memoir essay prompts

63 Best Memoir Writing Prompts To Stoke Your Ideas

You’re writing a memoir. But you’re not sure what questions or life lessons you want to focus on.

Even if only family members and friends will read the finished book, you want to make it worth their time. 

This isn’t just a whimsical collection of anecdotes from your life.

You want to convey something to your readers that will stay with them. 

And maybe you want your memoir’s impact to serve as your legacy — a testament to how you made a small (or large) difference. 

The collection of memoir questions in this post can help you create a legacy worth sharing.

So, if you don’t already have enough ideas for a memoir, read on. 

A Strong Theme

Overcoming obstacles, emotional storytelling, satisfying ending, examples of good starting sentences for a memoir , 63 memoir writing prompts , what are the primary parts of a memoir.

Though similar to autobiographies, memoirs are less chronological and more impressionable – less historical and more relatable.

Resultantly, they’re structured differently. 

With that in mind, let’s look at five elements that tie a memoir together, rendering it more enjoyable.

Biographies are histories that may not hew to a cohesive theme. But memoirs focus on inspiring and enlightening experiences and events.

As such, books in the genre promote a theme or idea that binds the highlighted happenings to an overarching reflection point or lesson.

Many people are super at sniffing out insincerity, and most folks prefer candidness.

So while exact dates and logistical facts may be off in a memoir, being raw and real with emotions, revelations, and relational impacts is vital. To put it colloquially: The best personal accounts let it all hang out. 

People prefer inspiring stories. They want to read about people overcoming obstacles, standing as testaments to the tenacious nature of the human spirit. Why?

Because it engenders hope. If this person was able to achieve “x,” there’s a possibility I could, too. Furthermore, people find it comforting that they’re not the only ones who’ve faced seemingly insurmountable impediments.

Readers crave emotion. And for many of the stoic masses, books, plays, television shows, and films are their primary sources of sentimentality.

Historically, the best-performing memoirs are built on emotional frameworks that resonate with readers. The goal is to touch hearts, not just heads.

In a not-so-small way, memoirs are like romance books: Readers want a “happy” ending. So close strongly. Ensure the finale touches on the book’s central themes and emotional highlights.

End it with a smile and note of encouragement, leaving the audience satisfied and optimistic.

Use the following questions as memoir writing exercises . Choose those that immediately evoke memories that have stayed with you over the years.

Group them by theme — family, career, beliefs, etc. — and address at least one question a day. 

For each question, write freely for around 300 to 400 words. You can always edit it later to tighten it up or add more content. 

1. What is your earliest memory?

2. What have your parents told you about your birth that was unusual?

3. How well did you get along with your siblings, if you have any?

4. Which parent were you closest to growing up and why?

5. What parent or parental figure had the biggest influence on you growing up?

6. What is your happiest childhood memory?

7. What is your saddest or most painful childhood memory?

8. Did you have good parents? How did they show their love for you?

9. What words of theirs from your childhood do you remember most, and why?

10. What do you remember most about your parents’ relationship? 

11. Were your parents together, or did they live apart? Did they get along? 

12. How has your relationship with your parents affected your own love relationships?

13. Who or what did you want to be when you grew up? 

14. What shows or movies influenced you most during your childhood?

15. What were your favorite books to read, and how did they influence you?

16. If you grew up in a religious household, how did you see “God”? 

17. How did you think “God” saw you? Who influenced those beliefs?

18. Describe your spiritual journey from adolescence to the present?

19. Who was your first best friend? How did you become friends? 

20. Who was your favorite teacher in elementary school, and why?

21. Did you fit in with any social group or clique in school? Describe your social life?

22. What were your biggest learning challenges in school (academic or social)? 

23. Who was your first crush, and what drew you to them? How long did it last?

24. What was your favorite subject in school, and what did you love about it?

25. What do you wish you would have learned more about growing up?

26. What did you learn about yourself in high school? What was your biggest mistake?

27. What seemed normal to you growing up that now strikes you as messed up?

28. How old were you when you first moved away from home?

29. Who gave you your first kiss? And what do you remember most about it?

30. Who was your first love ? What do you remember most about them?

31. Was there ever a time in your life when you realized you weren’t straight? 

32. Describe a memorable argument you had with one of your parents? How did it end?

33. Have you lost a parent? How did it happen, and how did their death affect you?

34. What was your first real job? What do you remember most about it?

35. How did you spend the money you earned with that job? 

36. At what moment in your life did you feel most loved? 

37. At what moment in your life did you feel most alone?

38. What do you remember most about your high school graduation? Did it matter?

39. What’s something you’ve done that you never thought you would do?

40. What has been the greatest challenge of your life up to this point?

41. What did you learn in college that has had a powerful influence on you?

42. How has your family’s financial situation growing up influenced you?

43. How has someone’s harsh criticism of you led you to an important realization? 

44. Do you consider yourself a “good person”? Why or why not?

45. Who was the first person who considered you worth standing up for?

46. If you have children, whom did you trust with them when they were babies?

47. Did you have pets growing up? Did you feel close or attached to any of them?

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48. Describe someone from your past whom you’d love to see again. 

49. Do you have a lost love? If yes, describe them, how you met, and how you lost them. 

50. Describe a moment when you made a fool of yourself and what it cost you. 

51. What is something you learned later in life that you wish you’d learned as a child?

52. How do you want others to see you? What words come to mind? 

53. What do you still believe now that you believed even as a child or as a teenager?

54. What do you no longer believe that you did believe as a child or teenager?

55. When have you alienated people by being vocal about your beliefs? 

56. Are you as vocal about your beliefs as you were when you were a young adult ?

57. Are you haunted by the consequences of beliefs you’ve since abandoned? 

58. How have your political beliefs changed since you were a teenager? 

59. Have you ever joined a protest for a cause you believe in? Would you still? 

60. How has technology shaped your life for the past 10 years? 

61.Has your chosen career made you happy — or cost you and your family too much?

62. What comes to mind if someone asks you what you’re good at? Why does it matter?

63. How is your family unique? What makes you proudest when you think about them?

We’ve looked at the elements that make memoirs shine. Now, let’s turn our attention to one of the most important parts of a personal account: the opening sentence.

We’ve scoured some of the most successful, moving memoirs of all time to curate a list of memorable starting sentences. Notice how all of them hint at the theme of the book.

Let’s jump in.

1. “They called him Moishe the Beadle, as if his entire life he had never had a surname.” From Night, a first-hand account of the WWII Holocaust by Elie Wiesel

2. “My mother is scraping a piece of burned toast out of the kitchen window, a crease of annoyance across her forehead.” From Toast: The Story of a Boy’s Hunger, foodie Nigel Slater’s account of culinary events that shaped his life.

3. “Then there was the bad weather.” From A Moveable Feast , Ernest Hemingway’s telling of his years as an young expat in Paris

4. “You know those plants always trying to find the light?” From Over the Top: A Raw Journey of Self-Love by Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s beloved star, Jonathan Van Ness

5. “What are you looking at me for? I didn’t come to stay.” From Maya Angelou’s masterpiece, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings , the story of persevering in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles

6. “I’m on Kauai, in Hawaii, today, August 5, 2005. It’s unbelievably clear and sunny, not a cloud in the sky.” From What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, a memoir about the fluidity of running and writing

7. “The soil in Leitrim is poor, in places no more than an inch deep. ” From All Will be Well , Irish writer John McGahern’s recounting of his troubled childhood 

8. “The past is beautiful because one never realizes an emotion at the time.” From Educated , Tara Westover’s engrossing account of her path from growing up in an uneducated survivalist family to earning a doctorate in intellectual history from Cambridge University 

9. “I flipped through the CT scan images, the diagnosis obvious.” From When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, the now-deceased doctor’s journey toward mortality after discovering he had terminal cancer

10. “Romantic love is the most important and exciting thing in the entire world.” From Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, a funny, light-hearted memoir about one woman’s amorous journey from teenager to twentysomething

Final Thoughts

These memoir topics should get ideas flooding into your mind. All you have to do, then, is let them out onto the page. The more you write, the easier it will be to choose the primary focus for your memoir. And the more fun you’ll have writing it. 

That’s not to say it’ll be easy to create a powerful memoir. It won’t be. But the more clarity you have about its overall mission, the more easily the words will flow. 

Enjoy these memoir writing exercises. And apply the same clarity of focus during the editing process. Your readers will thank you. 

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75+ Memoir Writing Prompts to Inspire Your Next Book

POSTED ON Sep 10, 2023

Written by Sarah Rexford

Are you learning how to write a memoir and looking for some inspiration? Memoir writing prompts are a great writing aid and can be a creativity boost when you need it most. Not only can prompts open your mind to new memoir ideas you might not have considered otherwise, but you can even mix and match prompts for a unique twist.

