn about:

How the author found themselves facing said experience;
The obstacles they needed to overcome; and
What they discovered during (and after) the experience.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Faced with the prognosis of terminal cancer at the age of thirty-six, Paul Kalanithi wrote an unforgettable memoir that tackles an impossible question: what makes life worth living?

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. An account of drug and alcohol abuse that one reviewer called “the War and Peace of addiction,” this book became the focus of an uproar when it was revealed that many of its incidents were fabricated. (In case you’re wondering, we do not recommend deceiving your readers.)

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen. Adapted in 1999 into a critically acclaimed film starring Angelina Jolie, Girl, Interrupted enduringly recounts the author’s battle with mental illness and her ensuing 18-month stay in an American psychiatric hospital.

The “event” memoir

Similar to the “experience” memoir, the “event” memoir centers on a single significant event in the author’s life. However, while the former might cover a period of years or even decades, the “event” memoir zeroes in on a clearly defined period of time — for instance, a two-month walk in the woods, or a three-week mountain climb, as you’ll see below.

Walden by Henry David Thoreau. In July of 1845, Henry David Thoreau walked into the woods and didn’t come out for two years, two months, and two days. This is the seminal memoir that resulted.

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer. The controversial account of the 1996 Everest disaster, as written by author-journalist Krakaeur, who was climbing the mountain on the same day that eight climbers were killed.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. Immortalized as one of the classic books about mourning, The Year of Magical Thinking recounts the grief Didion endured the year following the death of her husband.

The “themed” memoir

When you look back on your own timeline, is there a strong theme that defines your life or ties it all together? That’s the premise on which a “themed” memoir is based. In such a memoir, the author provides a retrospective of their past through the lens of one topic.

If you’re looking to write this type of memoir, it goes without saying that you’ll want to find a rock-solid theme to build your entire life story around. Consider asking yourself:

What’s shaped your life thus far?
What’s been a constant at every turning point?
Has a single thing driven all of the decisions that you’ve made?

Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby. Throughout an up-and-down upbringing complete with a debilitating battle with depression, the single consistent thread in this author’s life remained football and Arsenal F.C.

Educated by Tara Westover. If there’s one lesson that we can learn from this remarkable memoir, it’s the importance of education. About a family of religious survivalists in rural Idaho, this memoir relates how the author overcame her upbringing and moved mountains in pursuit of learning.

Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth. Now best known for its BBC adaptation, Worth’s account of her life as a midwife caught people’s imagination with its depiction of life in London’s East End in the 1950s.

The family memoir

In a family memoir, the author is a mirror that re-focuses the light on their family members — ranging from glimpses into the dysfunctional dynamics of a broken family to heartfelt family tributes.

Examples of this type of memoir

Brother, I’m Dying by Edwidge Danticat. A love letter to her family that crosses generations, continents, and cultures, Brother, I’m Dying primarily tells the intertwined stories of two men: Danticat’s father and her uncle.

Native Country of the Heart by Cherrie Moraga. The mother is a self-made woman who grew up picking cotton in California. The daughter, a passionate queer Latina feminist. Weaving the past with the present, this groundbreaking Latinx memoir about a mother-daughter relationship confronts the debilitating consequences of Alzheimer's disease.

The childhood memoir

A subset of the autobiographical memoir, the childhood memoir primarily focuses (spoiler alert!) on the author’s childhood years. Most childhood memoirs cover a range of 5 - 18 years of age, though this can differ depending on the story.

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. The groundbreaking winner of the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, McCourt’s memoir covers the finer details of his childhood in impoverished Dublin.

Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl. Evoking his schoolboy days in the 1920s and 30s, the stories in this book shed light on themes and motifs that would play heavily in Dahl’s most beloved works: a love for sweets, a mischievous streak, and a distrust of authority figures.

The travel memoir

What happens when you put an author on a plane? Words fly!

Just kidding. While that’s perhaps not literally how the travel memoir subgenre was founded, being on the move certainly has something to do with it. Travel memoirs have been written for as long as people could traverse land — which is to say, a long time — but the modern travel narrative didn’t crystallize until the 1970s with the publication of Paul Theroux’s Great Railway Bazaar and Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia .

In a travel memoir, the author isn’t the star of the show: the place is. You can expect to find these elements in a travel memoir:

A description of the place
A discussion of the culture and people
How the author experienced the place and dealt with setbacks during the journey

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Proof that memoirs don’t have to tell catastrophic stories to succeed, this book chronicles Gilbert’s post-divorce travels, inspiring a generation of self-care enthusiasts, and was adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts.

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux. A four-month journey from London to East Asia (and back again) by train, this is the book that helped found the modern travel narrative.

The celebrity memoir

The celebrity memoir is just that: a memoir published by a celebrity. Though many celebrity memoirs are admittedly ghostwritten, the best ones give us an honest and authentic look at the “real person” behind the public figure.

Note that we define “celebrity” broadly here as anyone who is (or has been) in the public spotlight. This includes:

Political figures
Sports stars
Actors and actresses

Paper Lion by George Plimpton. In 1960, the author George Plimpton joined up with the Detroit Lions to see if an ordinary man could play pro football. The answer was no, but his experience in training camp allowed him to tell the first-hand story of a team from inside the locker room.

Troublemaker by Leah Remini. The former star of TV’s The King of Queens tackles the Church of Scientology head-on, detailing her life in (and her decision to leave) the controversial religion.

It’s Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong. This is a great lesson on the way authors often write books to create their own legacy in the way they see fit. As history confirmed, Armstrong’s comeback success wasn’t entirely about the bike at all.

Now that you know what a memoir looks like, it’s time to get out your pen and paper, and write your own memoir to pass down family generations ! And if you want even more memoir examples to keep being inspired? We’ve got you covered: here are the 30 best memoirs of the last century .

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

RBE | A Writing App You'll Fall in Love With | 2024-03

Meet the writing app you'll fall in love with

Our free app lets you set writing goals and track your progress so you can finally write that book!

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

415.750.4111

Activities & Wellness , Aging

8 Memoir Writing Prompts for Older Adults: How to Write Your Life Story

For almost a decade, Deanna was “going to write a memoir.” For almost a decade, she just didn’t really know where or how to start. She collected all kind of photos and dates and evidence of life memories over those long years, but breaking into the actual writing was intimidating, so, again and again, she’d start and quickly stop in one notebook or the next. Then she got involved in a San Francisco memoir writing workshop that gave her the tools and the deadlines she needed to really get her feet wet and then dive fully into the process. In this class, week after week, she spent time with various writing exercises, and she learned to approach each individual step of life story writing rather than trying to approach it as a whole book about her life. Memoir writing prompts can give older adults a much-needed nudge as they overcome the initial hump and just get started.

How to Start Off a Memoir: Everyone’s Story Is Different

There isn’t one right way to write a memoir because everyone’s life story and creative process are unique. Deanna says that, for years, she was held down by the idea that the start of her book—even that very first line—had to be critically special and that she couldn’t live up to the great writers who had come before her. Then, in one of her classes , as she was warming up with a simple writing prompt that asked her to write about an ordinary observation in nature , she didn’t realize she was writing her book’s introduction until it was already done.

A dark brown spider the size of a pea is testing out the space between the arm of my chair and the potted plant 12 or so inches away. It’s establishing some early foundational threads but having to stop every handful of seconds and grip the silk, balling its body up against the wind. I look away for less than a minute, and when I look back, I can’t locate it. The spider has migrated to the space between the chair and the table. It tests. And then it moves again to find enough shelter from the wind’s natural rhythm and my own unpredictable vibrations and disruptions. I smile when I see that it has finally settled between a couple of the table’s own legs and begun to stretch its threads under the table top’s shelter.

How many tries did it take me? Six out-of-state moves before I found somewhere I could start building a lasting home around myself. I had to leave a lot of half-built lives along the way, but I always took away some invisible building blocks that I’d be able to lay down and start the foundation in the next spot. That won’t be the spider’s last neighborhood, but I hope this will be mine.

Experiment and Have Fun: Memoir Writing Prompts for Older Adults

Sometimes, the best way to get started writing your life story is to stop trying. Deanna found her groove when she let go, let herself warm up, and let herself play. Think of the writing process itself as a playground, and each of the prompts below is a new area in which to play and explore. A slide isn’t just a structure to get you from one place to another, it’s also designed to inspire joy, suspense, and a healthy sense of fear. It’s smooth and can be hot or cold to the touch. It can give you a shock in the dry weather, and you’re never quite sure what your landing will be like on the other side. Are you willing to take a ride down with one of these little adventures?

Can you recall your childhood best friend and some of the things you used to do together? Places you used to go? Ways you pulled your imaginations together?
Close your eyes and take a tour back through some prominent places from your childhood: a house you grew up in, a relative’s house, a school, a store, a park where you used to play. The list could go on and on, and the rooms within the buildings would extend the tour as well. As you follow your memories through these places, what can you sense? Are there smells, sounds, textures, colors, or even tastes that come back to you?
What were some traditions your family observed during your early life? Do any of those traditions survive to this day in your family?
Describe a turning point in your life. Explore the past, present, and future around that experience.
Which one of your parents—or perhaps another family member—are you most like? How do those similarities make you feel? What about you stands apart?
Can you remember back to a conversation or interaction that inspired you? See if you can return your imagination to that experience and then write about it from that place of inspiration.
What was one of your favorite songs from long ago that comes with strong memories or feelings? You may not still have your original playback method, but you can probably find the song by searching the title and artist online. If you can locate it, set aside some time to listen to it (maybe even on repeat), and then, while it’s still playing or in silence afterward, explore the memories and feelings that arise. Let them dance onto your page as they follow their own rhythm.
Choose something that is important to you. It could be anything from a cherished relationship to a souvenir you brought home from a special trip. Begin by writing about that thing, and then see where your thoughts naturally take you from there.

With any and all of these prompts, don’t become attached to a certain outcome. Don’t hold yourself to a certain expectation of what your story should look like or get intimidated because this little exercise is only a small start toward a larger project. Instead, set the intention to enjoy yourself and the process along the way. It’s worth it to try life-story writing because it’s worth it to explore your life ! Try to put that second consideration first. If you’re wondering how to start off a memoir, don’t get hung up on the memoir itself; instead, get in touch with what’s really interesting: you and your life story. At Institute on Aging , we get to share and take part in so many inspiring life stories . We would be honored for you to join our community too and to discover the richness of daily storytelling with diverse friends. To learn more about our programs or to unearth more exciting activity ideas, get in touch with us!

Institute on Aging

Enrichment center at the presidio, related posts.

Remembering Dr. Patrick Arbore

Mental Health Awareness Roundup: San Francisco officials push for universal mental healthcare

Mental Health Awareness Month: Signs to look for and a few selfcare tips

Fall risk is higher for those with cognitive impairment

Natural light can make a world of difference for dementia patients

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at IOA! 🎉 Celebrate our nation`s independence with family, friends, and neighbors! Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday! #FourthofJuly #IndependenceDay #Freedom #Justice #Equality

We were thrilled to host the amazing #DonnaSachet at Institute on Aging in celebration of Pride month! Her stories, wit, humor, and a special musical number left our audience in awe! Thank you, Donna, for an unforgettable event! 🎶💖 #DonnaSachet #InstituteonAging #PrideMonthCelebration

🌈Celebrating Pride month with iconic #DonnaSachet at Institute on Aging today! We were beyond delighted to host her and she dazzled our audience with her captivating stories, wit, and left us with a delightful musical number! We’re so grateful to have welcomed Donna to our stage! #InstituteonAging #Pride #Pridemonth #DragIcons #drag

Explore our diverse lineup of community events designed to foster connections, inspire learning, and promote well-being. Follow us to stay informed about our latest event updates and join us in these enriching experiences. #CommunityEvents #InstituteOnAging Visit the link in our bio for all community events.

CONNECT With Us

Call ioa connect.

3575 Geary Boulevard | San Francisco, CA 94118

Phone: (415) 750 – 4111 | Fax: (415) 750 – 5338

Locations Served

Best Memoir Prompts for Seniors

Ignite memories and unleash creativity with engaging memoir writing prompts for seniors. Start capturing your life story today!

The Power of Memoirs

Memoirs hold a special place in the world of literature, allowing individuals to preserve their memories and share their unique experiences with others. For seniors, engaging in memoir writing can be a powerful way to reflect on their lives and leave a lasting legacy.

Preserving Memories Through Writing

Writing memoirs provides seniors with a means to capture and preserve their most cherished memories. Through the act of writing, they can revisit significant moments, relive emotions, and document the details that make their stories come alive. By putting their memories into words, seniors can ensure that their life stories are passed down to future generations, allowing their loved ones to gain a deeper understanding of their personal history.

Memoir writing provides an opportunity for seniors to reflect on their lives and connect with their past selves. As they delve into their memories, they may uncover forgotten anecdotes, rediscover lost passions, or gain new insights into their life journey. Writing can be a cathartic process, allowing seniors to express their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives in a meaningful way.

Benefits of Memoir Writing for Seniors

Engaging in memoir writing offers numerous benefits for seniors beyond the act of preserving memories. Here are some key advantages:

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: Writing a memoir encourages seniors to reflect on their experiences, which can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself. It provides an opportunity to make sense of the past, find closure, and gain new perspectives.
Enhancing Cognitive Function: Memoir writing exercises the brain, promoting mental agility and keeping the mind active. It stimulates memory recall, language skills, and creative thinking, which can be particularly beneficial for seniors.
Emotional Well-being: The process of writing can be therapeutic, allowing seniors to process and express their emotions. It can provide a sense of accomplishment, boost self-esteem, and contribute to overall emotional well-being.
Connecting with Others: Memoirs have the power to connect generations. Sharing personal stories with loved ones and future generations fosters deeper connections and understanding within families. It can also serve as a valuable resource for future researchers and historians.

To get started on their memoir writing journey, seniors can explore a variety of engaging memoir writing prompts. These prompts serve as catalysts for memories and stories that may have otherwise remained untold. In the next section, we will delve into some thought-provoking memoir writing prompts that can inspire seniors to begin their writing journey. For a comprehensive list of memoir prompts for seniors, visit their article on memoir prompts for elderly .

