2. Writer Ralph Fletcher on
Memoirs…
Memoir allows us to revisit things that happened
to us before; it allows us to gain perspective on
the things that happened in the past.
Memoirs are saying who I am and who I was at
a particular time in my life.
Memoirs can bring people ‘in’ if they’re written
well.
3. Characteristics of a memoir #1
The piece is always
reflective—looking back into
our past
4. Characteristics of a memoir #2
In-Depth look at a specific
incident from your life.
Exploring one theme
5. Characteristics of a memoir #3
Non-Fiction—
how
you recall your own life; not
necessarily how someone else
views the same event
A memoir is not an
autobiography. It is a story about
one important event in the
6. Characteristics of a memoir #4
A new understanding or
insight is gained; a lesson is
learned, relearned or
reinforced
7. Characteristics of a memoir #5
Told in past tense, since it is
a reflection
Can
include dialogue