Today, we're sharing 75+ done-for-you memoir writing prompts AND our free writing prompts generator that you can use to create 1000s more prompts to support your writing journey.

This post with memoir writing prompts includes:

What are memoir writing prompts.

As the name suggests, memoir writing prompts are creative prompts or questions designed to inspire you, as an author, to reflect on and write about your most vulnerable and impactful personal experiences, memories, and life stories.

These prompts – and our memoir writing prompts generator are the perfect starting point for your book. Whether you're outlining your memoir or still deciding which memories to include, you're sure to leave this writing exercise with plenty of pages full of book-worthy ideas.

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Other things you can do for memoir writing inspiration include reading other books such as the best celebrity memoirs to get a look at other memoir examples , challenging yourself to write a Six-Word Memoir (another great writing exercise!), and even reading autobiographies. Though the latter is a different book genre, memoirs are still autobiographical in nature, and reading the best autobiographies will illustrate how others have chosen to write about their lives.

What are good topics for a memoir?

Anything! If you experienced something that had a profound impact on your life, health, beliefs, or loved ones, it's likely a story worth telling.

Bestselling memoir ideas are limitless. However, some of the most common themes covered include:

• Personal growth
• Family and relationships
• Navigating personal identity
• Experiencing a different culture
• Mental health
• Spirituality and faith

The memoir writing prompts below will cover these themes and more!

75+ memoir writing prompts you can use today

1. Share how the people you spend the most time with shape and influence your life on a day-to-day basis.

2. Explain the lessons your childhood pet taught you about caring for others.

3. Write about a traumatic experience in your life and how you overcame it.

4. Share how you approach your mental health and why this matters to you.

5. Write about the impact having siblings, or being an only child, had on you growing up.

6. Teach others how you made it through a big regret and how they can too.

7. Pretend to write an adventure book opening by sharing the highs and lows involved in reaching where you are today.

8. Write about the importance of pouring into others. 

9. Choose your most influential mentors and share the three lessons they taught you. 

10. Write about how your favorite moments have inspired you to keep going.

11. Share your favorite childhood memory and why it stands out to you.

12. Teach the bigger lesson learning to drive taught you. 

13. Describe a moment you messed up and how you responded.

14. Write about how your hometown has influenced your worldview.

15. Did you love or dislike school as a child? Why?

16. What books have most influenced you?

17. What themes most influenced your childhood?

18. How did you make friends as a teenager, and what does this reveal about you?

19. Share a moment you thought all was lost and how you pressed on.

20. What emotion do holidays evoke for you?

21. What do you deeply believe, and how does this impact your daily life?

22. Share lessons you wish you’d known in your twenties.

23. Write about a time you felt meaningless and what helped you find hope.

24. What is your favorite travel location and why?

25. Who is the most unique person you’ve met?

26. When did you realize you had grown up?

27. What has taught you the most about yourself and those in your community?

28. How has your growing independence or interdependence shaped you?

29. Write about why you feel you must write your memoir.

30. Who most inspires you and why?

31. Explain a time you felt your most confident. 

32. If you had to relive one year of your life, which one would it be and why?

33. Talk about a time you felt better than someone and what you learned about the worth of others.

34. Describe what lengths you would go for the person you most love (consider the relationship tropes that show up in your own life).

35. Write about how you balance hope with difficulty. 

36. When did someone give you a second chance, and how did it make you feel?

37. Write about the most influential people in your life and how they helped shape who you are.

38. Dive into your greatest hopes for your future.

39. What historical event most shaped how you live today?

40. From your experience, explain how to move forward.

41. If you had to live in a new city, where would you choose and why?

42. Describe your ideal friend. 

43. Define your view of success.

44. Discuss who you aspire to be like.

45. Write about what you learned from starting fresh.

46. What was the moment you most wished you could start over, and why?

47. How has your childhood influenced today’s decisions? 

48. Write about a success you had early in life and what it taught you about humility.

49. What’s a big choice you made that, if you hadn’t, you’d greatly regret?

50. If you could share one lesson with the childhood version of you, what would it be and why?

51. Write about a time you hurt someone and what it taught you about forgiveness.

52. What makes you most afraid, and what can readers learn from you about facing fear?

53. Dive into where you see yourself in five years and if your past plays a role in your future.

54. What did you think would make you happy, and upon achieving/obtaining it, how did you feel?

55. Write about a difficult relationship you had and how you worked through it.

56. What leadership techniques did you learn from those who raised you, and are you thankful you learned them or working to learn healthier ones?

57. What did your biggest loss teach you about love?

58. What drives your daily choices, fear, bravery, or something else, and why?

59. If you had to switch lives with one person, what would they learn from your decisions?

60. Write about the town you grew up in and how it’s shaped your perspective on life.

61. What is the earliest memory you have, and why do you think it stuck with you?

62. Define where you thought you’d be in life today, where you are, and how you feel about it.

63. Reflect on how your lifestyle today speaks to your childhood.

64. Invite readers into your thought process for one of your biggest life decisions. 

65. Write about one of your biggest regrets, and teach others going through the same thing how to deal with it.

66. Discuss what movies have most influenced your life and why.

67. Start a gratitude journal and write about the happiest time in your life and what that moment taught you.

68. Talk about a conversation you were nervous to have and how you approached it.

69. What prompts you to get out of bed and begin your day every morning?

70. Elaborate on your post-high school life trajectory. What would you do differently, and what would you keep the same?

71. What situation devastated you, and how can your resilience bring hope to others in similar places? 

72. Describe one of your most proud moments and how this memory impacts you today. 

73. What is one aspect you wish you could change about yourself, and how can others learn from this?

74. What historical moment did you experience that others could learn from?

75. Describe a scary event that helped you grow.

76. Write about your favorite vacation memory.

77. Write about the greatest lesson you ever learned and how others can learn from your journey.

How to use memoir writing prompts for your book

Writing a memoir is a deeply personal experience.

No one can tell your story for you. But, you can use tools to improve your writing , explore different themes in books , and inspire you to share your memories in new ways. Whether you found a few memoir writing prompts from the list above or you want to use our memoir writing prompt generator, here are our tips for using prompts in your writing.

• Choose a prompt: Select a memoir writing prompt that resonates with you or relates to the theme or aspect of your life you want to explore in your memoir. If you are using the prompts generator, input your book genre and share a few more details about yourself to get a list of unlimited prompts.
• Reflect: Take some time to think about the prompt and how it connects to your experiences. Consider the emotions, memories, and lessons associated with it.
• Write freely: Start writing. Give yourself permission to not think about grammar, structure, or editing . Let your thoughts flow and capture every last memory and feeling that comes up.
• Expand upon the learning moments: Revisit your work after the initial writing session. Hone in on the moments that you learned something – the moments that others would benefit from reading and learning about.
• Omit the deeply personal things: Remember that memoir writing can be therapeutic, but the purpose is to entertain or teach. You will have strangers reading these details, so make sure you don't overshare or make claims against someone else.
• Repeat: Use different memoir writing prompts to explore various aspects of your life. Over time, you can weave these pieces together into a cohesive narrative.

Further reading

Not finished? I've compiled a list of blogs that we've written specifically to help authors like you write better memoirs.

• How to Write a Memoir That People Will Read
• Memoir Writing Do’s and Don’ts
• Autobiography vs Memoir: Which One Should You Write?
• How to Write a Memoir Outline
• 15 Best Book Writing Software Options in 2023
• I’m Glad My Mom Died: A Review of the Unflinching Jennette McCurdy Memoir
• The 18 Most Memorable Moments in the Prince Harry Memoir

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Home / Book Writing / Topics for Memoirs: 50+ Ideas and Prompts to Get You Started

Topics for Memoirs: 50+ Ideas and Prompts to Get You Started

The memoir is a popular type of nonfiction writing that's often associated with celebrities, business leaders, and politicians. However, you don't need to be any of the above to write a good memoir.

Most people develop, over the course of their life, interesting experiences, expertise, or hardships that could interest others. But how do you know you have a good idea for a memoir? Better yet, how can you come up with a good memoir idea ?

Well, read on to find out as we discuss topics for memoirs. 

• What sets memoirs apart from other nonfiction.
• Tips for writing a compelling memoir. 
• Memoir writing prompts. 

Table of contents

• What is a Memoir?
• Open With a Hook
• Structure it Like a Novel
• Read Many Memoirs
• Inspirational Memoir Ideas
• Confessional Memoir Ideas
• Comedic Memoir Ideas
• Nostalgia Memoir Ideas
• Travel Memoir Ideas
• Other Memoir Writing Prompts
• Position Your Memoir for Success

Before we go any further, let's get on the same page. A memoir is an exploration of a certain topic or subject with which the author has experience. This sets the memoir apart from the autobiography , which is typically a look at the author's entire life (or at least the interesting parts). A memoir, on the other hand, only explores certain aspects of the author's life that have to do with the topic or theme at hand. 