Memoir writing is a powerful tool for seniors to reflect on their lives, preserve their memories, and leave a lasting legacy. The process of writing and sharing their stories can be immensely rewarding, both personally and for future generations.

Getting Started with Memoir Writing

Before diving into the world of memoir writing, it's important for seniors to establish a solid foundation. This includes creating an inspiring writing space and setting realistic goals that will help guide their writing journey.

Creating an Inspiring Writing Space

Having a dedicated writing space can greatly enhance the memoir writing experience for seniors. Here are a few tips to create an inspiring environment:

Find a quiet and comfortable area: Choose a space in your home where you can write without distractions. It could be a cozy corner, a home office, or even a peaceful outdoor spot.
Personalize the space: Surround yourself with items that bring joy and inspiration, such as photographs, souvenirs, or meaningful objects. These can serve as prompts for memories and help ignite your storytelling.
Gather writing materials: Ensure you have all the necessary writing materials at hand. This may include pens, notebooks, a computer, or a tablet. Use tools that feel comfortable and facilitate your writing process.

Remember, the goal is to create a space that sparks creativity and allows you to delve into your memories with ease.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals is essential to make progress in your memoir writing journey. Here are a few tips to help you establish achievable objectives:

Define your purpose: Determine why you want to write a memoir. Is it to preserve family history, share life lessons, or simply capture your memories? Knowing your purpose will help you stay motivated and focused.
Break it down: Instead of overwhelming yourself with the task of writing an entire memoir at once, break it down into smaller, manageable chunks. Set specific goals for each writing session, such as writing a certain number of pages or capturing a particular memory.
Establish a writing schedule: Consistency is key when it comes to memoir writing. Set aside dedicated time for writing regularly. Whether it's daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, find a schedule that works best for you and stick to it.

By setting realistic goals, you can make steady progress in your memoir writing journey while avoiding overwhelm. Remember, the process is as important as the result, so enjoy the journey and embrace the memories you are capturing.

As you embark on your memoir writing adventure, it's important to remember that your story matters. Your unique experiences and perspective hold immense value not just for yourself, but also for future generations. So, create an inspiring writing space, set realistic goals, and let your memories flow onto the pages as you begin to weave your narrative.

Engaging Memoir Writing Prompts for Seniors

Memoir writing is a wonderful way for seniors to reflect on their lives and share their unique stories. To help seniors ignite their memories and embark on their memoir-writing journey, we've compiled a list of engaging writing prompts. These prompts cover a range of topics, including childhood memories, significant life events, relationships and friendships, lessons learned, and travel experiences.

Childhood Memories

Describe your childhood home and the neighborhood you grew up in. What are some of your fondest memories from that time?
Share a story about a memorable family tradition or holiday celebration from your childhood.
Reflect on your favorite hobbies or activities as a child. How did they shape your interests and personality?

Significant Life Events

Write about a major life decision you made and the impact it had on your life.
Describe a challenging experience you faced and how you overcame it. What did you learn from that experience?
Share a story about a moment that changed your perspective or outlook on life.

Relationships and Friendships

Write about a close friendship that has had a significant impact on your life. What qualities do you value in a friend?
Reflect on a romantic relationship that played an important role in shaping who you are today. What lessons did you learn from that relationship?
Share a story about a mentor or role model who has had a positive influence on your life.

Lessons Learned

Reflect on a valuable life lesson you learned from a difficult experience. How did that lesson shape your future actions and decisions?
Write about a mistake or failure that taught you an important lesson. How did you grow from that experience?
Share a piece of advice or wisdom that you would pass on to future generations.

Travel Experiences

Describe a memorable travel adventure you had. What made it unforgettable?
Reflect on a trip that exposed you to a different culture or way of life. How did it broaden your perspective?
Write about a place you've always wanted to visit and why it holds significance for you.

By exploring these memoir writing prompts, seniors can unlock a treasure trove of memories and stories. Remember to take your time, reflect, and write from the heart. Capturing these moments and experiences will not only preserve your personal history but also provide a legacy for future generations to cherish.

Tips for Effective Memoir Writing

Writing a compelling memoir involves more than just recording memories. To create a memoir that captivates readers, consider the following tips:

Be Authentic and Honest

The foundation of a powerful memoir lies in authenticity and honesty. Embrace your unique voice and share your experiences with sincerity. Readers are drawn to stories that feel genuine. Don't shy away from expressing your thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities. By being authentic, you invite readers to connect with your story on a deeper level.

Use Vivid Descriptions

Transport your readers into your world by incorporating vivid descriptions. Paint a picture with words, engaging the senses to bring your memories to life. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that made your experiences memorable. By using descriptive language, you create a rich and immersive reading experience that allows your audience to fully visualize your story.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of simply telling your readers what happened, show them through vivid scenes and anecdotes. Showcasing the events, conversations, and emotions through storytelling adds depth and engages the reader's imagination. Use dialogue, action, and sensory details to recreate moments from your life, making your memoir more engaging and captivating.

Reflect and Find Meaning

A memoir is not just a chronological retelling of events; it's an opportunity to reflect on the significance and meaning of those experiences. Take time to ponder the lessons learned, personal growth, and insights gained from your memories. Share your reflections and the wisdom you've acquired along the way. By infusing your memoir with introspection and meaning, you create a narrative that resonates with readers and invites them to contemplate their own lives.

Remember, writing a memoir is a personal journey, and there are no right or wrong answers. Embrace your unique perspective and let your voice shine through. By incorporating authenticity, vivid descriptions, storytelling techniques, and reflection, you can create a memoir that not only preserves your memories but also inspires and captivates your readers.

Sharing and Preserving Your Memoirs

Once you have poured your heart and memories into your memoir, it's time to consider how you can share and preserve your work. The stories you have crafted deserve to be cherished and cherished by your loved ones and future generations. Here are some ways you can share and preserve your memoirs:

Sharing Your Memoirs with Loved Ones

One of the most meaningful ways to share your memoirs is by sharing them with your loved ones. Your stories hold a wealth of family history and personal experiences that can bring joy and connection to those around you. Consider gathering your family members for a reading or sharing session where you can recount your memories and engage in meaningful conversations.

In addition to sharing in person, you may also choose to distribute physical copies of your memoirs to your family members. This can be in the form of a printed book or a handwritten journal. Alternatively, you can also share your memoirs digitally by sending electronic copies or uploading them to a shared family platform.

Publishing and Self-Publishing Options

If you feel that your memoirs have a broader audience beyond your immediate circle, you may consider publishing your work. Publishing your memoir can allow your stories to reach a wider audience and inspire others. There are various publishing options available, including traditional publishing and self-publishing.

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to publishing houses for consideration. If accepted, the publisher will handle the editing, design, printing, and distribution processes. Self-publishing, on the other hand, gives you more control over the entire publishing process. You can choose to work with self-publishing platforms that offer services like editing, cover design, and distribution or take on the tasks yourself.

Before deciding on a publishing route, it's important to research and consider the pros and cons of each option. Keep in mind that publishing can involve financial investments, so it's essential to evaluate your goals and resources.

Digitizing and Preserving Your Work

Preserving your memoirs in a digital format ensures that they can withstand the test of time and be easily accessible for future generations. Consider digitizing your written memoirs by scanning them and storing them in a secure digital format. This way, even if the physical copies deteriorate over time, the digital versions will remain intact.

Additionally, you may choose to explore online platforms or websites where you can publish your memoirs digitally. This allows you to reach a global audience and provide a lasting digital legacy.

When digitizing your memoirs, it's important to keep backups in multiple locations to prevent the loss of your cherished stories. Consider utilizing cloud storage services or external hard drives to ensure the longevity and accessibility of your digital memoirs.

By sharing and preserving your memoirs, you are not only leaving a legacy for your loved ones but also contributing to the collective tapestry of human experiences. Whether it's through sharing with family, exploring publishing options, or digitizing your work, your memoirs have the power to inspire and connect generations to come.

What if I can't remember all the details of a memory?

Don't worry if you can't remember every single detail of a memory. The most important thing is to write down what you do remember and let your imagination fill in the gaps. You can also ask family members or friends who were there to help jog your memory.

How long should my memoir be?

The length of your memoir is entirely up to you. It can be as short or as long as you want it to be. Some people prefer to write short vignettes, while others write lengthy autobiographies. Just focus on telling your story in a way that feels authentic to you.

Do I have to follow the prompts exactly?

No, the prompts are simply meant to inspire you. If there's a different memory or experience that you'd rather write about, feel free to do so. The prompts are just a starting point.

What if I don't consider myself a good writer?

Don't worry about being a "good" writer. Your memoir is for yourself and your loved ones, not for publication. Just focus on telling your story in your own voice and style.

Can I include photos or other memorabilia in my memoir?

Absolutely! Including photos or other mementos can help bring your memories to life on the page. Just be sure to scan or make copies of any irreplaceable items so that you don't risk losing them.

Should I share my memoir with anyone else?

That's entirely up to you. Some people choose to share their memoirs with family members or close friends, while others prefer to keep them private. Whatever you decide, remember that writing your memoir is ultimately about capturing your memories and experiences for yourself.

Writing a memoir can be a rewarding experience for seniors. It allows you to reflect on your life and the experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today. Memoir prompts can help you get started and unlock the memories that are buried deep within your mind. So why not give it a try? You never know what stories you might uncover. Happy writing!

https://theglebe.org/blog/memoir

https://thememoirnetwork.com/memoir-writing-tips-for-older-people

https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/memoir-writing-cognitive-fitness

https://www.ioaging.org/memoir-writing-prompts-for-older-adults

https://www.meadowridge.com/how-to-write-a-memoir

Take a look at our news and articles

How Much are Retirement Homes?

Demystifying retirement home costs: Get the inside scoop on how much they really cost and plan your golden years wisely.

Free Services for Seniors

Discover free services for seniors in Spring! From meal delivery to health screenings, find the support you need to embrace aging with grace.

Stay Informed: The Spring Hills Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on health tips, community stories, and expert advice, all aimed at enhancing your well-being.

Get Started Today

63 Best Memoir Writing Prompts To Stoke Your Ideas

You’re writing a memoir. But you’re not sure what questions or life lessons you want to focus on.

Even if only family members and friends will read the finished book, you want to make it worth their time.

This isn’t just a whimsical collection of anecdotes from your life.

You want to convey something to your readers that will stay with them.

And maybe you want your memoir’s impact to serve as your legacy — a testament to how you made a small (or large) difference.

The collection of memoir questions in this post can help you create a legacy worth sharing.

So, if you don’t already have enough ideas for a memoir, read on.

A Strong Theme

Overcoming obstacles, emotional storytelling, satisfying ending, examples of good starting sentences for a memoir , 63 memoir writing prompts , what are the primary parts of a memoir.

Though similar to autobiographies, memoirs are less chronological and more impressionable – less historical and more relatable.

Resultantly, they’re structured differently.

With that in mind, let’s look at five elements that tie a memoir together, rendering it more enjoyable.

Biographies are histories that may not hew to a cohesive theme. But memoirs focus on inspiring and enlightening experiences and events.

As such, books in the genre promote a theme or idea that binds the highlighted happenings to an overarching reflection point or lesson.

Many people are super at sniffing out insincerity, and most folks prefer candidness.

So while exact dates and logistical facts may be off in a memoir, being raw and real with emotions, revelations, and relational impacts is vital. To put it colloquially: The best personal accounts let it all hang out.

People prefer inspiring stories. They want to read about people overcoming obstacles, standing as testaments to the tenacious nature of the human spirit. Why?

Because it engenders hope. If this person was able to achieve “x,” there’s a possibility I could, too. Furthermore, people find it comforting that they’re not the only ones who’ve faced seemingly insurmountable impediments.

Readers crave emotion. And for many of the stoic masses, books, plays, television shows, and films are their primary sources of sentimentality.

Historically, the best-performing memoirs are built on emotional frameworks that resonate with readers. The goal is to touch hearts, not just heads.

In a not-so-small way, memoirs are like romance books: Readers want a “happy” ending. So close strongly. Ensure the finale touches on the book’s central themes and emotional highlights.

End it with a smile and note of encouragement, leaving the audience satisfied and optimistic.

Use the following questions as memoir writing exercises . Choose those that immediately evoke memories that have stayed with you over the years.

Group them by theme — family, career, beliefs, etc. — and address at least one question a day.

For each question, write freely for around 300 to 400 words. You can always edit it later to tighten it up or add more content.

1. What is your earliest memory?

2. What have your parents told you about your birth that was unusual?

3. How well did you get along with your siblings, if you have any?

4. Which parent were you closest to growing up and why?

5. What parent or parental figure had the biggest influence on you growing up?

6. What is your happiest childhood memory?

7. What is your saddest or most painful childhood memory?

8. Did you have good parents? How did they show their love for you?

9. What words of theirs from your childhood do you remember most, and why?

10. What do you remember most about your parents’ relationship?

11. Were your parents together, or did they live apart? Did they get along?

12. How has your relationship with your parents affected your own love relationships?

13. Who or what did you want to be when you grew up?

14. What shows or movies influenced you most during your childhood?

15. What were your favorite books to read, and how did they influence you?

16. If you grew up in a religious household, how did you see “God”?

17. How did you think “God” saw you? Who influenced those beliefs?

18. Describe your spiritual journey from adolescence to the present?

19. Who was your first best friend? How did you become friends?

20. Who was your favorite teacher in elementary school, and why?

21. Did you fit in with any social group or clique in school? Describe your social life?

22. What were your biggest learning challenges in school (academic or social)?

23. Who was your first crush, and what drew you to them? How long did it last?

24. What was your favorite subject in school, and what did you love about it?

25. What do you wish you would have learned more about growing up?

26. What did you learn about yourself in high school? What was your biggest mistake?

27. What seemed normal to you growing up that now strikes you as messed up?

28. How old were you when you first moved away from home?

29. Who gave you your first kiss? And what do you remember most about it?

30. Who was your first love ? What do you remember most about them?

31. Was there ever a time in your life when you realized you weren’t straight?

32. Describe a memorable argument you had with one of your parents? How did it end?

33. Have you lost a parent? How did it happen, and how did their death affect you?

34. What was your first real job? What do you remember most about it?

35. How did you spend the money you earned with that job?

36. At what moment in your life did you feel most loved?

37. At what moment in your life did you feel most alone?

38. What do you remember most about your high school graduation? Did it matter?

39. What’s something you’ve done that you never thought you would do?

40. What has been the greatest challenge of your life up to this point?

41. What did you learn in college that has had a powerful influence on you?

42. How has your family’s financial situation growing up influenced you?

43. How has someone’s harsh criticism of you led you to an important realization?

44. Do you consider yourself a “good person”? Why or why not?

45. Who was the first person who considered you worth standing up for?

46. If you have children, whom did you trust with them when they were babies?

47. Did you have pets growing up? Did you feel close or attached to any of them?

Final Thoughts

These memoir topics should get ideas flooding into your mind. All you have to do, then, is let them out onto the page. The more you write, the easier it will be to choose the primary focus for your memoir. And the more fun you’ll have writing it.

