A compelling memoir should read like a novel, with vivid imagery and an engaging story that connects a slice of the writer’s life to a resonant, universal truth.
Whether you’re crafting your first personal essay or wading into the depths of a book-length memoir, here are five books that I keep on hand for guidance and inspiration.
The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr
Mary Karr is one of the most celebrated memoir writers of our time with bestsellers like The Liars’ Club, Cherry, and Lit. The Art of Memoir is a masterclass. Drawing from her personal experiences, Karr covers the philosophy behind the genre–the limits of memory and the importance of truthfulness–and the mindset demanded of the writer who wishes to tackle it. Karr delivers a foundational text, and an excellent book to begin the study of memoir writing.
The Memoir Project by Marion Roach-Smith
Like Karr’s book, Roach-Smith explores what makes a memoir tick. A former New York Times staff writer, she uses a direct, easy-to-understand approach that’s a perfect base to start from. She also offers many handy, free resources on her website.
Shimmering Images by Lisa Dale Norton
Shimmering Images is one of those rare books on writing–concise. In about 1,000 words, Norton distills the major concerns and elements of memoir into small-bite chapters.
The first chapters remind memoir writers that their story is significant, and they have the right to tell it, even if it conflicts with someone else’s memories of the same events. The middle section lays out how to find the moments of change and meaning that are often the perfect launching points for a memoir. The final chapters outline craft principles to strengthen the writer’s prose.
Shimmering Images is the perfect, stripped-down advice to get started in a hurry.
the 90-day memoir by Alan Watt
What I like most about this book is its practical, daily approach. Every day for 90 days, Watt delivers a message or lesson and exercises that will build the groundwork for finishing a quick draft. As a slow writer myself, I appreciate the forward momentum that Watt’s approach generates. For me, it’s harder to get the words on the page than it is to edit them into something beautiful later. Watt’s method is a perfect foil if you’re the same kind of writer.
Seven Drafts by Allison K. Williams
Allison K. Williams’s book, Seven Drafts is a great guide on its own, or as a follow-up to the 90-day memoir. She encourages writers to begin with an initial “vomit draft,” and then guides them through six more distinct stages that each focus on a different aspect of memoir craft.
Ready to Write Your Memoir?
If you’re in a hurry to get started writing in memoir, I’d suggest Karr and Watt together as your primers.
Each book and author has a slightly different approach. Read them all to find the one that speaks best to you.
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