Memoirs also read like fiction books. There's a cast of characters, and the protagonist is almost always the author. They have a similar tone and style to fiction books, as well, which is one reason people read them. In fact, some memoirs have been known to skirt the line between truth and fiction ( A Million Little Pieces , anyone?). 

That said, you should strive for truth in your memoir. But you'll also probably leave some stuff out by necessity. In other words, you don't need to tell all about the boring stuff. 

How to Write a Good Memoir

Memoir writing doesn't have to be hard. In fact, some writers may find it easier than writing a story about fictional characters. After all, the memoir will be about your own life and experiences. Here are a few tips to help you get started. 

Grabbing the reader from the beginning is essential for any memoir (or novel, for that matter). There are a number of ways to do this, and the type of story you plan to write will often dictate how it’s done. You can start with humor, action, conflict, or strong emotions. Don’t be afraid to combine more than one of these factors. 

But no matter how you start the book, you’ll want to ensure you write from the heart and stick to the truth as you remember it. If you write with emotion and keep it compelling, the reader will be happy to go on the journey with you for the rest of the memoir. 

Thinking of the structure of your memoir as that of a novel is a great way to craft a compelling narrative. Try your best to have the reader identify with you early on, while also setting up the central conflict of the story. 

Each scene should advance the story, add character development or depth, or support the overarching theme of your memoir. All the better if a scene does more than one of these things!

As is the case with writing any other type of book, you'll want to be very familiar with other people's memoirs. You can't expect to know what readers expect from a good memoir if you don't read them yourself. Luckily, there are a ton of different memoir subgenres you can dive into. Some are funny, some are heart-wrenching, and some are informative. Here are some suggestions for excellent memoirs to check out. 

Augusten Burroughs has written several successful memoirs. The most notable of these is Running With Scissors , which was even made into a movie. But he has written other memoirs, including Dry and A Wolf at the Table . 

David Sedaris is another well-known writer in the memoir genre. Unlike Burroughs, Sedaris typically releases books that comprise a collection of essays on a certain topic. The personal essays in his books are memoirs of a kind. 

Alison Bechdel is a cartoonist who has written what is known as graphic memoirs. Similar to a graphic novel, her book Fun Home is a memoir in illustrated form. 

Some other memoirs you may have heard of include:

• Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
• Becoming by Michelle Obama
• The Liars' Club by Mary Karr
• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
• The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
• Educated by Tara Westover
• A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

For more practical advice, check out the essay How to Write a Memoir by famed nonfiction writer William Zinsser. 

Memoir Writing Prompts

Now that we've covered some broad-strokes writing tips for memoirs, let's dive into some memoir ideas. I've split the following prompts into some overarching memoir categories, but this is not to say that you need to keep any given idea in that category. You can take any prompt that strikes your fancy and apply a different theme to it. 

By definition, your memoir will be very personal. It will be uniquely yours, but if done well, it will also give other people entertainment, insight, and value. After all, a memoir is just a long personal essay. Keep this in mind as you read the following ideas. 

Formatting Has Never Been Easier

Write and format professional books with ease.  Never before has creating formatted books been easier.

If you have stories that can touch and inspire, then this may be the theme for you. Overcoming challenges makes for great reading. 

1. Think of the hardest thing you've ever had to do in your life. How did you overcome the challenge? Did you do it by yourself or with the help of friends, family members, a spouse, your kids, etc.?

2. Have you ever had a profound religious or spiritual experience? If so, what prompted it?

3. Have you ever had to deal with a life-or-death situation? Did you keep your cool when others were panicking? What did you learn and how did your life change after the situation was over and you had time to reflect?

4. If you were able to go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say? 

5. What is the single most important life experience you've had? Why?

6. Write about the one thing that makes you different from everyone else. How has this difference affected your life, and where would you be if you weren't different?

7. Love is something everyone can relate to. Describe meeting your partner or your trials and tribulations in the world of finding and losing love. 

8. Have you lived through any specific historical event? If so, how did it change your life or affect your view of the world and the human race?

9. Have you devoted your life to a specific field of expertise? With all your knowledge of your specific industry, start a personal narrative that explores how your expertise has influenced your life. 

10. Recount the greatest adventure of your entire life in detail. Why was it so great, and how did it change the course of your life?

Confessional memoirs intrigue readers because the authors share their dirty little secrets. However, most of the time, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. 

11. If you've ever dealt with addiction of any kind, a personal memoir could help other people who are dealing with something similar. 

12. Most industries have a dark underside that doesn't often make the news. If you've been in a position to see this underside, it could make for a good memoir.

13. If you've done something interesting — like working with the homeless or at-risk teens — then your experiences could make for a good confessional memoir. Of course, you'd need to get permission to write about specific people first. 

14. People who have lived a life of crime are in a unique position to write a compelling memoir. True crime is a popular concept across all media, and a true crime memoir could certainly do well. (Of course, I'm not suggesting you commit any crimes just so you can write about them.) 

15. Is there something you've had to deal with, such as a mental or physical illness? Writing about it could be a way to help others with their own struggles. 

16. Traumatic encounters can also make for impactful memoirs. Of course, writing about any kind of trauma can be difficult, but if you feel up to it, you may consider this kind of memoir. 

17. Growing up is hard. If you had a particularly tough or unique time while shedding your childhood and donning adulthood, it could be of interest to future generations. 

18. People are often interested in those who have different experiences from them. Whether you're an African American growing up in the United States or a disabled person navigating through life, try to pinpoint what makes you unique and discuss how it has impacted your life. 

19. Confessional memoirs don't need to be as dramatic as crime or trauma. They can be as simple as mistakes you've learned from. Consider writing about a time when you made a mistake or did something that you are not proud of. Reflect on what led up to the event, how it affected those around you, and how you learned from it.

20. Like mistakes, secrets and your reasons for keeping them can also make for a good memoir topic. Write about a secret that you have kept for a long time. Consider the reasons why you felt the need to keep it hidden. How has it affected your life, and what have you learned from the experience of keeping it hidden?

While confessional memoirs are often serious reads in which the author bares their soul, comedic memoirs often deal with similar issues but with a very different tone. Readers seek these out to laugh and revel in the lives of others.

21. Were you a class clown in middle school, high school, or college? Did you get up to silly hijinks that landed you in the principal's office? If so, a humorous tell-all could be the creative writing project of your dreams. 

22. Everyone's family is pretty strange. But some are certainly stranger than others. If you can look back on your formative years and laugh, you might just have the right attitude for a comedic memoir. 

23. Some of the best memoirs are about family members. Maybe you had a brother or a sister who was zany or simply uniquely funny in their own quiet way. Writing a memoir about how your close family member kept the dark times light and the light times infused with laughter is a fun undertaking. 

24. Sometimes it takes a while to “grow up” and start adulting. And there are certainly potholes along the way. If you have some cringe-worthy stories from living, loving, and learning, then your embarrassment could mean hours of entertainment for your readers. 

25. Trying and failing at something can provide some of the best life lessons of all. Maybe you went to LA to become an actor, or you tried your hand at sports with hilarious results. By making light of your failures, you can help people not take their own so seriously. 

26. Kids say the darndest things. No, I'm not talking about the show, but it's a good example of the kind of memoir you could write if you have raised or been around kids in any capacity. Not only are they funny, but they can teach us how to retain some magic in our own lives. 

27. Humor is certainly a coping mechanism. And while there's a fine line between poking fun and making fun, there's some room in the comedic memoir genre for discussing things like your relationship to food, entertainment, and even exercise. These are the things of life, and with a little creative writing, they can make for fun reading. 

28. Do you work in an industry dominated by the opposite sex? Or in an elite industry where only a few “make it”? Exploring anecdotes from your unique point of view can make for awkward, embarrassing, and funny writing. 

29. Everyone has experienced some hard times in their life, but not everyone can see those things in a positive light. Using humor, write about the hardest moments you've lived through, giving them a comedic twist from your perspective today. 

30. Was there ever a time in your life when a kind word or a silly joke brought you out of a dark place? Write about the power of kindness and laughter in your life. 

Nostalgia memoirs are attractive to readers because they often remind them of their own childhood or experiences. Other readers may pick them up to see what the world was like in a certain time and place. 

31. Growing up in small-town America — with white picket fences and a mailman who stops to chat — is a rarity these days. If you had this kind of upbringing, your experiences could transport readers back in time for an entertaining and inspiring journey. 

32. We relate to the world through stories. And the ones we enjoyed as children often hold a special place in our hearts. If you can relate movies, shows, or books you enjoyed growing up to the person you've become today, it could make for a great memoir. 