That’s not to say it’ll be easy to create a powerful memoir. It won’t be. But the more clarity you have about its overall mission, the more easily the words will flow.

Enjoy these memoir writing exercises. And apply the same clarity of focus during the editing process. Your readers will thank you.

What is a Memoir?

Memoir vs Autobiography

Memoir Examples

Short memoir examples.

How to Write a Memoir: A Step-by-Step Guide

A memoir is a branch of creative nonfiction , a genre defined by the writer Lee Gutkind as “true stories, well told.” The etymology of the word “memoir,” which comes to us from the French, tells us of the human urge to put experience to paper, to remember. Indeed, a memoir is “ something written to be kept in mind .”

A memoir is defined by Lee Gutkind as “true stories, well told.”

For a piece of writing to be called a memoir, it has to be:

Nonfictional
Based on the raw material of your life and your memories
Written from your personal perspective

At this point, memoirs are beginning to sound an awful lot like autobiographies. However, a quick comparison of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love , and The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin , for example, tells us that memoirs and autobiographies could not be more distinct.

Next, let’s look at the characteristics of a memoir and what sets memoirs and autobiographies apart. Discussing memoir vs. autobiography will not only reveal crucial insights into the process of writing a memoir, but also help us to refine our answer to the question, “What is a memoir?”

Memoir vs. Autobiography

While both use personal life as writing material, there are five key differences between memoir and autobiography:

1. Structure

Since autobiographies tell the comprehensive story of one’s life, they are more or less chronological. writing a memoir, however, involves carefully curating a list of personal experiences to serve a larger idea or story, such as grief, coming-of-age, and self-discovery. As such, memoirs do not have to unfold in chronological order.

While autobiographies attempt to provide a comprehensive account, memoirs focus only on specific periods in the writer’s life. The difference between autobiographies and memoirs can be likened to that between a CV and a one-page resume, which includes only select experiences.

The difference between autobiographies and memoirs can be likened to that between a CV and a one-page resume, which includes only select experiences.

Autobiographies prioritize events; memoirs prioritize the writer’s personal experience of those events. Experience includes not just the event you might have undergone, but also your feelings, thoughts, and reflections. Memoir’s insistence on experience allows the writer to go beyond the expectations of formal writing. This means that memoirists can also use fiction-writing techniques , such as scene-setting and dialogue , to capture their stories with flair.

4. Philosophy

Another key difference between the two genres stems from the autobiography’s emphasis on facts and the memoir’s reliance on memory. Due to memory’s unreliability, memoirs ask the reader to focus less on facts and more on emotional truth. In addition, memoir writers often work the fallibility of memory into the narrative itself by directly questioning the accuracy of their own memories.

Memoirs ask the reader to focus less on facts and more on emotional truth.

5. Audience

While readers pick up autobiographies to learn about prominent individuals, they read memoirs to experience a story built around specific themes . Memoirs, as such, tend to be more relatable, personal, and intimate. Really, what this means is that memoirs can be written by anybody!

Ready to be inspired yet? Let’s now turn to some memoir examples that have received widespread recognition and captured our imaginations!

If you’re looking to lose yourself in a book, the following memoir examples are great places to begin:

The Year of Magical Thinking , which chronicles Joan Didion’s year of mourning her husband’s death, is certainly one of the most powerful books on grief. Written in two short months, Didion’s prose is urgent yet lucid, compelling from the first page to the last. A few years later, the writer would publish Blue Nights , another devastating account of grief, only this time she would be mourning her daughter.
Patti Smith’s Just Kids is a classic coming-of-age memoir that follows the author’s move to New York and her romance and friendship with the artist Robert Maplethorpe. In its pages, Smith captures the energy of downtown New York in the late sixties and seventies effortlessly.
When Breath Becomes Air begins when Paul Kalanithi, a young neurosurgeon, is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Exquisite and poignant, this memoir grapples with some of the most difficult human experiences, including fatherhood, mortality, and the search for meaning.
A memoir of relationship abuse, Carmen Maria Machado’s In the Dream House is candid and innovative in form. Machado writes about thorny and turbulent subjects with clarity, even wit. While intensely personal, In the Dream House is also one of most insightful pieces of cultural criticism.
Twenty-five years after leaving for Canada, Michael Ondaatje returns to his native Sri Lanka to sort out his family’s past. The result is Running in the Family , the writer’s dazzling attempt to reconstruct fragments of experiences and family legends into a portrait of his parents’ and grandparents’ lives. (Importantly, Running in the Family was sold to readers as a fictional memoir; its explicit acknowledgement of fictionalization prevented it from encountering the kind of backlash that James Frey would receive for fabricating key facts in A Million Little Pieces , which he had sold as a memoir . )
Of the many memoirs published in recent years, Tara Westover’s Educated is perhaps one of the most internationally-recognized. A story about the struggle for self-determination, Educated recounts the writer’s childhood in a survivalist family and her subsequent attempts to make a life for herself. All in all, powerful, thought-provoking, and near impossible to put down.

While book-length memoirs are engaging reads, the prospect of writing a whole book can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are plenty of short, essay-length memoir examples that are just as compelling.

While memoirists often write book-length works, you might also consider writing a memoir that’s essay-length. Here are some short memoir examples that tell complete, lived stories, in far fewer words:

“ The Book of My Life ” offers a portrait of a professor that the writer, Aleksandar Hemon, once had as a child in communist Sarajevo. This memoir was collected into Hemon’s The Book of My Lives , a collection of essays about the writer’s personal history in wartime Yugoslavia and subsequent move to the US.
“The first time I cheated on my husband, my mother had been dead for exactly one week.” So begins Cheryl Strayed’s “ The Love of My Life ,” an essay that the writer eventually expanded into the best-selling memoir, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail .
In “ What We Hunger For ,” Roxane Gay weaves personal experience and a discussion of The Hunger Games into a powerful meditation on strength, trauma, and hope. “What We Hunger For” can also be found in Gay’s essay collection, Bad Feminist .
A humorous memoir structured around David Sedaris and his family’s memories of pets, “ The Youth in Asia ” is ultimately a story about grief, mortality and loss. This essay is excerpted from the memoir Me Talk Pretty One Day , and a recorded version can be found here .

So far, we’ve 1) answered the question “What is a memoir?” 2) discussed differences between memoirs vs. autobiographies, 3) taken a closer look at book- and essay-length memoir examples. Next, we’ll turn the question of how to write a memoir.

How to Write a Memoir: A-Step-by-Step Guide

1. how to write a memoir: generate memoir ideas.

how to start a memoir? As with anything, starting is the hardest. If you’ve yet to decide what to write about, check out the “ I Remember ” writing prompt. Inspired by Joe Brainard’s memoir I Remember , this prompt is a great way to generate a list of memories. From there, choose one memory that feels the most emotionally charged and begin writing your memoir. It’s that simple! If you’re in need of more prompts, our Facebook group is also a great resource.

2. How to Write a Memoir: Begin drafting

My most effective advice is to resist the urge to start from “the beginning.” Instead, begin with the event that you can’t stop thinking about, or with the detail that, for some reason, just sticks. The key to drafting is gaining momentum . Beginning with an emotionally charged event or detail gives us the drive we need to start writing.

3. How to Write a Memoir: Aim for a “ shitty first draft ”

Now that you have momentum, maintain it. Attempting to perfect your language as you draft makes it difficult to maintain our impulses to write. It can also create self-doubt and writers’ block. Remember that most, if not all, writers, no matter how famous, write shitty first drafts.

Attempting to perfect your language as you draft makes it difficult to maintain our impulses to write.

4. How to Write a Memoir: Set your draft aside

Once you have a first draft, set it aside and fight the urge to read it for at least a week. Stephen King recommends sticking first drafts in your drawer for at least six weeks. This period allows writers to develop the critical distance we need to revise and edit the draft that we’ve worked so hard to write.

5. How to Write a Memoir: Reread your draft

While reading your draft, note what works and what doesn’t, then make a revision plan. While rereading, ask yourself:

What’s underdeveloped, and what’s superfluous.
Does the structure work?
What story are you telling?

6. How to Write a Memoir: Revise your memoir and repeat steps 4 & 5 until satisfied

Every piece of good writing is the product of a series of rigorous revisions. Depending on what kind of writer you are and how you define a draft,” you may need three, seven, or perhaps even ten drafts. There’s no “magic number” of drafts to aim for, so trust your intuition. Many writers say that a story is never, truly done; there only comes a point when they’re finished with it. If you find yourself stuck in the revision process, get a fresh pair of eyes to look at your writing.

7. How to Write a Memoir: Edit, edit, edit!

Once you’re satisfied with the story, begin to edit the finer things (e.g. language, metaphor , and details). Clean up your word choice and omit needless words , and check to make sure you haven’t made any of these common writing mistakes . Be sure to also know the difference between revising and editing —you’ll be doing both. Then, once your memoir is ready, send it out !

Learn How to Write a Memoir at Writers.com

Writing a memoir for the first time can be intimidating. But, keep in mind that anyone can learn how to write a memoir. Trust the value of your own experiences: it’s not about the stories you tell, but how you tell them. Most importantly, don’t give up!

Anyone can learn how to write a memoir.

If you’re looking for additional feedback, as well as additional instruction on how to write a memoir, check out our schedule of nonfiction classes . Now, get started writing your memoir!

32 Comments

Thank you for this website. It’s very engaging. I have been writing a memoir for over three years, somewhat haphazardly, based on the first half of my life and its encounters with ignorance (religious restrictions, alcohol, and inability to reach out for help). Three cities were involved: Boston as a youngster growing up and going to college, then Washington DC and Chicago North Shore as a married woman with four children. I am satisfied with some chapters and not with others. Editing exposes repetition and hopefully discards boring excess. Reaching for something better is always worth the struggle. I am 90, continue to be a recital pianist, a portrait painter, and a writer. Hubby has been dead for nine years. Together we lept a few of life’s chasms and I still miss him. But so far, my occupations keep my brain working fairly well, especially since I don’t smoke or drink (for the past 50 years).

Hi Mary Ellen,

It sounds like a fantastic life for a memoir! Thank you for sharing, and best of luck finishing your book. Let us know when it’s published!

Best, The writers.com Team

Hello Mary Ellen,

I am contacting you because your last name (Lavelle) is my middle name!

Being interested in genealogy I have learned that this was my great grandfathers wife’s name (Mary Lavelle), and that her family emigrated here about 1850 from County Mayo, Ireland. That is also where my fathers family came from.

Is your family background similar?

Hope to hear back from you.

Richard Lavelle Bourke

Hi Mary Ellen: Have you finished your memoir yet? I just came across your post and am seriously impressed that you are still writing. I discovered it again at age 77 and don’t know what I would do with myself if I couldn’t write. All the best to you!! Sharon [email protected]

I am up to my eyeballs with a research project and report for a non-profit. And some paid research for an international organization. But as today is my 90th birthday, it is time to retire and write a memoir.

So I would like to join a list to keep track of future courses related to memoir / creative non-fiction writing.

Hi Frederick,

Happy birthday! And happy retirement as well. I’ve added your name and email to our reminder list for memoir courses–when we post one on our calendar, we’ll send you an email.

We’ll be posting more memoir courses in the near future, likely for the months of January and February 2022. We hope to see you in one!

Very interesting and informative, I am writing memoirs from my long often adventurous and well travelled life, have had one very short story published. Your advice on several topics will be extremely helpful. I write under my schoolboy nickname Barnaby Rudge.

[…] How to Write a Memoir: Examples and a Step-by-Step Guide […]

I am writing my memoir from my memory when I was 5 years old and now having left my birthplace I left after graduation as a doctor I moved to UK where I have been living. In between I have spent 1 year in Canada during my training year as paediatrician. I also spent nearly 2 years with British Army in the hospital as paediatrician in Germany. I moved back to UK to work as specialist paediatrician in a very busy general hospital outside London for the next 22 years. Then I retired from NHS in 2012. I worked another 5 years in Canada until 2018. I am fully retired now

I have the whole convoluted story of my loss and horrid aftermath in my head (and heart) but have no clue WHERE, in my story to begin. In the middle of the tragedy? What led up to it? Where my life is now, post-loss, and then write back and forth? Any suggestions?

My friend Laura who referred me to this site said “Start”! I say to you “Start”!

Hi Dee, that has been a challenge for me.i dont know where to start?

What was the most painful? Embarrassing? Delicious? Unexpected? Who helped you? Who hurt you? Pick one story and let that lead you to others.

I really enjoyed this writing about memoir. I ve just finished my own about my journey out of my city then out of my country to Egypt to study, Never Say Can’t, God Can Do It. Infact memoir writing helps to live the life you are writing about again and to appreciate good people you came across during the journey. Many thanks for sharing what memoir is about.

