Crafting Compelling
Memoir Structure
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Writing a memoir can be an incredibly personal and rewarding experience. It allows you to reflect on your life and share your experiences with others. However, crafting an appealing memoir structure can be a challenging task that requires careful planning, organization, and execution. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed, comprehensive, and thoughtful guide on how to create the perfect memoir structure that will maximize emotional impact and have your life story idea resonating with potential future readers.
What is Memoir Structure?
Memoir structure refers to the way in which the story of your life is organized and presented. Contemporary memoir is no longer a “cradle to the present moment” chronological retelling. You are allowed—and, in fact, encouraged—to make interesting narrative choices. Your memoir structure encompasses everything from the order in which events are presented to the way in which the characters (you, as the protagonist, as well as the other people involved in your story) are developed, as well as the pacing of the narrative. A well-structured memoir is essential for engaging your readers and helping them to connect with your story on a deeper level.
The Ingredients of Memoir Structure
The key ingredients of a successful memoir structure include a clear and compelling narrative arc, time spent on character development, and well-chosen action beats where you show, don’t tell your story’s events. The narrative arc should take the reader on a journey that reflects the main themes of your memoir, while the characters should be fully fleshed out and relatable. Contemporary memoir is all about insight and reflection, and you need to choose the plot arc to provide opportunity for both. Action beats should be used to create moments of tension and emotional impact that keep the reader engaged throughout the story.
Executing Memoir Structure for Maximum Emotional Impact
To execute a memoir structure that maximizes emotional impact, think carefully about the pacing of your story, also known as the perceived speed at which your plot moves. Use action beats to create moments of high tension and conflict, followed by interiority and emotional release, and be sure to play with a balance of action and information, including more reflective passages that allow the reader to process their emotional response. It's also important to use writing imagery and description that evokes emotion and creates a rich sensory experience for the reader.
Character and Action Beats in Memoir Structure
Character development is a crucial part of memoir structure, because the work is less about the story itself, and more about the experience of the person living it (you!). Develop your characters (not just you, the protagonist) by providing backstory, exploring different people’s motivations, and highlighting their key personality traits. Use action beats to show how your characters interact with one another and with the world around them, and use dialogue to reveal their thoughts, feelings, and desires, especially as those relate to the main character. Well-developed characters will help your readers to connect with your story on a deeper level and will keep them engaged throughout your memoir.
Common Mistakes Writers Make with Memoir Structure
Common mistakes writers make with memoir structure include relying too heavily on putting events in chronological order (common in autobiography), introducing too many characters, and not providing enough action beats or scenes. Summarizing events is not the same as telling a story. While chronological order can be an effective way to present your story, it's important to be flexible with the order of events to create a more engaging experience. Introducing too many characters can be overwhelming for your readers, so it's important to focus on a select few who are essential to the overall narrative. Finally, action beats are essential for creating moments of emotional impact that keep the reader engaged throughout your memoir.
Beyond Chronological Order: Advanced Narrative Techniques
While chronological order is a common way for beginning writers to structure a memoir, there are many other narrative techniques that can be used to create a more engaging and impactful story. Some examples include starting in the middle of the story, using flashbacks or flashforwards to create a more suspenseful narrative, and using parallel storylines to show how different events in your life are interconnected. There’s often an element of going through the past while also tracking your reaction to things in the present. These techniques can be used in combination with chronological order to create a rich and complex memoir structure that engages your readers from start to finish.
Crafting a memoir structure that resonates with readers and maximizes emotional impact can be a daunting task, but it's essential for creating a successful memoir. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to create a well-organized, engaging, and emotion-packed story that your readers won't be able to put down. Remember to focus on a clear and compelling narrative arc, well-developed characters, and carefully chosen action beats, and be open to exploring advanced narrative techniques to create a truly unforgettable memoir structure that invites readers to the story of your life.
Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.
Click here to purchase Irresistible Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.
Click here to purchase Writing Interiority: Crafting Irresistible Characters, my book on interiority and character creation. Explore your protagonist’s thoughts, feelings, reactions and interpretations, expectations, and inner struggles to create a rich, immersive experience. This guide will empower you to create characters who live and breathe on the page, fostering an unbreakable bond with your audience.