33. Music is the soundtrack to our lives. And a memoir that ties popular and classic songs to important events in your life has the potential to be a bestseller!

34. Did you attend Woodstock? Were you there for the Million Man March? Events like these — even those as recent as 1995 — can make for great memoirs. Life was different then, and much has changed. But our love for a good story hasn't. 

35. Write about a significant event or period of your life, and reflect on how your perspective and feelings about it have changed over time. What do you miss most about that time, and what do you appreciate about your current stage of life?

People like traveling almost as much as they like stories. And these kinds of memoirs combine both. It's a way for readers to experience other parts of the world vicariously through the author's eyes. 

36. A year-long trek across Europe. Riding a bike across America in a year. Living in hostels for a year. If you've ever done anything like this, get to writing!

37. Have you ever been injured or stranded in a foreign country? If so, you could write a thrilling memoir that details your experiences, the people you met, and how you managed to get back home. 

38. Snow storms, flash floods, or broken limbs. A lot can go wrong out in the wilderness. If you've ever had a close call or a harrowing experience like this, a piece of narrative writing detailing it could be in order. 

39. You can learn a lot about the world and about people by traveling. Experiences, both good and bad, can be interesting to the average memoir reader. And any life lessons you've learned along the way will certainly add depth to your memoir. 

40. If you've ever been to Antarctica or the Sahara, Everest or Kilimanjaro, your experiences could make for great reading!

Many published memoirs are a collection of essays that are all related by theme. So these are the nonfiction equivalent of short story collections. Don't feel like you need to write one long story for your memoir. You can write several stories on different topics and then publish them as a collection. The following writing prompts can help you do just that. 

41. Write about an epic journey you took. 

42. Write about the time you realized what was really important in life. 

43. Explore the topic of love — both platonic and romantic — and how it has influenced your life. 

44. What is the one life lesson you wish you had learned earlier? Why?

45. Write about the person who has had the greatest impact on your life. 

46. Explore discipline and how your life would be without it. 

47. Talk about big changes in life — from childhood to adulthood or middle age to old age — and impart lessons to those who will be going through the same thing. 

48. If you've ever been through a divorce, explore its impact on your life. 

49. Talk about your hobby and how it has had a positive (or negative) effect on your life. 

50. Explore ways you've tried to help others during your life. 

When you have your memoir written and ready to publish, you’ll need to think about positioning it for success on the biggest online bookseller out there: Amazon. And the easiest way to do this is with Publisher Rocket .

You can think of the information you get from Publisher Rocket as the foundation for your writing career . You get insights directly from Amazon on:

• Keywords – Metadata to position your memoir on Amazon.
• Competition – Allowing you to see what other memoirs are selling well and how stiff the competition is.
• Categories – Allowing you to position your memoir in the right categories and subcategories to increase your chances of success.
• Amazon Ads – Helping you quickly configure a list of profitable keywords for running ads to your published memoir.

I hope these memoir writing prompts help get your creativity flowing. Don’t forget to check out Publisher Rocket here to use data to sell your finished book!

Increase Your Book Marketing

See the Publisher Rocket effect, when you use the right keywords and categories to help get your book seen more on Amazon.

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When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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🖋 50 Impactful Memoir Writing Prompts to Get You Writing TODAY

If you’re thinking about writing your memoir but facing a blank page, I have a few great memoir writing prompts that will get you writing TODAY . Let’s do this! ⚡️

Writer’s Block? Nah!

Creative writing prompts are useful tools for unlocking memories so you can get your life stories onto the page. I have a deep respect for the creative process, and I’m a fan of creative writing prompts because they work. They’re a diving board into your memories, helping to unlock past experiences you may have forgotten. If you struggle with writer’s block, memoir prompts are more like the well-meaning swim coach that gives you a purposeful nudge, right into the water. Once you’re in, you’re in! 🏊🏻‍♀️

Writing is an intuitive process, and this is especially true for memoir . It can be helpful to think about specific memories or moments in your life that were particularly meaningful to you. Other times, it can be helpful to focus on a specific theme or area of your life that you would like to explore in your writing. Don’t be surprised if you end up pivoting in a different direction, too. If you stay open, the story you are meant to write will reveal itself to you (this might sound silly, but it’s been true for me and all the books I’ve written ).

Creative writing prompts can be a warm-up to the actual writing, or the writing itself. You can decide the shape of your memoir once you know what you’re writing about and have generated enough material that can serve as the foundation of your memoir. You can smooth your prose and make everything cohere into a memoir everyone will want to read. 🤗

But right now? Get writing.

Using Creative Writing Prompts

Creative writing prompts and writing exercises that help you write your memoir by providing structure and ideas to get you started. They offer simple but thoughtful questions to help you excavate the stories that are wanting to be discovered. ⛏

Prompts can be as simple as asking you to describe a significant event in your life, or they can be open-ended, like asking you to write about a specific theme or feeling. Sometimes you’ll end up writing about something completely different than the memoir prompt, and that’s okay. Trust wherever it takes you.

The more writing you do, the more memories will get unlocked. Not only that, but a little bit of writing each day adds up to a lot of writing if you just keep going . And as an added bonus, you’ll be developing your writing skills with each prompt you write. 🏋🏻‍♀️

Memoirs are a great way to share your life story with the world. These prompts will help you get the most out of your writing and get your creative juices flowing.

Why Memoir Writing Matters

Memoir writing as a creative process that serves the writer and ultimately the reader. 🤓

For the writer, writing our personal narratives is a way to remember and process our own life experiences, to help us understand the significant events of our lives that helped shaped who we are. Writing these stories down can be a source of comfort and healing, providing a space to reflect on our past and make sense of our present. They offer a creative outlet for exploring our thoughts, feelings, and memories, and are a great way to connect with our past selves.

For the reader , memoirs can be a source of inspiration for others, offering a glimpse into someone else’s life and providing hope, motivation, and insight. I’ve always viewed memoir as proof that we’re not alone, that others have been through similar experiences and can relate to us. Great stories help us appreciate what we have in the present moment, and offer compassion for ourselves and others.

What are Some Good Memoir Topics to Write About?

Unless you already know what you want to write about in a memoir, and it can be difficult to know where to start. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Some good topics include your childhood, your family and friends, your education and career, your hobbies and interests, and any significant life events. These topics can also be used as creative writing prompts to help you get started on writing your memoir, even if you plan to focus on something different.

Most memoirs have a specific theme, which can help you frame your writing and your manuscript. Learn more about themes (vs topics) here , and download a printable list of themes that you can use while writing and revising your work.

Memoir Prompt Writing Tips

Before you begin, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Be honest and raw

Be honest with yourself and your writing. Don’t worry about putting on a show or looking perfect. Don’t start changing family members’ names because you’re worried they’ll get mad. Remember that no one is going to see your work at this stage unless you show it to them.

Experienced memoir writers know it takes many drafts to get to a polished manuscript, but you have to start at the beginning, and beginnings are usually pretty messy. Give yourself permission to write without any inhibitions — no censoring of your words or thoughts. Just get it down, and then decide what to do with it once you’re finished. If you really hate it or feel horribly embarrassed, you can always toss it out. But you probably won’t. 😉 

Write by hand

When it comes to writing prompts, I’m a strong proponent of writing by hand. Before you panic, you’ll only be doing this for ten minutes (see below), and there’s a connection that’s made between the brain and the page when you write by hand. I do most of my writing on my computer — I’m a fast typist and a fast thinker, so I prefer to have my fingers on the keyboard … except when I’m responding to a prompt. Something important happens when we write by hand, and it gets missed when we’re on the computer or on our phones.

If you’re not convinced, try it for one week and see what happens.

Establish a daily writing practice

When you decide you’re going to write, a daily practice helps keep you on track. Have a writing process in place ensures that you get the writing done, and with each day that passes, you become a better writer.

Some memoir writers swear by Julia Cameron’s morning pages , which I love but don’t always have the time to do. My recommendation is to set the bar low — begin with writing ten minutes a day. Choose a prompt, set the timer, and keep your hand moving (thank you, Natalie Goldberg ). When the timer goes off, stop. You can spend another 10 minutes revising and reshaping the work, or you can put it aside to rest.

If you do this daily, you’ll have 365 individual vignettes by the end of the year (366 if it’s a leap year). Whether you choose to use them in your memoir is up to you, but these are excellent starting points and you’ll usually find some gems in there, which you can submit individually to literary magazines or string together into a collection of personal essays or narratives. If micro memoirs are your thing, I have some proposed writing schedules here that might help.

The most important thing is to write, and write daily. 📆

Tell a story and give us details

Every memoir tells a specific story the writers wants to share. Memoirs are not a recounting of every fact or statistic of your entire life like an autobiography or biography, but a glimpse into a particular moment.