I went to Egypt earlier this year. I aspire for my second book to document and tell the story of my travels of Africa, following the first – a memoir that led me to this post.

I am a survivor of gun violence, having witnessed my adult son being shot 13 times by police in 2014. I have struggled with writing my memoir because I have a grandson who was 18-months old at the time of the tragedy and was also present, as was his biological mother and other family members. We all struggle with PTSD because of this atrocity. My grandson’s biological mother was instrumental in what happened and I am struggling to write the story in such a way as to not cast blame – thus my dilemma in writing the memoir. My grandson was later adopted by a local family in an open adoption and is still a big part of my life. I have considered just writing it and waiting until my grandson is old enough to understand all the family dynamics that were involved. Any advice on how I might handle this challenge in writing would be much appreciated.

I decided to use a ghost writer, and I’m only part way in the process and it’s worth every penny!

Hi. I am 44 years old and have had a roller coaster life .. right as a young kid seeing his father struggle to financial hassles, facing legal battles at a young age and then health issues leading to a recent kidney transplant. I have been working on writing a memoir sharing my life story and titled it “A memoir of growth and gratitude” Is it a good idea to write a memoir and share my story with the world?

Thank you… this was very helpful. I’m writing about the troubling issues of my mental health, and how my life was seriously impacted by that. I am 68 years old.

[…] Writers.com: How to Write a Memoir […]

[…] Writers.com: “How to Write a Memoir” […]

I am so grateful that I found this site! I am inspired and encouraged to start my memoir because of the site’s content and the brave people that have posted in the comments.

Finding this site is going into my gratitude journey 🙂

We’re grateful you found us too, Nichol! 🙂

Firstly, I would like to thank you for all the info pertaining to memoirs. I believe am on the right track, am at the editing stage and really have to use an extra pair of eyes. I’m more motivated now to push it out and complete it. Thanks for the tips it was very helpful, I have a little more confidence it seeing the completion.

Well, I’m super excited to begin my memoir. It’s hard trying to rely on memories alone, but I’m going to give it a shot!

Thanks to everyone who posted comments, all of which have inspired me to get on it.

Best of luck to everyone! Jody V.

I was thrilled to find this material on How to Write A Memoir. When I briefly told someone about some of my past experiences and how I came to the United States in the company of my younger brother in a program with a curious name, I was encouraged by that person and others to write my life history.

Based on the name of that curious program through which our parents sent us to the United States so we could leave the place of our birth, and be away from potentially difficult situations in our country.

As I began to write my history I took as much time as possible to describe all the different steps that were taken. At this time – I have been working on this project for 5 years and am still moving ahead. The information I received through your material has further encouraged me to move along. I am very pleased to have found this important material. Thank you!

Wow! This is such an informative post packed with tangible guidance. I poured my heart into a book. I’ve been a professional creative for years to include as a writer, mainly in the ad game and content. No editor. I wasn’t trying to make it as an author. Looking back, I think it’s all the stuff I needed to say. Therapy. Which does not, in and of itself, make for a coherent book. The level of writing garnering praise, but the book itself was a hot mess. So, this is helpful. I really put myself out there, which I’ve done in many areas, but the crickets response really got to me this time. I bought “Educated” as you recommended. Do you have any blog posts on memoirs that have something to say to the world, finding that “something” to say? It feels like that’s theme, but perhaps something more granular. Thanks for this fantastic post. If I had the moola, I would sign up for a class. Your time is and effort is appreciated. Typos likely on comments! LOL

thanks. God bless

I am a member of the “Reprobates”, a group of seven retired Royal Air Force pilots and navigators which has stayed in intermittent touch since we first met in Germany in 1969. Four of the group (all of whom are in their late seventies or early eighties) play golf together quite frequently, and we all gather for reunions once or twice a year. About a year ago, one of the Reprobates suggested posterity might be glad to hear the stories told at these gatherings, and there have since been two professionally conducted recording sessions, one in London, and one in Tarifa, Spain. The instigator of these recordings forwarded your website to his fellow Reprobates by way of encouragement to put pen to paper. And, I, for one, have found it inspiring. It’s high time I made a start on my Memoirs, thank you.

Thank you for sharing this, Tim! Happy writing!

Hi, I’m Jo. I’m finally jumping in and writing the memoir that has been running alongside me for at least the last 5 years. I’m terrified, of what I’m not 100% sure. The story won’t leave me alone and right now is the time to start my first draft. I’m approaching half way through what nature may call natural life on Earth, mid-life sounds strange to say. It just feels like the right time to document the journey thus far – especially the last decade. It’s been a radical time for transformation, internally and externally. I’m afraid but your post and these comments have helped.

Good luck on your memoir, Jo! I’m excited to hear more.

Popular Keywords

No Record Found

Communities

Learn about the costs of senior housing and care, how to build a budget and creative funding solutions

We invite you to schedule a tour to meet our team and learn more about life in our community.

Making the decision to move to senior living is complex and emotional and the more information you have, the better decision you can make.

Crafting a Legacy: Storytelling and Memoir Writing for Seniors

Understanding The Trend of Storytelling and Memoir Writing for Seniors

What is a memoir.

A memoir is a non-fictional collection of narratives based on a person’s perspective and personal memories. The term “memoir” is derived from the French word “mémoire” or “reminiscence.”

In the minds of many, memoirs and autobiographies are the same, but the truth is far from it. Although the unified goal is to tell someone’s life story using the first-person perspective, the scope of an autobiography is much larger than a memoir. It can be understood that while an autobiography covers a person’s life from beginning to end, a memoir only records a selective period or an event occurring at any point in life.

Unlike an autobiography focusing on recounting fact-checked life events in chronological order, a memoir encourages the author to express their takes, emotions, and perceptions that they learn from past events, much like a personal essay.

Some popular memoirs include A Moveable Feast (Ernest Hemingway), An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth (Chris Hardfield), A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (Dave Eggers), Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter (Adeline Yen Mah), and more.

Seniors Writing Memoirs: Helpful Tips To Write A Heart-touching Memoir

When searching for tips and guides on how to write a memoir, you might stumble across tons of them on the Internet. However, it is important to note that there are no fixed methods to tell an impactful story.

Writing a memoir is more than just outlining life-changing events. It is also about letting your most hidden thoughts and intimate moments be seen and acknowledged by family and friends — or whoever reads them. Find some tips on memoir writing for seniors below.

Read & Research

Whatever you plan to do, research is an excellent step to prepare you for what you are getting into, whether you are writing a memoir or drafting a life story. Doing research on existing materials helps you learn from the best. It’s crucial to remember that not all memoirs are built the same because writing is a form of art, and art is boundaryless. However, conducting a read first is effective in understanding the structure and format of how a memoir should be written. Most of the time, going in a linear direction (from A to B) is preferred by many, but it can be different for each.

Start with An Assessment Plan

Drafting an assessment plan supports seniors in narrowing down their options when selecting a theme or a topic. As mentioned earlier, a memoir is not listing every single personal experience and event possible — that’s not how a memoir works.

Make a list of several life experiences that draw people in, such as birth, going to school, getting your first job, moving out, getting married, having children, taking your children on the first day to school, etc. Then, assessing possible values and life lessons, you might find the core theme of your memoir along the way.

On top of picking out the theme and topic, figuring out the moral of the story is a must. Ask yourself, “What have I learned from it?” “What is the life lesson from my experience?” or “What message would I like to deliver through my memoir?.” and so on.

Sometimes, you don’t need to write about the best experiences, but the worst, embarrassing, or uncanny moments can have a huge impact on readers’ minds afterward.

Dig A Little Deeper

Since the theme focus is condensed to a single life experience, it is imperative to dig deeper by listing all associating memories. It helps readers connect the dots and leads them to the final purpose of your memoir: the moral of the story. Achieving the core values by bringing up the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, why). It allows readers to have a better grasp of what you are trying to tell.

Establish The Story

Alongside theme exploration, thinking beyond is another element to keep a story going forward. Besides associating memories, some events or people have the power to twist your narrative and change the way you see life, making you the person you have become today. A few to consider include parents, siblings, friends, childhood influences, first love(s), first job(s), marriage, children, successes, failures, etc.

This tip helps you create an emotional story while eliminating unnecessary characters and details that might tarnish your story’s natural flow. Ultimately, you want to ensure your story leaves an impression; anyone can walk away with valuable takeaways.

Write The Naked Truth!

A memoir is not a fictional story! Articulating our deepest feelings, mistakes, and failures can be a hard task, but authenticity is the key. Plus, a memoir is not the outlet for you to paint yourself as a saint. Remember, humans make mistakes and redeem themselves repeatedly throughout our lifetime. The most important thing is how you get back on your feet and what you learn from it. That’s why you mustn’t feel ashamed of your spilled beans. People might judge, but let them. But being authentic and keeping the truth alive is essential for showcasing self-reflection and personal growth, helping readers find meaning in your story.

Find Your Voice

Some people believe that they must use a formal voice in the memoir. However, keep it simple with your tone unless you plan to publish your life chunks to the mass public. You can make a draft and check for the grammar later. This gives a natural narrative to your writing. Suppose you have a cheeky personality. In such a case, let’s keep it as it is. There’s no reason to imitate other people’s styles. As every memoir is a unique remark of someone’s life, explore your inner voice and let your individuality shine!

Feedback Matters

Why does feedback matter? Feedback ensures the storyline goes in the right direction, preventing misleading characters and events from sabotaging the theme. Outside opinions and neutral inputs help seniors see the bigger picture to make the theme more outstanding. Getting as much feedback as possible from friends and family, then circle back to your draft and make tweaks and refinements if necessary.

Memoir Writing Prompts to Consider for Seniors

The topics of storytelling and memoir writing are relatively extensive, meaning seniors can always find something they will love writing about. Read through our list of memoir writing prompts to consider for seniors.

Talk about your first day at school.
Describe your childhood bedroom.
Describe your first love and first date with them.
Talk about your first heartbreak.
Who were your favorite teachers?
Talk about your happiest childhood memories.
Talk about your first-ever interview and job.
Talk about your dream job if money isn’t an issue.
Show your proudest moments and your feelings during that time.
Talk about the happiest days of your life.
Talk about the worst days or cringiest moments of your life.
What is the meaning/story behind your name?
What would you like to change about yourself?
Recall your fondest memories.
What do you want to tell yourself 5 years from now?
What would you say to your younger self?
Five pieces of advice you would give to your grandchildren.
Talk about your deepest fears and how you overcome them.
List things you are most grateful for today and why?
Talk about your most favorite holiday memories you had.
Talk about your favorite memories with your mom/dad.
Talk about the lowest moments of your life and how you overcome the challenge.
Talk about your greatest regrets up to date.
Talk about your scars and how you got them.

If you have questions about memoir writing for seniors or any topics discussed here, connect with us and learn more.

At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while leading fulfilling lives. 12 Oaks Senior Living Communities are an ideal place to enjoy the encore season of life.

For questions or to schedule a personalized tour, don’t hesitate to contact us.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

Searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living Communities, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Our blog is one of the valuable resources we provide to inform and encourage seniors to lead fulfilling and thriving lives. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

12 Oaks Senior Living

59 Memoir Ideas

On this page you’ll find memoir ideas and topics, along with links to even more memoir writing prompts.

56 Memoir Topics

Which of these have been important in your life?

1) being a parent

2) your parent

3) your grandparent

4) a sister or brother

5) a sport or game that's been important to you

6) gardening

7) a trip you took

8) a particular job

9) your career

10) something you collect

11) an unusual talent

12) dieting or fitness

13) your cultural heritage

14) a romance

15) marriage

16) divorce

17) farming

18) your relationship to nature

19) a school you went to

20) your college or university

21) summer camp

22) your house

24) an illness

25) a disability

26) an accident

27) an addiction

28) the death of someone close to you

29) childhood

30) adolescence

31) becoming an adult

32) middle age

33) old age

34) a book or movie that changed your life

35) a work of art that changed your life

36) a teacher or mentor

37) an important friendship

38) a spiritual or religious experience

39) a change in your economic situation

40) a decision to change some aspect of your life

41) a place where you lived

42) a place that was special to you

43) a move to a new place

44) another major life change

45) the effect of war on your life

46) another historical event that impacted your life

49) a dangerous situation you survived

50) something you did to help others

51) military service

52) something you accomplished

53) a topic you research as a hobby

54) discrimination you have faced

55) someone who was a great inspiration to you

56) a mission or quest

Learn how to write a great memoir with our online course.

3 Memoir Prompts

1) What's a song that brings back memories for you? Listen to the song (if you don't have a recording, you can probably find it on Youtube.com), and travel back in your mind to a time that it makes you remember. Spend a few minutes inside that memory, reliving it in as much detail as possible. Then write about that memory, trying to recreate it on the page. 2) Write about a conversation that had an impact on your life. Show the scene where the conversation happened, and try to reconstruct parts of the dialogue word-for-word on the page so that readers can "hear" it first-hand. 3) Look at a photograph of your family. What memories does it bring back? Focus on one of the memories, trying to recall sounds, smells, and other sensations, as well as what things looked like. Then write about it, recreating the scene for the reader. Click here for more 38 more memoir ideas.

Memoir Ideas - Next Steps

Get more memoir prompts.
Join our online course on memoir writing.
Memoir Ideas

Terms - Returns & Cancellations - Affiliate Disclosure - Privacy Policy

Anne R. Allen's Blog... with Ruth Harris

Writing about writing. Mostly.

April 7, 2019 By Anne R. Allen 16 Comments

How to Write a Memoir: 14 Tips for Writing Memoir That Sells

by Anne R. Allen

In a much-shared article titled “ Why Your Memoir Won’t Sell, ” former Writer’s Digest editor Jane Friedman listed the things that will trigger an agent or publisher to reject a memoir by a non-celebrity.

A lot of people working on memoirs have been pretty discouraged by it.

But you don’t have to be. Jane was simply saying that you need to learn what makes a compelling memoir and what doesn’t.

It is true that memoirs are problematic. They’re devilishly difficult for a new writer to do well, but they’re what newbies usually write.

