About a third of the books that I read each year are memoirs. Most of those are by famous comedians, but I like to read memoirs from a variety of writers. It’s not so much about who tells the stories as the way that they tell them. A great narrative voice is contagious, and I find it to be a great motivator in my own writing. Here are ways that memoirs inspire essay writing.
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Memoirs inspire essay topics
Memoirs explore a particular topic or philosophy. While you’re reading, you begin to consider your own opinions on the subject.
I remember when I first read comedian Mindy Kaling’s idea that “women dress for other women.” As I read, I began to dissect the truth behind this. I realized that I agreed with this theory. Then I began to think of what goes through my mind while I’m dressing for a special occasion or trying on clothes at the store. I don’t think about fashion nearly as much as Mindy for several reasons. But her point of view opened up mine to a topic I wouldn’t normally gravitate to when brainstorming for essay material.
Then, there are the personal stories that open up your history to think of stories worth telling. I think of Maggie O’Farrell’s I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes With Death. O’Farrell is not famous. But when she stopped to think about it, she came up with 17 legitimate near-death experiences worth sharing. So naturally, while reading her book, you’re combing through your life story to come up with the same.
You probably won’t have as many as O’Farrell. You might not even have any directly associated with you. But we all encounter tragedy in our lives, directly or indirectly. Her writing gives you the mindset in which to explore this.
Memoirs really do open your mind to new or established ideas. I often find myself keeping a notebook nearby when reading a memoir. That way I can jot down topics, thoughts, and philosophies that come up while I read. I’ve even been known to put down the book and start typing up an outline or draft of a new essay while I’m motivated and inspired by their words.
Memoirs inspire topic ideas
Anyone could tell the story of their life starting with their birth and ending at the present. But memoirs show you how to cut the fat from your life story and focus on a specific era or theme.
In Billy Crystal’s memoir, Still Foolin’ ‘Em, he writes about what it’s like to get older.
Tina Fey’s Bossypants discusses her career and what it’s like to be a woman in charge.
In Born Standing Up, Steve Martin relays the trajectory of his stand up career.
Memoir subjects can inspire you to explore the topics that are most important to you while reading the topics that are most important to others. You question what era of your life was the most exciting, interesting, tragic, or most importantly, the one that shaped who you are and has given you the most to say.
So, just comb through the titles and synopsis of a bunch of memoirs online or at a library or book store. Find out what other people are writing about. See what resonates with you.
Memoirs help you to develop a voice
Memoirs also show you how to share your stories and ideas in an interesting way. Comedians are so good at this. They’ve made their career writing down jokes and then learning how to perform them with the right timing, tone, and inflection. Famous comedians have the added benefit of readers already knowing their voice. So, it’s easier to read their stories in that voice and pick up on the comedy cues based on that voice.
The title of Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out without Me (and Other Concerns) right away tells you what kind of narration you’re going to be getting into. Breezy on the surface but far more philosophical once you dive in.
Martin Short’s I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend clearly illustrates the comedian’s humble brag-based comedy style.
It’s hard to convey sarcasm, teasing, and melodrama in print. It gets you thinking about how you talk and think and how you can transfer that specific voice to the page. Otherwise, your writing can sound stiff and textbook rather than like a storyteller. It’s like singing with music versus singing along to a song playing in your head.
Help with mechanics
While you can read a good memoir and think, “I want to do that,” sometimes, you might still need help with the mechanics. I recommend Bernard Selling’s Writing from Within books. In it, he helps to unlock story ideas including the past, present, traumatic memories, and life lessons.
He also shares excerpts and full versions of some great essays written by students in his writing workshops. These aren’t famous people who are looking to write a best seller. They’re just trying to make sense of their life experiences and leave something behind for future generations of their family to read. Sharing your history and knowledge with your family provides an invaluable resource in understanding not only your life but theirs as well.
Then, of course, there’s Stephen King’s famous On Writing which is part memoir, part writing guide. After telling his life story, which is centered around his writing career, he then goes on to explain the dos and don’ts of writing. He covers everything from basic writing mechanics to editing techniques. Whether you’re brand new to writing or need a refresher in mechanics, this book will get you on track while entertaining you with life stories from the famous author.
Everyone has a story to tell
The right story can be interesting, no matter who is telling it. Essays help to tie us together, better understand, and even learn from each other. Maybe you’re going through something similar. Maybe you are a fan of the writer’s other work. Or maybe their lives are so different from your own that it gives you a diverse perspective to draw your own philosophies from.
Whatever the reason, memoir writing is the most personal type of writing that unites the reader and writer in its understanding of the human condition. And it’s contagious in its ability to turn a memoir reader into a memoir writer.
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What’s the difference between a memoir and a biography? I think I’ve only ever read one book about a persons life, but then I don’t really read books that often anyway. Marilyn Manson’s biography was an interesting exception to the rule
A memoir is written by the person who the book is about. It usually deals with a specific era or topic. Biographies are written by another person besides the subject. Thanks for reading!