I like to use the example of a photograph — sometimes what is outside the frame is just as important as what’s inside the frame. Use sensory details to bring us in the moment with you. What’s happening?

When you’re ready, and once you’ve selected the pieces you want to spend time on, you can revise your work. This will give you a chance to do a deeper dive into whatever it is that want to say, and shape the work for a reader. But again, you don’t have to worry about that now, just be assured that you can “fix” whatever you need to fix, later. 👩🏻‍🔧

Mem oir Writing Prompts & Ideas

Let’s get started! Use the following memoir prompts to get your creativity flowing. These open-ended prompts are very flexible so choose at random, switch them up, make them yours. Use them as a starting point, trust the process, and GO. 🏃🏻‍♀️

• The Alphabet Autobiography (similar to the abecedarian poetic form). You’ll write one sentence of line for each letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. Start with the letter A, and think about something (or someone) in your life that begins with A. It doesn’t have to “important” — don’t overthink it. Go with whatever comes up first, and keep going until you reach the end of the alphabet.
• Write about a family heirloom.
• What were the cartoon characters of your childhood, and which one did you identify with?
• Write about your first best friend. 
• Not everyone has owned a pet, but we all have animal companions in some form. Think stuffed animal, class pet, a totem animal. Write about the first one that comes to mind.
• Write about a favorite teacher. 
• What’s the first thing you did this morning? 
• Have you ever had a near-death experience?
• Write about your first love.
• What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in high school?
• What is the best memory you have of a place you traveled to?
• When was the last time you saw a relative you don’t know very well? Tell us what you think about them. How are they related to you?
• Tell us about your favorite article of clothing. Where did you get it, why do you love it, what does it say about you?
• What was the first thing you ever bought yourself?
• What is your favorite gift you’ve ever given (or received)?
• Who do you love to spend time with? Why?
• Think of a time you lied.
• Think of a time when you stole something.
• Think of a time when you laughed so hard, you cried.
• Think of a time when you felt triumphant.
• Think of a time when you were completely and utterly in love.
• What was the worst day of your life?
• What’s your favorite season? Why?
• What’s your favorite holiday? Why?
• When were you the happiest you’ve ever been?
• When you were the saddest you’ve ever been?
• What is one of your most vivid memories of your parents?
• When was the last time you felt jealous?
• Write about a random act of kindness someone did for you. 
• What is your favorite smell?
• Write about your name. What does it mean? Do you have a nickname? Does it suit you?
• What is something no one knows about you?
• Tell us a recipe that you make by heart. How did you learn it? How often do you make it?
• Did you have a comfort object growing up? What was it, and when did you need it?
• Write about a recurring dream.
• When you look in the mirror, what feature do you notice first? Write about that.
• What was the first place you ever traveled to?
• How has your worldview changed since you were a child?
• What was your first car?
• When was the last time you went swimming?
• What’s a job you would love to do?
• How many siblings do you have, and what are their names?
• Tell us about your favorite kind of sandwich.
• Write about your scars.
• What’s your go-to cocktail?
• How many times have you moved in your life?
• Describe the house you grew up in.
• How many tattoos and piercings do you have, and why did you get them?
• Write about the last time you were in nature, and what happened.
• Write about a camping trip.

More Great Resources

• Experiment with micro memoirs and establish a simple writing practice to help you write regularly.
• Read this post,  10 Tips on How to Write a Book About Your Life , for an overview of the writing process.
• Read this post, Top 10 Must-Read Books on How to Write a Memoir , which features books by some great writers of the genre.
• Want to know when I add more prompts? Join my newsletter ! 💌

127 Best Memoir Writing Prompts You’ll Love

Memoir writing requires dedication and talent to describe critical points of your life. See our memoir writing prompts to inspire you to make your own.

So you finally decided to put your life on paper. Writing a memoir and sharing it with others is a great way to immortalize your achievements, failures, and lessons. 

However, you might find it hard to decide which areas of your life to focus on. Because a memoir requires themed occurrences, you can’t make it a compilation of narratives from the moment you were born. As memoir coach Marion Roach Smith told us in a podcast interview , your memoir must be honest and also impart something valuable to readers. 

How To Use These Memoir Writing Prompts

The process, memoir writing prompts, what are good topics for a memoir.

Memoir writing is personal. It involves sensitive information such as personal and family history. So, be careful to only pick highlights in your life that you are comfortable sharing. At the same time, these key events should be those you think your readers will find interesting.  

Memoirs don’t need to be chronological, nor should they read like an autobiography. These non-fiction pieces don’t need to include everything in your life. Memoirs can center on one colossal event and are primarily created to share lessons that inspire and encourage. Use the prompts below to get an idea of what to include in your memoir.

We’ve written extensively about writing prompts before. Here, you can read through our list of prompts and choose those closest to your experiences for a memoir. Pick as many as you want. Then, evaluate which ones you find most relatable. Continue this process of elimination until you have a foundation of what you want to include in your memoir.

• What’s the story behind your name?
• Talk about your first love. It can be a person, a thing, or a feeling. 
• Identify your proudest moments. Give details on how you felt during those times.
• What would you say to your older or younger self if you had the chance?
• If you can delete a memory, what will it be? Why?
• Recall a time when you’ve been in an accident.
• What’s your earliest memory?
• Talk about the worst day of your life.
• Narrate an event you feel already happened, like a deja vu.
• Describe your childhood room in detail.
• Detail a situation when you feel betrayed. What did you do, and how did you handle it?
• If you have traumas or illnesses, share how you got them and discuss your recovery story.
• What were you afraid of when you were a child, and why? Are you still scared of it today?
• Talk about an occasion when you were terrified to do something but still did it.
• How did your first date go? What’s your ideal first date?
• List three ways people always describe you. Why do you think they describe you as such?
• Identify your worst insecurity and why you got it. What are the steps you’re taking to overcome it?
• Write about winning something.
• Talk about your first heartbreak. It can be about a past lover or a failed endeavor.
• Who’s your favorite teacher? Why?
• What’s your worst fear?
• Describe the most beautiful art you’ve seen.
• What are your quirks?
• What are you most grateful for today? Why?
• Have you ever had a spiritual or religious experience? Expound on it.
• What are your most valuable possessions? Why?
• List three of your worst phobias. Share your worst experience concerning these fears.
• Talk about your hobbies and how you got them. If you have a hobby from childhood that you carried to your adult life, what are they?
• Talk about the most memorable holiday you’ve had.
• Share an experience where you feel the most embarrassed.
• Recall a time when you met a terminally ill person. How did their life philosophy affect you?
• What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made? What did you do to mitigate or correct it?
• Talk about any experience you have with the supernatural.
• Talk about an unforgettable memory you had with your mom or dad.
• Recount your experiences growing up with strict or devout parents.
• Describe your worst physical pain and share the story behind it.
• Describe your relationship with your siblings.
• Recall a time when you had a meltdown. What were the events that led up to it?
• Talk about the funniest incident you’ve witnessed.
• Talk about a time when you were dirt poor – no money, no friends, and no motivation.
• List five of your all-time favorite songs. What memories do you connect to these songs?
• Talk about your first job. How did it go, and what did you learn from it?
• Narrate how your graduation went. Include what you felt and who you celebrated it with you.
• Describe the most beautiful wedding you’ve attended.
• Talk about when your experiences with racism, sexism, and other types of discrimination.
• Is there a period when you feel lost? Share what you felt and how you overcame it.
• What’s the first school memory you can recall?
• Talk about the time when you hated yourself the most.
• Recount a time in your life that you consider a fresh start. Compare the person you were before and after this new beginning.
• Talk about the happiest day of your life.
• What’s the most shocking event you’ve experienced?
• What part of schooling did you hate the most?
• Talk about the origin of a lie you still present as truth today.
• What is your dream job? Recount your experiences during the period when you strived to get that dream job.
• Walk around your house and look for items that trigger your consciousness. Relay the memories connected to these items.
• Recount the story of your birth. How did your parents or guardian describe it?
• Think back to a time when you had to make an important decision. What did you pick, and how do you feel about it today?
• Talk about your greatest regret.
• Narrate an encounter where you were stereotyped based on your gender.
• What skill are you most proud of, and how did you develop it?
• Talk about your favorite childhood toy and share a prominent memory of it.
• Is there a family secret you wish you didn’t know? What is it, and why?
• If you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community, share your journey to discovering and understanding your sexuality.
• Look back to your past expectations of yourself. How different are they from your current goals?
• If you have an experience with a grave disease, share your life before and after your diagnosis.
• Recount your experiences and lessons as a first-time parent.
• If you’re a war veteran, narrate your first-hand experiences during your service.
• Speak about the meaningful experiences you’ve had in your job or career. 
• Talk about a time when you had to break the law to survive.
• Recall a time when you were pushed to be the leader of a group or a project. How did it go?
• Pick the largest scar on your body and share how you got it.
• Talk about something you’ve gone through that you pretend never happened. Include how you finally faced and pulled through this tribulation.
• If you have any tattoos, talk about their meaning/s.
• Describe the moment you realized you’ve matured or grown up.
• Describe what you expect your retirement to be like.
• Talk about a book you deeply feel connected to.
• Talk about your favorite photo of yourself and the story behind it.
• Recount the day when you got your first car.
• What did it feel like when you moved out of your family home?
• Describe your childhood home and pick your favorite areas. Explain why.
• Recall an incident when your feelings were hurt the most.
• Talk about an experience that made you believe in extraterrestrial life.
• What vegetable do you hate the most? Share a memory of when you realized you hate that food.
• If you’ve had a poor relationship with food, share your struggles with eating, weight, and self-concept.
• What do you do when you feel sad? How do you lift your mood?
• Talk about how you met the best people you know today.
• Do you have unique family traditions? What are they, and what do you feel about them?
• Tell the story of how you met your current partner.
• Talk about your different friend groups. What memories of them do you like the most?
• Describe your parents’ dynamic. How did their relationship affect your perception of love and marriage?
• Recount the most intense argument you’ve had with someone close to you. Include why the fight happened and how you solved it.
• Identify your greatest personal challenge so far and elaborate on it.
• Talk about a time when your family prepared for a death of a loved one.
• Recount the period after losing a loved one. Talk about your grief, mourning, and how you coped with the death.
• Talk about how you started and achieved success in your field. Add tips to help aspiring beginners of the craft.
• If you’re from a broken marriage, share how the separation affected you growing up. Include your struggles with your identity, self-respect, etc. 
• Talk about a time when you were falsely accused of something.
• Have you ever joined an organization? Share your most memorable experience with the group.
• Share your experience with a natural calamity, such as an earthquake or a hurricane.
• Talk about the first year of your marriage to your current partner. Include your realizations, compromises, and adjustments.
• Discuss a relationship you’ve been in that made you a better person. For example, you can speak about a toxic or a healing relationship.
• Talk about a rare habit one of your friends or relatives has that you find amusing.
• Talk about a major change you had to go through in your life. How did you cope with it, and what did you learn?
• Speak about a time when you were addicted to something.
• Talk about a time you felt the closest to your mother or father.
• Recount an incident that pushed you to cut ties with someone special to you.
• Narrate the story of how a grandparent imparted a vital life lesson to you.
• Talk about your celebrity idols and how they influenced your life.
• Talk about your best friend and how the two of you became close.
• Did you have a school bully? Recall the worst thing they did and how their actions impacted your school life.
• Talk about a family feud. How did it start, and how did the dispute affect you?
• Discuss a life-or-death situation you’ve been in. How dangerous was it, and how did you survive it?
• Talk about your best traveling experience that changed your perception of life.
• Talk about a time when you feel powerful or unstoppable.
• Write about a bizarre encounter you’ve experienced.
• Talk about your political beliefs and why you support these beliefs.
• Write about a time when you felt a place is hunted. Share the details of your trip.
• Try to describe your hometown in vivid detail. What’s one thing you remember the most about your hometown?
• Write about a historical event that greatly affected your life. What is it, and how did it change your everyday living?
• Pick one memory you strongly associate with each: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
• Think of a time when you had to choose between two good things. For example, love or career, then talk about your experience.
• Recall the most memorable adventure you’ve had. 
• Talk about an instance when you saved someone. 
• Talk about your experience when you moved to another country.
• Talk about the time when you met your childhood hero.
• Recount what happened when you had your first child.
• Think of your first major loss. Explain what it’s about