The urge to put our own life story on paper is the most common reason people start writing. Adult education programs and senior centers everywhere offer courses in “writing your own life.” And there’s the old adage that says everybody has a book in them—their own life story.

That means there are a whole lot of memoirs out there, and most of them are written by newbies. Agents and editors cringe when a memoirist approaches them, because they’ve seen so many amateurish ones.

But here’s the thing: there’s a BIG market for entertaining, well-written memoir.

In this age of massively popular true crime shows and “reality” TV, there’s a huge audience for shared real-life experience. Readers are hungry for true stories: look how angrily they reacted to writers like James Frey, Margaret B. Jones, Clifford Irving, etc. who passed off fiction as memoir.

Compelling memoirs like Eat, Pray, Love, The Color of Water, The Glass Castle, and of course the entire oeuvre of David Sedaris (a hero of mine) top the bestseller lists.

So keep working on that masterpiece-in-progress. Hone your craft. Learn patience. Write short creative nonfiction essays and get a bunch of published work out there. And keep writing. The results will be worth it.

It will help if you follow some basic dos and don’ts.

1) DO Read Other Memoirs

Before you put pen to paper, it’s a good idea to read the currently popular memoirs. You want to know what readers are buying.

You can also see what works and what doesn’t. Where are you flipping pages and reading “just one more chapter”? Work on getting that kind of tension into your story. On the other hand if you find the story getting bogged down somewhere, you know where not to go. Does something sound self-serving? Leave it out of your own work.

All authors need to know their genre and audience to write something that sells. Memoir is no exception.

2) DON’T Write an Autobiography

I know this sounds like I’m just playing with words. But technically, an autobiography is a list of events: “I was born in (year) in (place) and I did (this) and (that.)

But a memoir is a story of one aspect of your life that has a beginning, a climax and a resolution.

The truth about autobiographies is that unless you’re already a rock star, nobody cares.

Except your family. And they do matter. So don’t let anybody discourage you from self-publishing a chronicle of your life as a gift to your family and descendants. Just be aware that an autobiographical list of events is not the same thing as a publishable, compelling memoir.

3) DO Tell a Page-Turning Story

A book-length memoir is read and marketed as a novel. It needs a novel’s narrative drive. That means tension and conflict—and ONE main story arc to drive the action.

So generally you don’t want to write a series of loosely related vignettes and stories. A memoir has to be one story.

Most memoirs fail from lack of focus.

Choose a basic storyline, like: “Orphan kids save the family farm during the Depression,” or “A cross-dressing teen survives high school in the 1960s.”

But note: vignettes and nostalgia pieces do have a market—in magazines, journals and blogs. (See # 13)

4) DON’T Confuse Memoir with Psychotherapy

Writing about a traumatic personal event can be amazingly cathartic for the writer, but there’s a reason shrinks charge big bucks to listen to people’s problems. Readers want a rip-roaring story, not unrelenting misery.

Writing does makes great therapy, though. Go ahead and write it all down in a journal. Then you can save that raw material to mine later for fiction, poetry, personal essays, and maybe even a well-crafted memoir.

5) DO Focus on Significant and Unique Personal Experience, Especially When Tied to Well-Known Person or Event

If you gave birth in the mud at Woodstock, dated Kurt Cobain, or were a first responder on 9/11, make that the focus of your book. That’s not “selling out” or falling for “celebrity culture.” It’s common sense. People want to read about stuff they’ve heard of more than they want to read about your dear Aunt Edna, lovely as she was.

Iconic events are shared experiences. Your readers have their own emotions tied to that event, so they’re eager to know how it felt to be close to it.

6) DON’T Include Every Detail

Including every little incident and every character because “it’s what really happened” doesn’t make good storytelling.

Just because something is true doesn’t mean it’s interesting.

Your happy memories of that idyllic Sunday school picnic in vanished small-town America will leave your reader comatose unless the church caught fire, you lost your virginity, and/or somebody stole the parson’s pants.

7) DO Remember that a Memoir, like a Novel, is Read for Entertainment.

A memoir may be nonfiction, but it requires a creative writer’s skill set. Always keep your reader in mind. Never fabricate, but only tell what’s unique, exciting and relevant to your premise.

I had a friend who lived a fabulously exciting life, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. But in his memoir, he kept insisting on giving equal time to his very ordinary relatives and schoolmates.

It’s all very well to be “fair” to all the people and events in your life, but that’s not what’s important when you’re writing for publication.

The only person you must treat with fairness is your reader.

If your reader isn’t going to be thrilled reading two chapters about your Uncle Wilbur’s gout, then don’t put them in the book.

8) DON’T Neglect Social Media

There are online groups for everything these days. When I was working on my novel that features the ghost of Richard III, So Much for Buckingham , I discovered more than 50 Facebook groups for people who think Richard III has been falsely maligned.

For any kind of disease or trauma, there is probably an online support group…or twelve. Look for them and make contact. (But don’t stick around if things seem “off.” Groups can often be taken over by one or more bullies. You won’t find help—or readers—there. Move on.)

One of the most important things you’ll need to do before you publish is connect with online communities who are interested in your niche. Visiting and commenting on the blogs, vlogs and podcasts of other people interested in your field can really help you tap into a community of possible readers.

9) DO look at Small and Regional Publishers.

A national publisher may not be interested in stories of the vanished ranch life of old California, or growing up in a lighthouse on the coast of Maine, but a local publisher who has outlets at tourist sites and historical landmarks may be actively looking for them. Another plus: you don’t need an agent to approach most regional publishers.

Not a lot of agents are interested in memoir, but many small publishers are. Here are seven publishers who don’t require agents and are looking for memoir.

10) DON’T Expect a Big Audience for Medical Journaling

If you or a loved one has a serious disease, chronicling your experiences can be invaluable to those suffering similar trials.

To the general public—not so much.

You may find it’s best to reach out to people who share your medical experience through online forums and blogs as well as print journals. Remember that publishing is a business, and no matter how sad your story, if it’s not an enjoyable read, it won’t find an audience.

But you may find exactly the audience you’re looking for with a blog, so read on…

11) DO Consider Writing Your Experiences as Blog.

I urge all nonfiction authors, especially memoirists, to start a blog as soon as possible.

As I said, a memoir needs to be written like a novel. But real life doesn’t have a story arc, compelling dialogue, and good pacing. That means you have to superimpose those things on a story that already exists, instead of creating your story around a structure the way you do with a novel.

But those things aren’t a problem on a blog. Most of what people read online is nonfiction, and readers love stories with heart.

Blogs are made for short personal essays. With illustrations. That means blogging might be the most effective way to write your memoir. Later, you can make the blogposts into a book of collected essays with a ready-made audience.

Even if you’ve finished your memoir, or are in the final stages of polishing, you can use segments of your book in blogposts and add lots of photos (expensive to put into books, but magnets for blog readers.)

12) DON’T Jump into the Self-Publishing Process before your Book—and YOU are Ready.

First hone your skills as a creative writer. Unless you’re only writing for your grandchildren and heirs (nothing wrong with that—but be clear in your intentions) you need to become an accomplished writer before you can expect non-family members to read you work. Even the most skilled editor can’t turn a series of reminiscences into a cohesive narrative.

NOTE: There are ghostwriters who specialize in memoirs, so if you want to get your story into book form and aren’t interested in becoming a professional writer, you can hire one. Many editing services offer ghostwriting—a more expensive process than editing—but worth the cost if you don’t enjoy the writing process. I’d recommend using a memoir specialist like YourMemoir.co.uk where Marnie Summerfield Smith provides an excellent service I can highly recommend.

13) DO Think Outside the Book

Beginning writers often make the mistake of jumping into a book-length opus. But it’s smarter and easier to start with short pieces of creative nonfiction—what one writer friend calls “memoiric essays.”

Keep in mind that even though book-length memoir is a hard sell, there is a big market for creative nonfiction essays.

You can market short personal essays to magazines, anthologies, journals, websites, blogs and contests. You’ll be building platform and can even make some money.

Nostalgia and senior-oriented magazines and blogs are great venues for tales of life in the old days. Niche journals and websites focusing on hobbies, pets, disabilities, veterans, etc. are always looking for submissions.

These will also give you some great publishing credits, and you won’t have to slog for years before reaching an audience.

If you’ve been working on that memoir a while, you probably have a whole lot of material already written. With a few tweaks, your excerpts can become publishable personal essays.

And the good news is, those short pieces can pay very well. Look at the fantastic success of anthologies like the Chicken Soup series. And if you get into an anthology along with some well-known authors, you’ll establish a readership that would take years to garner with a solo book release. Check out our post on anthologies .

14) DON’T Get Discouraged.

If you’re working on a memoir, polish your creative writing skills, work at building a platform, and keep your reader in mind. That way you’ll avoid the cringe-making amateurishness that agents, editors and readers fear.

And you don’t need an agent. Plenty of writers have had success with self-published memoirs.

Eldonna Edwards wrote and self-published a memoir of her experiences as a kidney donor in Lost in Transplantation . She did some great marketing and it sold well. That led to a major book contract with Kensington Publishing. Eldonna’s second novel with Kensington, Clover Blue launches in May in hardcover.

For more about the strain and rewards of writing a memoir, see Michael Harris’s post The Story that Took 50 Years to Write.

by Anne R. Allen (@annerallen) April 7, 2019

What about you, scriveners? Are you working on a memoir? Do you write creative nonfiction essays? Have you ever thought about blogging your memoir? What’s your favorite memoir?

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A satire of the dark side of online reviews and the people who make a game of them…a game that can lead to murder.

Camilla and Ronzo see their reputations destroyed by online review trolls who specialize in character assassination, while Plantagenet Smith heads over to England, where he encounters a dead historical reenactor dressed as the Duke of Buckingham. Plant is promptly arrested for the murder. In jail, Plant meets the ghost of Richard III, and hears what it’s like to live with character assassination “fake news” that has persisted for half a millennium.

“This wonderfully satiric comedy is a joy to read. On the surface, it’s a frothy romance cum suspense story about a whacky writer, Camilla, whose life is threatened by trolls and who topples from one hilarious disaster into the next.

But underneath, it provides a perceptive insight into the mad world of modern publishing, the sub-culture of Internet lunatics and the mindset of cultists who can – and do – believe ten impossible things before breakfast.

The reader is left with the question: how much of the story, perish the thought, might be true? Tremendous fun, wittily satiric and highly recommended”…Nigel J. Robinson

So Much for Buckingham is available at all the Amazons ,

Kobo , Nook Smashwords , iTunes , Google Play , 24Symbols and Scribd . And in paperback it is available at

Amazon , Amazon UK , and Barnes and Noble

Also in AUDIOBOOK! (see, we’re on trend here!)

available at Audible and iTunes

OPPORTUNITY ALERTS

SEQUESTRUM EDITOR’S REPRINT AWARD Fee: $15 . Prize: $200 and publication in Sequestrum for one previously published piece of fiction or nonfiction and one previously published piece of poetry. A minimum of one runner-up in each category will receive $25-$50 and publication. Maximum 12,000 words for prose and three poems. Deadline : April 30th.

Dribble Flash Fiction Contest . Write a story in 50 words or less. $100 prize. Deadline May 3rd.

Booksie First Chapter Contest. Prize $1000 plus a review and boost of your content of choice. Send the first chapter of a novel. (You don’t need to have finished it) Entry fee $7.95. Deadline June 14 th .

Don’t let those published short stories stop working! Here are 25 Literary Magazines that will take reprints.

7 PUBLISHERS FOR MEMOIRS! You don’t need an agent. From the good folks at Authors Publish

About Anne R. Allen

Anne writes funny mysteries and how-to-books for writers. She also writes poetry and short stories on occasion. Oh, yes, and she blogs. She's a contributor to Writer's Digest and the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market.

Her bestselling Camilla Randall Mystery RomCom Series features perennially down-on-her-luck former socialite Camilla Randall—who is a magnet for murder, mayhem and Mr. Wrong, but always solves the mystery in her quirky, but oh-so-polite way.

Anne lives on the Central Coast of California, near San Luis Obispo, the town Oprah called "The Happiest City in America."

April 7, 2019 at 10:33 am

Anne—Lots of solid advice here. Will also refer to Michael’s post for us about writing his NYT bestselling military memoir THE ATOMIC TIMES. He talks about how to deal with intense emotional experiences, how to use humor, and the importance of deciding just how much you want to reveal. http://annerallen.com/2012/09/an-awesome-awardplus-story-that-took-50/

April 7, 2019 at 10:38 am

Ruth–Thanks for the reminder! I’ve added a link to Michael’s interview in Tip #14!

April 7, 2019 at 10:45 am

No surprise — more good advice. It brings to mind our old critique partner, Dr. Marty Rochlin & his brilliant memoir. Thanks for sparking the memory.

April 7, 2019 at 11:27 am

CS–Marty Rochlin’s memoir was entertaining and well written, but still he had trouble selling it, I think that was because it wasn’t shaped like a novel. A good editor could have done that. I wish he’d been able to find a publisher who wanted to work with him.

April 7, 2019 at 11:18 am

I was late to the Sunday PM party as usual, but this is terrific advice Anne. No interest from me, I must say, except of course to remember that quip from P.D. James that I’ve shot out here before: “All fiction is largely autobiographical…”. I can’t tell you what a chill that sends through me when I’m reviewing my epic fantasy tales!

But in my view, much of the advice you give here survives intact to any genre fiction tale- DON’T tell them everything, or keep it even-handed among characters out of a sense of “fairness”. DO get your homework done on outside aspects, social media, and keep your eye on entertaining the reader with something that compels the page-turn.

I’m also minded of John Eldredge’s quick read “Epic” in which he suggests that we are always telling each other the story, with our lives, which you touched on. Whether we write it or not, we all do indeed have a story to tell. Woodworking does that. Safely driving a school bus does that. Singing on a street corner does that, I can tell you, and the guys who came to arrest me would agree.

