One might think first of "autobiography" when thinking of memoir. However memoir is a bit more specific. Where an autobiography might cover an entire life, a memoir deals in parts of a life. For example, memoir can focus on feelings, impressions, specific events, or a period of ones life. Autobiography is more like a collection of memoir pieces compiled to create a broader life picture.
To start our alphabetical look at some of the elements or topics that can comprise memoir we will begin with activities. What are some interesting actions or interests that you have pursued in life? Activities will be covered in greater detail throughout our A to Z examination of memoir so we won't delve into the specifics in this first post. This generalization is intended to get your mind working as you think about your own life activities that other people might be interested in hearing about.
When we think of the memoirs that others have written, the actions of their lives create the story that is unfolded on the pages of the memoir. If those actions are exciting, inspiring, unique, and ultimately interesting then there is a story to tell. As with all writing, the intrigue of the story and the engagement value for the reader depends on the style of the writer and how they make that content work. The most exciting life can be a bore in the hands of a poor writer while mundane events can seem deeply meaningful when told by the storyteller who opens up our minds.
One theme often used by memoirists is that of addiction. Substance abuse and harmful habits are activities that are dangerous and deadly. An addictive activity is intriguing to most people and something that many others have faced themselves. The addiction story can be morbidly fascinating to readers and enlightening to the curious. How addicts lift themselves from the depths is often highly inspirational. These stories can also be helpful to those in similar circumstances.
There are many other stories that can fit in categories that start with the letter "A". Abuse, accidents, animal rescue or relationships, and art are some others.
What "A" topics can you add to this list? Are there any standout memoirs in any of the "A" categories that you would recommend? Do you have your own "A" topic memoir that you would like to mention in the comments?
I did not realise the different between memoir and autobiography, thank you for the heads up. As for your questions, I'm afraid I can't think of anything interesting.
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
Hi Lee - Activities and Addictions ... activities would be easier to find out about - addictions may be hidden, or not obvious ... as addicted to exercising ....
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I'd realised the difference between autobiographical and Memoir .. good to know - cheers Hilary
Exercise addiction might be a unique subject. There are many memoirs about drug and alcohol addiction.
DeleteLee
I've learned something from you! Thanks! I guess the nearest thing I have to an addiction is my need to write. Could be worse I suppose.
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Like the others before me, I never thought about the difference between memoir and autobiography. Somehow that seems much less intimidating! Another "A" topic - all I can think of is "action" - but that's not much different I guess. Thanks for teaching me something!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea there was a difference between memoir and autobiography. As far as 'A' topics go, I would suggest 'accountability' or 'admissions', where folks confess their responsibility for actions they have not admitted to before.
ReplyDeleteSophie
Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles
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Good A topics to add. Many memoirs incorporate admissions into the story.
DeleteThanks
Lee
People do like to read about addictions, and recovery. They want to know how it started, how bad it got, and how they got over it. Well, at least learned to cope with it and keep it under control.
ReplyDeleteMy A? I guess it could be acting, or my name Aalgaard!
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The interest in addictions might be related to self interest or an interest in the lurid detail of other lives. Or any number of other reasons I suppose.
DeleteLee
I think I've read some books that are called Memoirs but are really autobiographies. I didn't even know there was a difference.
ReplyDeleteI think the term has been often confused.
DeleteLee
I've never really given much thought to the difference between an autobiography and a memoir before, but I can understand the distinction now.
ReplyDeleteYour mention of the subject of addictions made me think of a biography I read called 'Stuart: A Life Backwards' which told the story of a young man who was homeless and had struggled with addiction, but began with the story of his death and worked back through his life to his childhood to see how he got to that point.
That sounds like an interesting exploration on the subject albeit a sad story.
DeleteLee
I loved reading Doris Day's life story. She is one of my favorite actresses. She was a bit steamy. :)
ReplyDeleteI first began writing with a memoire (about a car accident and the following recovery), and it really broadened my outlook on my life and career. Helped me to understand the tragedy more clearly as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is a topic close to my heart, as memoir writing is what I do the most of, including one about an accident. I also love reading others' memoirs and biographies in general.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much that can be done with memoir--it's a versatile form of expression.
DeleteLee
Well, I'm just publishing my dad's memoir, so this blog is right up my street! Looking forward to more pearls of wisdom, Lee :)
ReplyDeleteJemima
How was I not following your blog until now? I thought for sure I did years ago.
ReplyDeleteAnywho, I wasn't aware of the differences, though now it makes sense as most memoirs I see lately the author is still with us. :)
Memoir seems to have become a hotter genre over the last few decades. I guess people want to capitalize on their lives while still alive. Some have written a number of memoirs.
DeleteLee
Interesting post. I have never been interested in autobiographies. Memoirs have the edge for me because they focus on a specific event or time on the writer's life.
ReplyDeleteAs for A topics, how about Activism?
Activism would be an excellent topic. I think a number of the late 60's and early 70's antiwar activists have written memoirs. So many different causes that one could write about.
DeleteLee
I did know the difference. If you've lived a long life, I think the memoir is more manageable. But it's not easy to find the threads you want to follow. And you have to decide or you'll be wandering all over the place.
ReplyDeleteGood A topic, Lee. Though I can't think of one that other commenters haven't mentioned.
Yes, you are well respected as a writer of memoir. I guess finding the threads depends a lot upon the creativity of the writer. In a long life there is much one could write about.
DeleteLee
I have a feeling the A a memoirist would pull from my life experiences is "Asshole". Not necessarily me, you understand...
ReplyDeleteMy mother has lived with me the past twelve years and what has been the most revelatory part are the family stories.
ReplyDeleteLittle details I hear from her. For example, the stories of her father putting out in the Tennessee river to trapping birds on a snowy day to be roasted in the fireplace. It's the part of living we take for granted but is forgotten in the flotsam of time.
To me autobiography is the facts of ones life and memoir is the memories that flesh that out. Like flesh on a skeleton.
ReplyDeleteGood post Arlee. I am surprised at the number of commenters who didn't know the difference between memoir and autobiography!
ReplyDeleteI think an A word for memoir would be Awareness.
Great post! I too lacked awareness of the differences between autobiography and memoir, so thank you for teaching me something!
ReplyDeleteAchievement could be a good positive memoir perhaps?
I didn't know the difference between the two either. I think I've read autobiographies that I thought were memoirs . This is such an intersting topic . I put aside a little time tonight to visit the reflection post and once I stumbled upon this one, I started reading your A to Z post and never left. I'm fascinated and wish I had been reading all month. I agree that we like reading comeback stories of how people beat their addictions. They are powerful . I thought that the writer who embellished his story years ago supposedly closed the market for such tales, but I imagine that occurred so long ago it's probably not much of an issue now. Still here, hopping to another memoir post. I'm really enjoying these, Arlee.
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