Childhood Memories : Remember when you climbed that giant oak tree in your backyard or had your first heartbreak in middle school? Your early years are a goldmine of raw, evocative memories. Delve deep, and you might be surprised at the rich tales you can tell. If it helps, read old journal entries .

Overcoming Adversities : Have you ever faced a daunting challenge? Perhaps you battled an illness or overcame financial hardship. These experiences shape who you are and resonate with readers who seek inspiration and hope in the face of their own struggles.

Travel Adventures : That backpacking trip across Europe, or the time you got lost in a bustling market in Bangkok? Travel stories transport readers to a different world, filled with sights, sounds, and cultural nuances.

Relationship Dynamics : Love, friendships, and even the intricacies of family dynamics can make for poignant memoir material. Dive into the beauty, the pain, and the lessons learned from the people who’ve come in and out of your life.

Professional Life : If you’ve built a unique career or made significant shifts in your profession, these experiences might intrigue those looking to understand the ins and outs of a particular field or those seeking motivation to change their own career paths, like a writing job .

Personal Transformations : Did you embark on a journey of self-discovery, perhaps through spirituality, weight loss, or even a simple hobby that grew into a passion? Sharing such personal evolutions can be deeply moving.

Historical or Cultural Insights : If you’ve lived through significant historical events or come from a rich cultural background, offer readers a window into that world. Paint them a picture of a time or place they might never personally experience.

Life in the Shadows : Maybe you’ve had experiences on the fringes of society or in lesser-known subcultures, for example triathlon training. Shedding light on these areas can be both enlightening and captivating.

Educational Pursuits : Remember when you returned to school or pursued an unconventional educational path? There’s always someone out there wondering if it’s too late or if they’re on the right path.

Mundane Magic : Sometimes, the simple, everyday moments hold the most beauty. The smell of your grandmother’s kitchen, the laughter shared over a family dinner, or the quiet moments alone with your thoughts. Celebrate the ordinary; it often holds extraordinary stories.

If you’re still stuck, get the best memoir-writing apps to assist you.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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10 Memoir Writing Prompts to Get Your Life Story Started

by Joe Bunting | 0 comments

Free Book Planning Course!  Sign up for our 3-part book planning course and make your book writing easy . It expires soon, though, so don’t wait.  Sign up here before the deadline!

Want to write a memoir but not sure how to get started? I've got you covered. In this post, I'm sharing my ten best creative writing prompts for memoir writers.

If you need a quick prompt, check out my five favorite memoir writing prompts below. Or, keep reading for an expanded list of all ten prompts.

My 5 Favorite Memoir Writing Prompts

Write about a life or death situation you've experienced.

• Describe your own meet cute. Think back to the first time you met the love of your life.
• You've traveled through time and encounter a younger version of yourself. What life lesson would you share?
• What is one moment where you were afraid to do something but did it anyway?
• Write about one encounter with death.
• Read on for more!

How to Write a Memoir

We've looked at detail at How to Write a Memoir , but just to recap, remember that a memoir is not a list of all the events spanning your entire life. That might be a good starting place for ideas, but it isn't a memoir. It isn't your full life story either. It isn't a family history (although those can be fun). 

A memoir is more like a personal narrative essay, only in a longer format. What does that mean? It means that you choose a significant event or period of your life when something changed. The most powerful memoirs are laser focused on those moments of crisis when you had to choose one thing, knowing you would lose something else. 

Use These Memoir Writing Prompts to Get Started

Ready to write a book about your life? Get started by using these prompts. Then tell us which prompt you chose and share up to 250 words of your writing in the practice link below.

2. Area of Expertise

Make a list of every area of expertise you have, e.g. writing, playing an instrument, the history of 18th century French history, etc. Then choose one of those areas of expertise and write for fifteen minutes about what you've learned about that expertise. Begin every paragraph with the phrase, “I learned . . .”

3. Meet Cute

Describe your own meet cute. Think back to the first time you met the love of your life. Describe the situation and how you felt the first time you saw them.

4. Betrayed

Share the story of one time you were betrayed.

Have you ever encountered death? Either the death of a loved one, animal, or stranger? Write about your encounter with death and how you experienced it.

6. Adventure

What is the biggest adventure you've ever experienced? Write about it.

7. Life Lesson

You've traveled through time and encounter a younger version of yourself (choose one of the following ages: seven, fifteen, seventeen, twenty-three, or thirty-one). What life lesson would you share with yourself? Tell yourself the story of how you learned that lesson.

8. Surroundings

Describe your surroundings right now. What memories do your surroundings evoke?

9. Life or Death

10. too much good.

Think of one moment in your life when you had to choose between two very good things, like love or money, fun or responsibility, happiness or duty. Then write about it.

Bonus Prompts!

Here are a few additional prompts to get your memoir ideas rolling. 

11. Write about your earliest memory. Why do you think it stands out? 

12. Think of a major life event. What was front and center in the life experience? What was at the edges? What changed in that moment? 

13. Tell the story of a family heirloom that you've received or passed down. 

14. Write a personal history about the lasting impact of a specific person in your life. 

15. Write about a historical event that touched your life directly.

Become a Better Memoir Writer by Reading a Great Memoir

One of the best ways to learn how to write a memoir is to read  memoirs. And it just so happens that I've written a memoir, Crowdsourcing Paris , about a real-life adventure story I experienced in Paris. Even better, according to reviewers, it's really good!