April 7, 2019 at 11:31 am

Will–You’re not late. You’re early. 🙂 Our notices used to go out at 1 PM Pacific Time and now they go out at 1 PM Eastern Time.

You’re right that humans are always telling stories. It’s only the medium that changes. And all writers should be keeping their reader in mind, no matter what their genre .

April 7, 2019 at 11:38 am

This is so timely for me. After writing several historical fictions and short story collections, I feel ready to write my memoir of backpacking Europe in the 1980s with a Eurorail pass and $100 in my pocket. Thank you for some excellent tips! I think I’m on the right track!

April 7, 2019 at 1:59 pm

Tam–How fun to write a memoir of those travelling days. I did much the same in the 1970s. Lots of fun stories. Maybe I’ll even tackle a memoir some day. Best of luck!

April 20, 2019 at 8:43 am

Quick question–if I put some of my “memoiric essays” on a personal blog does that hurt the chances of them getting published since they are already out there in the world? Thanks for any insight into this.

April 21, 2019 at 2:59 pm

Julie–Each publication has different rules about what “previously published” means. But they tend to be more lax for nonfiction. Most places will take a piece that’s been published on a blog, but some won’t. They’ll usually tell you in the guidelines.

If you put blogposts in a book of collected essays, just change things up a bit and there’s usually no problem. But you don’t want to publish a book of blogposts taken directly from the web without alteration, because Amazon may take you down for selling something that is “freely available on the web.” .

April 22, 2019 at 11:15 am

Thank you for the reply. Very helpful.

May 14, 2019 at 12:50 am

Memoir writing can be very specialized and needs a certain level of expertise to do properly. Thanks for sharing these useful tips Anne.

May 14, 2019 at 10:03 am

Michael–It does indeed. The memoirs that really take off, like “Eat, Pray, Love” are usually written by professional writers with lots of experience. It’s hard for a newbie to write a good one.

November 16, 2020 at 3:45 pm

I can’t simply go without leaving a comment. This post is a great read.

I hope you can take the time to read my post as well The Excellent Benefits of Reading Memoirs

April 28, 2021 at 3:36 pm

Thanks for this article! I’m working on a memoir of sorts written in verse, similar to Eric Gansworth’s recently published, Apple Skin to the Core. And you have some helpful tips!

April 28, 2021 at 4:36 pm

Bridgitte–That’s quite an undertaking! But Gansworth’s book may have paved the way, and yours will be part of a trend. Best of luck with it!

75 Memoir Writing Prompts

Writing / November 17, 2022 by Lori Ballen / Leave a Comment

This website contains affiliate links and offers that benefit Lori Ballen with no additional cost to you.

A memoir writing prompt is a question or set of questions designed to guide an author in writing their memoir. Memoirs are non-fiction books usually written by one person about his/her life. They are written in the third person (“he”/”she”) but are told from that person’s point of view, looking back on their life. It can range between 30,000 to 100,000 words, depending on the material covered and how much space it takes up.

Memoirs generally include personal history, family background information, and key events throughout an individual’s life, leading them up to where they are today. The actual writing of a memoir is not always chronological; some elements may be written before others even though they happened after them. Some memoirs end up with their author at old age, while others do not.

What Amazing Content will you Create with AI?

Discover how the Jasper AI Content Platform can help you create content.

Memoirs are usually written because the author has something to share, lessons they’ve learned throughout their life that could benefit or inspire others. While money is not always a main motivating factor for writing a memoir (most authors receive no royalties), the satisfaction of sharing one’s story and hopefully connecting with readers who can relate to it makes it worth it.

There are many types of memoirs; anyone could write about his/her experiences as long as they have something interesting to say. The following are just some examples:

Drug addiction/recovery
Child abuse/childhood hardship
Experiences in war
Interpersonal relationships (parents, siblings, spouses, friends)
Growing up in a foreign country
An unconventional childhood
Loss of a loved one/grief and recovery from it

Memoir writing prompts are questions that help guide someone when they begin thinking about their own memoir. Without prompts to get them started, an individual may struggle to find the exact angle he/she wants to use to tell their story in a way that keeps readers interested until it is finished. Prompts help them flesh out ideas and formulate sentences and paragraphs.

Here are 75 of the best memoir Writing Prompts.

1) Write an essay about a time when you felt lost.

2) Write a short story of a time in your life when you leaned on someone else for help.

3) Write down everything you know about your family history.

4) Imagine that you are writing a letter to the person who has been the biggest inspiration in your life. How would you describe them? What makes them so special?

5) Write about a time when you went with the flow and didn’t question it too much.

6) Remember something embarrassing that happened to you, but it’s OK if others already know about it—what matters is how YOU feel about it.

7) Think of three words or phrases people use to describe you. Now, think of three words or phrases that best describe you.

8) Your memoir is about a time when people thought something bad was going to happen, and they were completely wrong! What happened?

9) Write down your earliest memory; make sure it’s not too fuzzy and doesn’t include any major life events (like sibling birth, etc.) because we want this to be just about YOU.

10) What is one thing that everyone in your family does that irritates or annoys you? How do they react when you tell them how it makes you feel?

11) If there’s one person in your family who can always cheer up someone else in the family, even when no one else can, who is that person, and why do they have such a “special power”?

12) Describe a time in your life when you were truly uncomfortable. What happened?

13) Think about what’s been going on throughout your life for the past month or so. Write it all down. Now go back to the beginning of that same period of time and write it all down again but from a different point of view, with a completely different perspective—as if you had only just found out about everything that’s been going on.

14) Think about something really embarrassing that has happened to you more than once in your lifetime. How have you dealt with these instances, and how did others help you?

15) Write about a time in your life when something felt familiar, like deja vu.

16) Think of the most popular game you played as a child; write about it and why people played it.

17) Describe three different apartments or houses that you’ve lived in throughout your life—not necessarily nice ones but just any kind of living space that was your own at one point.

18) Make up an old family recipe for dinner. What’s in it? What is its origin? Did anyone teach you how to cook it or did you learn on your own? How does this dish make you feel whenever you eat it/think about eating it again?

19) Write about an instance when you were uprooted from your home.

20) Think of a person who always seems to have it together, in both big and little ways. Do you ever ask them for advice? What are some things that person would say/do if he/she knew about this memoir project? Now, write about the last time you saw that person and everything that was going on in your life at the time: how did they react?

21) Think about the members of your family and rank them (1st place, 2nd place, etc.). Why did you choose these specific people? How do they make you feel whenever you spend time with them or think about spending time with them again in the future?

22) Think about all the places you have lived in throughout your life. Write them down in order or rank them, starting with your present location. How has every place made you feel? Why did you choose to live in each one?

23) Pretend that someone else is writing a memoir about you—what would they want people to know about how the two of you are alike and also what sets you apart from everyone else?

24) Talk about an instance where something was entirely out of your control. What happened?

25) Write about a time when something really unexpected happened. How did it change things for your family or friends or anyone else who was involved in whatever transpired?

26) Think back on all the people you’ve met throughout your life. What did you like most about them? How did they make you feel?

27) Think of all the birthdays that were celebrated in your family growing up (your own included). Did anyone ever get more presents than anyone else, or was it always equal? Who gave out the birthday parties and why did they do it this way?

28) Which person in your family would be the best person to give advice about almost any major life decision someone could make if he/she had all the facts surrounding said decision beforehand? Describe him/her.

29) What’s one thing that never fails to cheer you up when you’re feeling down in the dumps?

30) Write about a time that you were excluded from something or someone.

31) Think about your first big fight with one of your siblings and how it all got started.

32) Write about a time when you had to be more responsible than usual (for example, taking care of younger siblings while your parents were away).

33) Make up some family trivia: for example, what’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to one of your relatives? What is his/her worst habit? What makes him/her happiest in life and why?

34) Think about an instance where everything seemed “right” or at least OK; things were calm and relaxed. Describe that moment as best as you—how did it make you feel?

35) Think about the worst day of your life . What was going on that day, or what happened leading up to it?

36) All great memories come from somewhere—write down all the places, good and bad, that you’ve lived in throughout your life. How have they helped shape who you are today?

37) Make a list of all the things you wish you’d done differently growing up—not necessarily big ones but little ones too. Why is this list so important to you?

38) Write about a time when everything seemed perfect for a specific reason (for example, maybe something happened at school/work that made everyone happy). Everything just seemed to fit into place. What would keep that feeling going?

39) Think about an important discussion (or series of discussions) that took place in your family growing up. What was the topic? How did that affect everyone’s feelings or relationship with one another moving forward?

40) Write about a time when you were faced with the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make (remember, it doesn’t have to be related to something big like deciding whether or not you should leave home for college). Why was this so difficult for you and what ended up happening as a result of it all?

41) If someone asked your parents what is most important to them about their life together right now, what would they say is most important to them? Would they mention anything in particular about you, their child?

42) What is your biggest regret? If you could go back to a time in the past when you still had this regret but knew what you know now, would there be anything that you would change about how it all went down and unfolded? Why or why not?

43) How did growing up influence your dreams at night and what did they mean to you moving forward into adulthood?

44) Think of all the people who’ve come into and out of your life over the years. Have any of them truly made an impact on who you are today—positively or negatively? How so? What’s one thing that they taught you along the way (whether by example or through words)? Why is this important to you?

45) Describe all the places that you’ve lived. What were some of your favorite places to visit as a child? Why did you like visiting them so much and what was it about those locations that made you feel this way? (Note: if you haven’t lived in many different places, write about one location or one trip instead.)

46) Think back on the past five years of your life. How has this changed how you see yourself now compared with before? What memories do you have from this period of time and specifically, why are they sticking out more than others right now?

47) If someone asked your parents what is most important for them in their relationship with one another right now, what do you think they would say? Why is this important to them right now?

48) Who has been the most influential person in your life so far—and why? What has this person taught you, if anything?

49) Imagine that you are meeting with a group of new people for the first time. Describe each one of these people as best as you can (how they look, what their interests are, what they’re passionate about). Now imagine that at least one of these people ends up being part of your life moving forward. What do you think will happen between the two of you now that you’ve met each other and now know each other’s personalities, interests, etc.?

50) Is there anything special or unique about the place where you grew up? What makes it special—and why is this important to you?

51) How have your past experiences made you who you are today?

52) Think back on all of your high school or college memories. Which ones stand out the most right now, and why do they stand out in your mind more than others? What did you learn from each of these memories that helped shape how you see yourself now compared with before everything happened?

53) Write about a time when something happened that changed everything for some reason (like an argument, someone moving away, etc.)…but instead of trying to make sense of what happened, focus on how it felt afterward. Why did things happen the way that they did? What was the aftermath like in terms of how it changed this person’s life and day-to-day routine and how it made them feel about certain things in life in general?

54) If someone were to ask your parents what is most important for them right now, what would you want their response to be? Why is this important to you?

55) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed how you see yourself now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special to you when you look back at everything that happened long ago when compared with something that happens today?

56) Choose a season (winter, spring, summer, or fall) and write about why this season is important to you. For example: maybe you like spring because it’s your birthday, or fall because it’s the beginning of a new school year…or winter because of Christmas Eve traditions with family and friends.

57) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed who you are now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special to you when you look back at everything that happened long ago compared with something that happens today?

58) Is there anything particularly special about where you’re from? Why is it important to be from here—and even if not, what makes your hometown special to you and why?

59) Is there anything special or unique about the place where you live right now? What makes it stand out compared with other places you could be living instead, and why is this important to you that things are the way they are right now?

60) How have your past experiences made you who you are today?

61) If someone were to ask your parents what’s most important for them in their relationship with one another right now, what would they say? Why is this especially important to them at this point in time when asked directly about it rather than how it can be inferred from some of their actions or certain conversations they’ve had together recently?

62) Is there anything particularly special about where you’re from? Why is it important to be from here—and even if not, what makes your hometown special to you and why?

63) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed who you are now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special when you look back at everything that happened long ago when compared with something that happens today or is happening right now in the present moment?

64) Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. No matter how hard we try, certain things happen anyway. Write about an instance where this seems especially true…perhaps one where it feels like nothing was done about what had happened despite everyone’s best efforts or maybe something that was avoided but continues to have repercussions in the present.

65) Is there anything particularly special about where you’re from? Why is it important to be from here—and even if not, what makes your hometown special to you and why?

66) Write a letter of advice to a current version of yourself. What’s one thing they should know right now when going through difficulty or hardship?

67) Describe a situation in your life when something happened that changed everything for some reason (like an argument, someone moving away, etc.)…but instead of trying to make sense of what happened, focus on how it felt afterward. Why did things happen the way that they did? What was the result when all was said and done? Why does this story matter to you when compared with other stories in your life?

68) Sometimes we want something that someone else also wants, and then we end up in a conflict over it. Or maybe there’s something that one of us doesn’t like or is made uncomfortable by—and the other person doesn’t care about it at all! Write about a conflict like this in your life with another person. How did things turn out, and what would you do differently if you could go back in time knowing what you know now after the fact?

69) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed who you are now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special to you when you look back at everything that happened long ago compared with something that happens today?

70) Sometimes it’s hard to know what path we should take in life. When faced with a big decision, how do we make a choice about what’s right if everyone else seems to have their own opinions as well? How can we be sure that making our own choice instead of just going along with someone else will benefit us in the long run rather than having an outcome that feels negative or disappointing in some way?

71) Describe a situation in your life where there was a conflict and what happened as a result. How did it feel when this was happening? What were the various ways to resolve the conflict before everything started to turn out badly?

72) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed who you are now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special when you look back at everything that happened long ago when compared with something that is happening right now in the present moment?

73) Sometimes being kind is taken advantage of or misinterpreted by others, resulting in feelings of negativity or resentment toward someone else. Write about an experience like this—perhaps one where they’re being overly kind to the point where you want to just say, “Stop!” Why is it so important that they truly understand what being kind means?

74) When is a time you were glad that you trusted your instincts and when have those instincts been wrong? What was going on in your life at the time—and how might things have turned out differently if you hadn’t listened to your gut feeling about something or someone?