See what people are saying about Crowdsourcing Paris here .

Inside the memoir are the adventures I experienced in Paris, including my near-death experience in the catacombs, the illegal 170 miles of tunnels below the City of Light.

Throughout the memoir, I also share my writing lessons as I learn to become a writer in Paris.

Get your copy of  Crowdsourcing Paris  here.

Which of these memoir writing prompts is your favorite? Let us know in the comments !

Choose one of the memoir writing prompts above. Then set a timer for fifteen minutes , and write as much as you can.

When your time is up, post your practice in the Pro Practice Workshop (if you’re not a member yet, you can join here ).

And if you post, please be sure to give feedback to at least three other writers.

Happy writing!

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

Work with Joe Bunting?

WSJ Bestselling author, founder of The Write Practice, and book coach with 14+ years experience. Joe Bunting specializes in working with Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, How To, Literary Fiction, Memoir, Mystery, Nonfiction, Science Fiction, and Self Help books. Sound like a good fit for you?

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Lori Ballen

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75 Memoir Writing Prompts

Writing / November 17, 2022 by Lori Ballen / Leave a Comment

This website contains affiliate links and offers that benefit Lori Ballen with no additional cost to you.

A memoir writing prompt is a question or set of questions designed to guide an author in writing their memoir. Memoirs are non-fiction books usually written by one person about his/her life. They are written in the third person (“he”/”she”) but are told from that person’s point of view, looking back on their life. It can range between 30,000 to 100,000 words, depending on the material covered and how much space it takes up.

Memoirs generally include personal history, family background information, and key events throughout an individual’s life, leading them up to where they are today. The actual writing of a memoir is not always chronological; some elements may be written before others even though they happened after them. Some memoirs end up with their author at old age, while others do not.

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Memoirs are usually written because the author has something to share, lessons they’ve learned throughout their life that could benefit or inspire others. While money is not always a main motivating factor for writing a memoir (most authors receive no royalties), the satisfaction of sharing one’s story and hopefully connecting with readers who can relate to it makes it worth it.

There are many types of memoirs; anyone could write about his/her experiences as long as they have something interesting to say. The following are just some examples:

• Drug addiction/recovery
• Child abuse/childhood hardship
• Experiences in war
• Interpersonal relationships (parents, siblings, spouses, friends)
• Growing up in a foreign country
• An unconventional childhood
• Loss of a loved one/grief and recovery from it

Memoir writing prompts are questions that help guide someone when they begin thinking about their own memoir. Without prompts to get them started, an individual may struggle to find the exact angle he/she wants to use to tell their story in a way that keeps readers interested until it is finished. Prompts help them flesh out ideas and formulate sentences and paragraphs.

Here are 75 of the best memoir Writing Prompts.

1) Write an essay about a time when you felt lost.

2) Write a short story of a time in your life when you leaned on someone else for help.

3) Write down everything you know about your family history.

4) Imagine that you are writing a letter to the person who has been the biggest inspiration in your life. How would you describe them? What makes them so special?

5) Write about a time when you went with the flow and didn’t question it too much.

6) Remember something embarrassing that happened to you, but it’s OK if others already know about it—what matters is how YOU feel about it.

7) Think of three words or phrases people use to describe you. Now, think of three words or phrases that best describe you.

8) Your memoir is about a time when people thought something bad was going to happen, and they were completely wrong! What happened?

9) Write down your earliest memory; make sure it’s not too fuzzy and doesn’t include any major life events (like sibling birth, etc.) because we want this to be just about YOU.

10) What is one thing that everyone in your family does that irritates or annoys you? How do they react when you tell them how it makes you feel?

11) If there’s one person in your family who can always cheer up someone else in the family, even when no one else can, who is that person, and why do they have such a “special power”?

12) Describe a time in your life when you were truly uncomfortable. What happened?

13) Think about what’s been going on throughout your life for the past month or so. Write it all down. Now go back to the beginning of that same period of time and write it all down again but from a different point of view, with a completely different perspective—as if you had only just found out about everything that’s been going on.

14) Think about something really embarrassing that has happened to you more than once in your lifetime. How have you dealt with these instances, and how did others help you?

15) Write about a time in your life when something felt familiar, like deja vu.

16) Think of the most popular game you played as a child; write about it and why people played it.

17) Describe three different apartments or houses that you’ve lived in throughout your life—not necessarily nice ones but just any kind of living space that was your own at one point.

18) Make up an old family recipe for dinner. What’s in it? What is its origin? Did anyone teach you how to cook it or did you learn on your own? How does this dish make you feel whenever you eat it/think about eating it again?

19) Write about an instance when you were uprooted from your home.

20) Think of a person who always seems to have it together, in both big and little ways. Do you ever ask them for advice? What are some things that person would say/do if he/she knew about this memoir project? Now, write about the last time you saw that person and everything that was going on in your life at the time: how did they react?

21) Think about the members of your family and rank them (1st place, 2nd place, etc.). Why did you choose these specific people? How do they make you feel whenever you spend time with them or think about spending time with them again in the future?

22) Think about all the places you have lived in throughout your life. Write them down in order or rank them, starting with your present location. How has every place made you feel? Why did you choose to live in each one?

23) Pretend that someone else is writing a memoir about you—what would they want people to know about how the two of you are alike and also what sets you apart from everyone else?

24) Talk about an instance where something was entirely out of your control. What happened?

25) Write about a time when something really unexpected happened. How did it change things for your family or friends or anyone else who was involved in whatever transpired?

26) Think back on all the people you’ve met throughout your life. What did you like most about them? How did they make you feel?

27) Think of all the birthdays that were celebrated in your family growing up (your own included). Did anyone ever get more presents than anyone else, or was it always equal? Who gave out the birthday parties and why did they do it this way?

28) Which person in your family would be the best person to give advice about almost any major life decision someone could make if he/she had all the facts surrounding said decision beforehand? Describe him/her.

29) What’s one thing that never fails to cheer you up when you’re feeling down in the dumps?

30) Write about a time that you were excluded from something or someone.

31) Think about your first big fight with one of your siblings and how it all got started.

32) Write about a time when you had to be more responsible than usual (for example, taking care of younger siblings while your parents were away).

33) Make up some family trivia: for example, what’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to one of your relatives? What is his/her worst habit? What makes him/her happiest in life and why?

34) Think about an instance where everything seemed “right” or at least OK; things were calm and relaxed. Describe that moment as best as you—how did it make you feel?

35) Think about the worst day of your life . What was going on that day, or what happened leading up to it?

36) All great memories come from somewhere—write down all the places, good and bad, that you’ve lived in throughout your life. How have they helped shape who you are today?

37) Make a list of all the things you wish you’d done differently growing up—not necessarily big ones but little ones too. Why is this list so important to you?

38) Write about a time when everything seemed perfect for a specific reason (for example, maybe something happened at school/work that made everyone happy). Everything just seemed to fit into place. What would keep that feeling going?

39) Think about an important discussion (or series of discussions) that took place in your family growing up. What was the topic? How did that affect everyone’s feelings or relationship with one another moving forward?

40) Write about a time when you were faced with the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make (remember, it doesn’t have to be related to something big like deciding whether or not you should leave home for college). Why was this so difficult for you and what ended up happening as a result of it all?

41) If someone asked your parents what is most important to them about their life together right now, what would they say is most important to them? Would they mention anything in particular about you, their child?

42) What is your biggest regret? If you could go back to a time in the past when you still had this regret but knew what you know now, would there be anything that you would change about how it all went down and unfolded? Why or why not?

43) How did growing up influence your dreams at night and what did they mean to you moving forward into adulthood?

44) Think of all the people who’ve come into and out of your life over the years. Have any of them truly made an impact on who you are today—positively or negatively? How so? What’s one thing that they taught you along the way (whether by example or through words)? Why is this important to you?

45) Describe all the places that you’ve lived. What were some of your favorite places to visit as a child? Why did you like visiting them so much and what was it about those locations that made you feel this way? (Note: if you haven’t lived in many different places, write about one location or one trip instead.)

46) Think back on the past five years of your life. How has this changed how you see yourself now compared with before? What memories do you have from this period of time and specifically, why are they sticking out more than others right now?

47) If someone asked your parents what is most important for them in their relationship with one another right now, what do you think they would say? Why is this important to them right now?

48) Who has been the most influential person in your life so far—and why? What has this person taught you, if anything?

49) Imagine that you are meeting with a group of new people for the first time. Describe each one of these people as best as you can (how they look, what their interests are, what they’re passionate about). Now imagine that at least one of these people ends up being part of your life moving forward. What do you think will happen between the two of you now that you’ve met each other and now know each other’s personalities, interests, etc.?