What do these memories mean for who you are now compared with before?

75) Think of all of the people who have come into your life. In most cases, the most meaningful interactions seem to be those that develop slowly. What would need to happen for this type of meeting to occur here?

About Lori Ballen

I'm a full-time blogger. I teach entrepreneurs how to get more website traffic, generate leads, and make more money online. This website contains affiliate links that benefit me.

Take a Course Get a Website Try my Tools

Reader Interactions

Secondary Classrooms 7 Memorable Memoirs for High School Studies

Dorothy Hodges

Helping high schoolers look up from their feeds and put themselves in the shoes of someone else can seem impossible! A good memoir or autobiography offers students a window into another person’s interior world. That’s why we’ve created a roundup of 7 memoir examples for students from our digital literacy program that are sure to complement any reading curriculum.

Each of these rich memoirs from CommonLit’s digital library feature unique voices and powerful perspectives on life. These texts create an opportunity for your students to deepen their reading comprehension and pique their thirst to engage around topics such as complicated relationships, growing up, leaving for the unknown and more!

“ Endless Summer Job ” by Carolyn Ferrell (9th grade)

Carolyn Ferrell’s memoir describes her college summer job: working on an estate in the Hamptons. Ferrell shares vivid details of her experience, recollecting the disdain she felt from her employers. Years later, Ferrell has become a successful author and travels to the Hamptons as a guest for the first time. During her trip out to the Hamptons, she bumps into her former employer. During this final exchange, Carolyn is asked to come on as hired help, ending the memoir with intense feelings of shock, shame, and resilience.

A screenshot of the related media tab for Endless Summer Job, which is one of the best memoirs for high school students to read.

Couple this text with the Related Media video “Implicit Bias Matters: Thinking Under the Influence.” Invite students to discuss the following questions: “According to the video’s narrator, what is ‘thinking under the influence,’ and how does it impact decisions at both a personal and system level?” Encourage them to connect their reflections to evidence from Ferrell's text.

“ What Slaves are Taught to Think of the North ” by Harriet Ann Jacobs (9th grade)

In this short memoir, Jacobs provides a true account of her experiences as a slave. Students will be drawn in by Jacobs’s direct and scathing language as she describes the hypocrisies of both Southern slave owners and Northerners who visited the South. Jacobs shares the ways in which slaves were manipulated by people in the North and South in order to keep them enslaved.

After reading this text, have students reflect on Discussion Question 3, “How can fear be used to manipulate? Use evidence from this text, your own experience, and other art or literature in your answer.”

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: Excerpts from Chapters 1 and 7 by Frederick Douglass (9th grade)

This excerpt from The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass shares details from Chapter 1 and 7. In the excerpt from Chapter 1, Douglass describes his first overseer, Plummer, and the impact of witnessing so much violence from such a cruel individual. The Chapter 7 excerpt describes his time with Master Hugh’s family, where Douglass shares his experiences learning to read and write.

Screenshot of one of the best memoirs for highschool students. It is about Frederick Douglass. On the right side there is a discussion question, designed to encourage high school students to delve deeper into the text.

Students will be awed by Douglass’s hunger for knowledge and the elegance of his diction. Use his journey as an opportunity to engage your students around Discussion Question 3, “In the context of this passage, what is the goal of education? City evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.”

Excerpt from “You Don’t have to Say you Love Me” by Sherman Alexie (10th grade)

This memoir excerpt shares Alexie’s decision to leave the school on his Reservation to make a better life for himself. Shortly after enrolling at his new school, Alexie experiences the loss of his grandmother, sister, and brother-in-law. As a result, he worries his choice to leave has “jinxed” the family. Students are sure to relate to Alexie’s journey, tracing his experience of growing up and choosing his own path.

Looking for more short memoir examples? After reading this text, have students read and analyze the Paired Text “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas. Ask students: “How is the narrator in Sherman Alexie’s memoir ‘rag[ing] against the dying of the light’? Is the narrator’s experience watching his mother grieve in ‘Excerpt from ‘You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me’ similar to the speaker’s experience watching his father die in ‘Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night’? Why or why not?”

“ A Frontline Nurse for the Vietcong ” As told to Tong Thi Xuyen (10th grade)

At only 17 years old, Nguyen Thi Do was recruited by the Vietcong and spent over a decade serving as a nurse during the Vietnam War. This memoir serves a window into Nyguyen’s experience during the war, detailing how she was impacted by the horrible endeavors she describes. Nyguyen shared her larger fear, “that when my friends, my comrades and I are all dead, our history and stories will die with us.”

After reading this text, have students discuss Discussion Question 1, “Nguyen Thi Do expresses concerns about her history dying with her. Do you think it is important for future generations to know about Do’s experiences? Why or why not? What are some ways her experiences could be kept alive?”

“ Serving in Florida: Excerpt from Nickel and Dimed ” by Barbara Ehrenreich (11th grade)

In this text, Barbara Enrenreich details her year-long social experiment of living on minimum wage in Key West, Florida. While this text is easy for students to digest with light-hearted language and a humorous tone, students may be shocked when they dig into the depth of Enrenreich’s struggles to survive throughout the year.

Screenshot of a memoir example for students from the CommonLit library called “Serving in Florida: Excerpt from ‘Nickel and Dimed.’” On the right side there is an assessment question, which is designed to improve high schoolers' reading comprehension.

As students read, encourage them to take note of the argument Enrenreich is developing and what evidence she uses to support that argument. These annotations will prepare students for Assessment Question 1, “Which statement best describes how the style of the texts contributes to its persuasiveness?” Assigning assessment questions will also prepare students for grade-level reading assessments!

“ Excerpt from Notes from a Native Son ” by James Baldwin (11th grade)

In this text, James Baldwin, famed American essayist, novelist, and playwright, unpacks key experiences and reflects on his complicated relationship with his father, ultimately leading him to a better understanding of who he was.

After reading this text, invite students to discuss Discussion Question 2, “This father and son shared a complicated relationship. What does it mean to have a complicated relationship with someone? What makes a relationship complicated?”

Are you a teacher looking for more memoir examples for students? Browse the CommonLit Library .

Want more autobiographical texts to engage your students? Check out our book pairings for amazing autobiographies like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings , The Autobiography of Malcolm X , and more or come to one of our webinars!

If you are an administrator looking to leverage CommonLit in your school or district, our partnerships team can help. We offer benchmark assessments, professional learning, and more!

Chat with CommonLit

CommonLit’s team will reach out with more information on our school and district partnerships.

Welcome Back Friend!

Forgot password, new user create account, enter your account email.

Reset Password

Create an Account

Six-Word Memoir of the Day - Jul 11, 2024

SEE MORE MEMOIRS >

Daily illustration, lost myself in my own labyrinth..

—Min Ji Kim

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK >

Six-word memoirs contest ends july 31st, put your six to the test..

VIEW CONTEST >

February 20, 2024, your turn. say it in six ™.

Publish Six

All memoirs, editor's picks, your favorites, show more memoirs >, show more messages >, show more activity >, show more favorites >.

Six Gallery

Make your memoir visual., show your story in six >.

Backstories Behind Six

The story behind our favorite sixes., read more backstories >.

Talks & Workshops

Team building, bonding & focus with larry smith.

Need a quick gift? Try Six.

Any of our Six-Word Memoirs collections are bound to be a good fit.

Shop The Six Store >

The press is buzzing about six.

"They may be short, but these six-word memoirs are powerful reflections"

"Like traditional Japanese poetry, the new pop-culture haiku says a lot with few words."

TIME Magazine

“Makes for compulsive reading and prove arguably as insightful as any 300+ page biography."

Publishers Weekly

“The brilliance is in the brevity.”

New York Post

"A fabulously appealing exercise both for writers and for readers."

The Telegraph

“So Romantic. And So Brief.”

"Six-Word Memoirs have been lodged in the literary firmament"

Los Angeles Times

“You could spend a lifetime brainstorming.”

The New Yorker

“Will thrill minimalists and inspire maximalists.”

Vanity Fair

“Larry Smith is on a quest to spark the creativity of aspiring writers.”

Oprah Magazine

Speaking & workshops, find focus. fulfill missions. build camaraderie..

In settings such as in boardrooms, classrooms, staff retreats, and conferences, Six-Word Memoirs® is a simple concept that’s become an effective tool to spark conversation, crystalize goals, and boil anything down to its core. Larry Smith has spoken at conferences across the world and led workshops in companies such as ESPN, Levi’s, Dell, JPMorganChase, and Shutterfly, as well as at schools and nonprofits of all kinds.

Learn More >

Meet the community.

THEY SAY IT IN SIX:

Make an impact. Support Six Words.

Accessibility Options

Contrast options.

Reset to Default

Text Options

100 Larkin Street San Francisco , CA 94102 United States

550 37th Avenue San Francisco , CA 94121 United States

5075 3rd Street San Francisco , CA 94124 United States

Bernal Heights

500 Cortland Avenue San Francisco , CA 94110 United States

1135 Powell Street San Francisco , CA 94108 United States

Eureka Valley

1 Jose Sarria Court San Francisco , CA 94114 United States

4400 Mission Street San Francisco , CA 94112 United States

2825 Diamond Street San Francisco , CA 94131 United States

Golden Gate Valley

1801 Green Street San Francisco , CA 94123 United States

1298 Ocean Avenue San Francisco , CA 94112 United States

1890 Chestnut Street San Francisco , CA 94123 United States

155 Winston Drive San Francisco , CA 94132 United States

1234 Valencia Street San Francisco , CA 94110 United States

Mission Bay

960 4th Street San Francisco , CA 94158 United States

451 Jersey Street San Francisco , CA 94114 United States

North Beach

850 Columbus Avenue San Francisco , CA 94133 United States

345 Randolph Street San Francisco , CA 94132 United States

3223 Ortega Street San Francisco CA , CA 94122 United States

1833 Page Street San Francisco , CA 94117 United States

1200 Taraval Street San Francisco , CA 94116 United States

380 Bacon Street San Francisco , CA 94134 United States

1616 20th Street San Francisco , CA 94107 United States

3150 Sacramento Street San Francisco , CA 94115 United States

351 9th Avenue San Francisco , CA 94118 United States

1305 18th Avenue San Francisco , CA 94122 United States

Treasure Island

800 Avenue H San Francisco , CA 94130 United States

Visitacion Valley

201 Leland Avenue San Francisco , CA 94134 United States

West Portal

190 Lenox Way San Francisco , CA 94127 United States

Western Addition

1550 Scott Street San Francisco , CA 94115 United States

Virtual Library

United States

Bookmobiles / MOS

Mobile Outreach Services San Francisco , CA 94103 United States

Workshop: How to Write a Memoir, Short Story, and Essay

Do you have a unique life story to tell? Do you want to sharpen up your writing skills but need a know-how person to guide you penning it down? Especially when English is your second language and you need a confidence boost?

SFPL got a just-right person to help you!

Come meet Jing Li, author of The Red Sandals: A Memoir (2022), which won the Montaigne Medal Finalist/Eric Hoffer Book Award (2023) for “most thought provoking,” and Indie Book Award/Finalist for “overcoming tragedy & adversity (2023-2024).” It’s truly inspiring Jing Li wrote her 400-page debut memoir in English her second language without a ghost-writer! Her successful experiences will no doubt benefit you embarking on your own memoir writing journey. For she’s got a track record - Jing Li’s Author Talk! on May 5,2024 right here at SFPL has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the roomful of live audiences!

In this hour-long workshop, Ms. Li will discuss twelve cutting-edge topics on memoir writing with detailed examples from her own uphill steep writing journey. The goal is to help you get a jump start!

Read & Write

Discover new titles, share inspiring works and participate in challenges and contests.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

For questions about the program or help registering, contact [email protected] . All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL or language interpretation), call (415) 557-4557 or contact [email protected] . Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites .

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.

Some Good Memoirs For High Schoolers To Read

Please Note : This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure (link) for more info.

Attention high school students, get ready to embark on an adventure through the world of memoirs! But before we dive into the pages of these captivating stories, let me ask you a question: have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes? Well, that’s exactly what a memoir allows you to do. You can experience life in a different time, place, and perspective through the eyes of the author.

But don’t think for a second that these are your typical boring, dusty, textbook reads. No, no, these memoirs are full of adventure, humor, and heart. They’ll take you on a wild ride through the ups and downs of life, making you laugh, cry, and question everything in between. So, buckle up and get ready to be transported to a whole new world with some of the best memoirs out there.

Life lessons beyond the classroom: 10 must-read Memoirs for high school students that will inspire, educate, and empower

Memoirs are a powerful genre of writing that provides a glimpse into the lived experiences of an individual. Through personal anecdotes, reflections, and insights, high school students can explore their own identities and share their unique stories and short stories with others.

1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This classic memoir is a powerful account of Maya Angelou’s childhood in the South during the 1930s and 1940s. The book explores issues of race, identity, and trauma in a powerful and poetic way. Angelou’s writing is both lyrical and honest, and her story is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by African Americans during the Jim Crow era.

The book is a great choice for high school students who are interested in exploring themes of social justice and self-discovery and can spark important discussions about race and inequality in America.

2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

“The Glass Castle” is a coming-of-age memoir that follows the author’s unconventional upbringing with her bohemian parents. Walls’ story is a poignant and often humorous account of resilience and the power of the human spirit.

The book explores themes of family, identity, and the importance of overcoming adversity. It is a great choice for high school students who are trying to navigate their own challenges and find inspiration in the stories of others.

3. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

This graphic novel memoir tells the story of Marjane Satrapi’s childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Satrapi’s story is a unique and powerful perspective on Iranian history and explores the challenges faced by those growing up during a time of political turmoil.

The graphic novel format is a visually engaging way for high school students to engage with the material, and the story is both entertaining and educational. The book is also a great way to introduce students to the medium of graphic novels, which are increasingly recognized as an important form of literature.

4. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

“Born a Crime” is a humorous and insightful account of Trevor Noah’s childhood in South Africa during apartheid. The book explores issues of race, identity, and family in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Noah’s writing is engaging and accessible, making this memoir a great choice for high school students who are looking to learn more about apartheid and its impact on South African society.

5. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

“Hillbilly Elegy” is a memoir that explores the author’s experiences growing up in a working-class family in Ohio and the challenges faced by many working-class Americans. The book is a timely and important look at the socio-economic issues facing America today and explores themes of poverty, addiction, and the importance of community.

Vance’s writing is honest and insightful, and the book can spark important conversations about social and economic inequality.

6. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

This nonfiction memoir tells the story of a woman whose cancer cells were used without her consent to create the first immortal human cell line. The book explores issues of ethics, scientific progress, and the human cost of medical research.

Skloot’s writing is engaging and accessible, and the book is a great choice for high school students who are interested in science and medical ethics.

7. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The Diary of a Young Girl is a classic memoir that is a firsthand account of life in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The book is a powerful and haunting reminder of the human cost of war and intolerance and explores themes of resilience, hope, and the importance of bearing witness to history.

The book is a great choice for high school students who are interested in history and social justice.

8. Educated by Tara Westover

Educated is a memoir that tells the story of Tara Westover’s journey from a rural Idaho upbringing to earning a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. The book explores themes of education, family, and the power of self-discovery.

Westover’s writing is powerful and evocative, and the book is a great choice for high school students who are grappling with questions about their own future and the role of education in their lives.

9. Night by Elie Wiesel

The night is a memoir that is a firsthand account of the author’s experiences during the Holocaust. The book is a haunting and powerful reminder of the human cost of war and intolerance and explores themes of resilience, hope, and the importance of bearing witness to history.

Wiesel’s writing is spare and powerful, and the book is a great choice for high school students who are interested in history and social justice.

10. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Angela’s Ashes is a memoir that tells the story of the author’s childhood in poverty-stricken Ireland. The book explores themes of family, identity, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

McCourt’s writing is engaging and poignant, and the book is a great choice for high school students who are interested in exploring themes of social justice and the power of the human spirit.

What to look out for in a memoir for high schoolers?

When selecting a memoir for high schoolers, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure that the book is engaging and appropriate for this age group. Here are some things to look out for:

Relatable and relevant themes: High schoolers will be more likely to connect with a memoir if it covers themes that are relevant to their own lives, such as friendship, family, identity, and coming of age.
Engaging writing style: The memoir should be well-written and engaging, with a narrative that keeps the reader interested from beginning to end. It should also be accessible to high school students in terms of vocabulary and complexity.
Appropriate content: Make sure the memoir doesn’t contain content that may be too mature or graphic for high schoolers.
Cultural or historical significance: A memoir that provides insight into a specific culture or period in history can be a great way to expose high schoolers to new ideas and perspectives.
Diversity: Look for memoirs written by authors from diverse backgrounds and with diverse experiences, as this can broaden high schoolers’ understanding of the world and promote empathy and understanding.

Overall, selecting a memoir that is relevant, engaging, and appropriate for high schoolers can help foster a love of reading and encourage students to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Writing a memoir can be a transformative experience for high school students. Through the process of reflecting on their experiences and sharing their stories, students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. By developing their writing skills and cultivating their creativity, they can express themselves authentically and leave a lasting impression through their words.

Memoirs offer a valuable opportunity for high school students to connect with others and build empathy, as readers can relate to and learn from their personal anecdotes and insights. Ultimately, memoirs are a powerful genre of writing that can help students discover and share their unique voices.

Having a 10+ years of experience in teaching little budding learners, I am now working as a soft skills and IELTS trainers. Having spent my share of time with high schoolers, I understand their fears about the future. At the same time, my experience has helped me foster plenty of strategies that can make their 4 years of high school blissful. Furthermore, I have worked intensely on helping these young adults bloom into successful adults by training them for their dream colleges. Through my blogs, I intend to help parents, educators and students in making these years joyful and prosperous.

Elektrostal

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Elektrostal , city, Moscow oblast (province), western Russia . It lies 36 miles (58 km) east of Moscow city. The name, meaning “electric steel,” derives from the high-quality-steel industry established there soon after the October Revolution in 1917. During World War II , parts of the heavy-machine-building industry were relocated there from Ukraine, and Elektrostal is now a centre for the production of metallurgical equipment. Pop. (2006 est.) 146,189.

Current time by city

For example, New York

Current time by country

For example, Japan

Time difference

For example, London

For example, Dubai

Coordinates

For example, Hong Kong

For example, Delhi

For example, Sydney

Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

Coordinates of elektrostal in decimal degrees, coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

Supported by

White House Memo

Resilience Has Fueled Biden’s Career. But So Has Defiance.

The resilience that President Biden sold as a trademark of his political brand for half a century now looks to some like blind resistance in the face of a rising tide.

Share full article

President Biden clenches his fist while speaking at a lectern during a campaign rally inside a school gymnasium. Supporters holding "BIDEN HARRIS" signboards appear on bleachers behind him.

By Katie Rogers

Katie Rogers covers the White House and reported from Washington.

Follow live updates on the 2024 election here .

Over the course of his long career, President Biden has overcome personal tragedy and political odds, and he has used his resilience to power his ambition. But now that he is in the fight of his political life, his irrepressible pursuit of the comeback risks looking like blind defiance in the face of a rising tide.

“You’ve been wrong about everything so far,” Mr. Biden told a group of reporters who asked him on Friday why he still felt he was the best person to defeat former President Donald J. Trump, after a dismal debate performance in Atlanta plunged his campaign into crisis.

“You were wrong about 2020. You were wrong about 2022. We were going to get wiped out — remember the red wave,” he said, referring to an expected wave of Republican gains that never materialized in the midterm elections. Instead, Democrats did far better than expected, a decisive factor in Mr. Biden’s decision to run for a second term.

He took that spirit with him into a 22-minute ABC interview with George Stephanopoulos on Friday, in which he was asked about his approval rating of 36 percent.

“Well, I don’t believe that’s my approval rating,” Mr. Biden said. “That’s not what our polls show.”

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

Want all of The Times? Subscribe .

COMMENTS

Writing Your Memoir: A How-To Guide for Seniors
Tell your story, but don't make yourself the hero. To the extent that you refer to yourself in the narrative, don't paint yourself as faultless. It comes across as insincere and it doesn't accurately display the growth and insight that gives your memoir its power. If you skim over your own mistakes or shortcomings, the story will feel ...
21 Memoir Examples to Inspire Your Own
Examples. Walden by Henry David Thoreau. In July of 1845, Henry David Thoreau walked into the woods and didn't come out for two years, two months, and two days. This is the seminal memoir that resulted. Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer.
8 Memoir Writing Prompts for Older Adults: How to Write Your Life Story
Experiment and Have Fun: Memoir Writing Prompts for Older Adults. Sometimes, the best way to get started writing your life story is to stop trying. Deanna found her groove when she let go, let herself warm up, and let herself play. Think of the writing process itself as a playground, and each of the prompts below is a new area in which to play ...
Best Memoir Prompts for Seniors
Here are some key advantages: Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: Writing a memoir encourages seniors to reflect on their experiences, which can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself. It provides an opportunity to make sense of the past, find closure, and gain new perspectives.
63 Memoir Writing Prompts With Examples
Let's jump in. 1. "They called him Moishe the Beadle, as if his entire life he had never had a surname.". From Night, a first-hand account of the WWII Holocaust by Elie Wiesel. 2. "My mother is scraping a piece of burned toast out of the kitchen window, a crease of annoyance across her forehead.". From Toast: The Story of a Boy's ...
How to Write a Memoir: Examples and a Step-by-Step Guide
7. How to Write a Memoir: Edit, edit, edit! Once you're satisfied with the story, begin to edit the finer things (e.g. language, metaphor, and details). Clean up your word choice and omit needless words, and check to make sure you haven't made any of these common writing mistakes.
How to Write a Memoir Essay: 4 Tips for Writing Memoir Essays
2. Feel free to play with structure. While your memoir essay will be true, you don't have to relate events in the exact order and manner in which they occurred. Reread some of your favorite short stories and novels and see how those writers manipulate time, perspective, and structure to create dramatic effects. 3.
Seniors Writing Memoirs and Lifestories: A Natural Combination
Seniors writing memoir is an excellent opportunity. Seniors have the benefit of experience—years of it. Experience backed by reflection is the stuff of memoir. If a function of memoir is to shed some light on the meaning of life, then seniors are in an excellent position. Seniors writing memoir can shed light on the meaning of life for ...
How to Write a Publishable Memoir: 12 Do's and Don'ts
Memoir is the most popular genre at any writers conference. Unfortunately, it's the hardest to write well—and the least likely to be published. ... It's smarter and easier to start with short pieces—what a writer friend calls "memoiric essays." Nostalgia and senior-oriented magazines and blogs are great venues for tales of life in ...
Crafting a Legacy: Storytelling and Memoir Writing for Seniors
The topics of storytelling and memoir writing are relatively extensive, meaning seniors can always find something they will love writing about. Read through our list of memoir writing prompts to consider for seniors. Talk about your first day at school. Describe your childhood bedroom. Describe your first love and first date with them.
29 Memoir Writing Exercises and Prompts for Your First Draft
Here are some memoir writing exercises that can help stimulate your creativity and provide insight into your life. 1. Set yourself a memoir writing goal and timeline. This is the first step to memoir writing success and will help you stay on track as you move through the memoir-writing process. Whether it's writing for 30 minutes a day, or ...
59 Memoir Ideas
37) an important friendship. 38) a spiritual or religious experience. 39) a change in your economic situation. 40) a decision to change some aspect of your life. 41) a place where you lived. 42) a place that was special to you. 43) a move to a new place. 44) another major life change. 45) the effect of war on your life.
How to Write a Memoir: 14 Tips for Writing Memoir that Sells
3) DO Tell a Page-Turning Story. A book-length memoir is read and marketed as a novel. It needs a novel's narrative drive. That means tension and conflict—and ONE main story arc to drive the action. So generally you don't want to write a series of loosely related vignettes and stories. A memoir has to be one story.
How to write a memoir, according to retirees who have ...
At age 80, Sly Stone has written a memoir. The musician reflects on his ups and downs with brutal honesty, recalling his early fame, drug abuse, arrests and failed comeback attempts. Celebrity ...
75 Memoir Writing Prompts
Here are 75 of the best memoir Writing Prompts. 1) Write an essay about a time when you felt lost. 2) Write a short story of a time in your life when you leaned on someone else for help. 3) Write down everything you know about your family history. 4) Imagine that you are writing a letter to the person who has been the biggest inspiration in ...
Memoir Writing Prompts
Your memoir need not have the length or scope of an autobiography, nor the focus of a personal essay; rather, your memoir can explore a particular aspect of your life that is meaningful to you and ...
7 Memorable Memoirs for High School Studies
Excerpt from "You Don't have to Say you Love Me" by Sherman Alexie (10th grade) This memoir excerpt shares Alexie's decision to leave the school on his Reservation to make a better life for himself. Shortly after enrolling at his new school, Alexie experiences the loss of his grandmother, sister, and brother-in-law.
Six-Word Memoirs
Build camaraderie. In settings such as in boardrooms, classrooms, staff retreats, and conferences, Six-Word Memoirs® is a simple concept that's become an effective tool to spark conversation, crystalize goals, and boil anything down to its core. Larry Smith has spoken at conferences across the world and led workshops in companies such as ...
Workshop: How to Write a Memoir, Short Story, and Essay
Workshop: How to Write a Memoir, Short Story, and Essay. With Jing Li, award-winning author of "The Red Sandals" Sunday, 8/11/2024 2:00 - 3:00. Add to My Calendar ... Come meet Jing Li, author of The Red Sandals: A Memoir (2022), which won the Montaigne Medal Finalist/Eric Hoffer Book Award (2023) for "most thought provoking," and Indie ...
Some Good Memoirs For High Schoolers To Read
Wiesel's writing is spare and powerful, and the book is a great choice for high school students who are interested in history and social justice. 10. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. Angela's Ashes is a memoir that tells the story of the author's childhood in poverty-stricken Ireland.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta: It's time for President Biden to undergo detailed
It's true that the trajectory of aging varies from person to person. Biden is 81, and former President Donald Trump is 78. Both have already lived longer than the average American male lifespan ...
Elektrostal
Elektrostal, city, Moscow oblast (province), western Russia.It lies 36 miles (58 km) east of Moscow city. The name, meaning "electric steel," derives from the high-quality-steel industry established there soon after the October Revolution in 1917. During World War II, parts of the heavy-machine-building industry were relocated there from Ukraine, and Elektrostal is now a centre for the ...
Elektrostal
In 1938, it was granted town status. [citation needed]Administrative and municipal status. Within the framework of administrative divisions, it is incorporated as Elektrostal City Under Oblast Jurisdiction—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, Elektrostal City Under Oblast Jurisdiction is incorporated as Elektrostal Urban Okrug.
Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia
Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia in WGS 84 coordinate system which is a standard in cartography, geodesy, and navigation, including Global Positioning System (GPS). Latitude of Elektrostal, longitude of Elektrostal, elevation above sea level of Elektrostal.
Visit Elektrostal: 2024 Travel Guide for Elektrostal, Moscow ...
Cities near Elektrostal. Places of interest. Pavlovskiy Posad Noginsk. Travel guide resource for your visit to Elektrostal. Discover the best of Elektrostal so you can plan your trip right.
Opinion: Biden's defiant delusion
Editor's Note: David Axelrod, a CNN senior political commentator and host of "The Axe Files," was a senior adviser to former President Barack Obama and chief strategist for the 2008 and 2012 ...
Opinion
Dr. Bedard is a physician and writes about medicine and criminal justice. Last week, President Biden tried to acknowledge and mitigate concerns about his capacity to stay on in the most important ...
Resilience Has Fueled Biden's Career. But So Has Defiance
Mr. Biden recounted in his memoir, "Promises to Keep," that when he was considering dropping out of the presidential primary race amid a plagiarism scandal in 1987, his two sons, Beau and ...