50) Is there anything special or unique about the place where you grew up? What makes it special—and why is this important to you?

51) How have your past experiences made you who you are today?

52) Think back on all of your high school or college memories. Which ones stand out the most right now, and why do they stand out in your mind more than others? What did you learn from each of these memories that helped shape how you see yourself now compared with before everything happened?

53) Write about a time when something happened that changed everything for some reason (like an argument, someone moving away, etc.)…but instead of trying to make sense of what happened, focus on how it felt afterward. Why did things happen the way that they did? What was the aftermath like in terms of how it changed this person’s life and day-to-day routine and how it made them feel about certain things in life in general?

54) If someone were to ask your parents what is most important for them right now, what would you want their response to be? Why is this important to you?

55) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed how you see yourself now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special to you when you look back at everything that happened long ago when compared with something that happens today?

56) Choose a season (winter, spring, summer, or fall) and write about why this season is important to you. For example: maybe you like spring because it’s your birthday, or fall because it’s the beginning of a new school year…or winter because of Christmas Eve traditions with family and friends.

57) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed who you are now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special to you when you look back at everything that happened long ago compared with something that happens today?

58) Is there anything particularly special about where you’re from? Why is it important to be from here—and even if not, what makes your hometown special to you and why?

59) Is there anything special or unique about the place where you live right now? What makes it stand out compared with other places you could be living instead, and why is this important to you that things are the way they are right now?

60) How have your past experiences made you who you are today?

61) If someone were to ask your parents what’s most important for them in their relationship with one another right now, what would they say? Why is this especially important to them at this point in time when asked directly about it rather than how it can be inferred from some of their actions or certain conversations they’ve had together recently?

62) Is there anything particularly special about where you’re from? Why is it important to be from here—and even if not, what makes your hometown special to you and why?

63) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed who you are now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special when you look back at everything that happened long ago when compared with something that happens today or is happening right now in the present moment?

64) Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair. No matter how hard we try, certain things happen anyway. Write about an instance where this seems especially true…perhaps one where it feels like nothing was done about what had happened despite everyone’s best efforts or maybe something that was avoided but continues to have repercussions in the present.

65) Is there anything particularly special about where you’re from? Why is it important to be from here—and even if not, what makes your hometown special to you and why?

66) Write a letter of advice to a current version of yourself. What’s one thing they should know right now when going through difficulty or hardship?

67) Describe a situation in your life when something happened that changed everything for some reason (like an argument, someone moving away, etc.)…but instead of trying to make sense of what happened, focus on how it felt afterward. Why did things happen the way that they did? What was the result when all was said and done? Why does this story matter to you when compared with other stories in your life?

68) Sometimes we want something that someone else also wants, and then we end up in a conflict over it. Or maybe there’s something that one of us doesn’t like or is made uncomfortable by—and the other person doesn’t care about it at all! Write about a conflict like this in your life with another person. How did things turn out, and what would you do differently if you could go back in time knowing what you know now after the fact?

69) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed who you are now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special to you when you look back at everything that happened long ago compared with something that happens today?

70) Sometimes it’s hard to know what path we should take in life. When faced with a big decision, how do we make a choice about what’s right if everyone else seems to have their own opinions as well? How can we be sure that making our own choice instead of just going along with someone else will benefit us in the long run rather than having an outcome that feels negative or disappointing in some way?

71) Describe a situation in your life where there was a conflict and what happened as a result. How did it feel when this was happening? What were the various ways to resolve the conflict before everything started to turn out badly?

72) Think back on all of your favorite memories from over the years. How has this changed who you are now compared with before? What do these memories mean for who you are today and why is this so special when you look back at everything that happened long ago when compared with something that is happening right now in the present moment?

73) Sometimes being kind is taken advantage of or misinterpreted by others, resulting in feelings of negativity or resentment toward someone else. Write about an experience like this—perhaps one where they’re being overly kind to the point where you want to just say, “Stop!” Why is it so important that they truly understand what being kind means?

74) When is a time you were glad that you trusted your instincts and when have those instincts been wrong? What was going on in your life at the time—and how might things have turned out differently if you hadn’t listened to your gut feeling about something or someone?

What do these memories mean for who you are now compared with before?

75) Think of all of the people who have come into your life. In most cases, the most meaningful interactions seem to be those that develop slowly. What would need to happen for this type of meeting to occur here?

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• Legacy Projects

30+ Memoir Topic Ideas + Tips for Choosing One

Updated 11/19/2021

Published 06/26/2020

Sam Tetrault, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

A memoir is a personal account of your life, an experience, or anything that shapes you into the person you are today. There are a lot of examples of some of the best memoirs out there, but have you ever considered writing your own?

Jump ahead to these sections: 

Personal memoir topic ideas, tips for choosing the best memoir topic, tips for starting your memoir.

There are no rules when it comes to writing your own memoir. You can choose any topic you’d like, and there are no restrictions on how you write your life story . This is a great writing exercise for students, older adults, and everyone in between. 

By taking the time to write about an experience that matters to you, you also do a lot of self-reflection. This could shine a light on how you want to be remembered, your legacy, and any changes you’d like to make in your life. 

There are so many important things you’ll recognize only once you begin writing. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, here are 30+ memoir topic ideas and tips for choosing the right one for you. 

If you're interested in unique ways to continue the legacy of a loved one, you can consider a custom urn from a store like Foreverence  or even have a memorial diamond made from ashes with a company like  Eterneva .

A personal memoir is something that’s meaningful for you. This could be an interesting event, a life-changing moment, or even just a bit of internal reflection. Again, there are no rules. Let these ideas be your guide. 

Ideas for middle school and high school students

A memoir is an excellent writing exercise for students in middle school and high school. Though these students might not have a lot of life experience, they still have unique perspectives on the world. Capturing these ideas in writing is worth its weight in gold. 

1. A major life event

We all experience major life events, even as children. What major life event defines your life, and how can you grow from it? It could be a transition from middle school to high school, a parent’s divorce, or even a vacation. These are the memories that define who we are. 

2. Your favorite place

Where do you find the most comfort? Is it at home in your bedroom or outside somewhere special? Why does this space have so much meaning for you, and how do you spend your time here? Share an experience you’ve had here.

3. Your best day

Best days might not come around all that often, but they sure are memorable when they do. Share one of the best days you’ve ever had, who you were with, and what you did. What made this moment so special?

4. Favorite food

Food is one of the things that bind people together. What food speaks the most to you, and why does it have such an important place in your heart? What does food mean within your family?

5. Favorite teacher

Teachers impact the way we think, and their role transcends the classroom. Who was your most memorable teacher? What stood out about them, and how do you work hard to make them proud?

6. Favorite book

Everyone has a book they’ve read that stuck with them. Humans share who they are through stories. Like the memoir itself, this book plays a role in who you’ve become. What book is your favorite, and what does it mean to you?

7. Most prized possession

This topic is like show-and-tell in written form. What item do you hold in the highest esteem? Is it a beloved shirt or a prize from a sporting event? Where do you keep this item, what does it look like, and what place does it hold in your heart?

8. Your favorite class or subject

No matter your feelings about school, there are bound to be some classes or subjects that stood out to you. What inspired you about these lessons? What have you learned, and how will you use these teachings moving forward?

Who are your closest friends? When did you become friends, and what keeps you close? Exploring these relationships in a memoir is a wonderful tribute to those who matter the most. 

10. Favorite holiday

Holidays have a lot of meaning around the world. Which holidays matter the most to you? What do these say about your family, culture, and personality? What is your favorite way to celebrate?

Ideas for college students

College students are at a defining moment in their lives. They have a lot of responsibility, but they’re not quite on their own in the “real world” just yet. This is the perfect transition point for some reflection through a memoir. 

11. Major or focus

In college, most students define a major or area of study. What major did you choose, and what significance does this have for you? Where do you see yourself in a few years using this major?

12. First love or friendship

We’ll never forget our earliest relationships. Share a time when you fell in love or had a close friendship. What did this relationship mean to you? How did you feel in the moment, and how do you feel now?

13. Obituary

While this might sound odd, a common writing exercise is to write your own obituary. An obituary or death announcement is a way to share your legacy on the world. Though you hope to have many happy years ahead, what do you want to include in your obituary ?

What is your most memorable travel experience? From spring break with friends to family holidays in nearby cities, the places we experience often define us. What have you learned from your journeys both near and far?

15. Hometown

If you’re no longer in your hometown, reflect on what this means to you. Was your hometown somewhere to escape from or to? How has moving away for college affected your relationship with this place?

Describe an experience of loss. Whether you lost someone you love, a pet, or even just a favorite sweater, we all experience these feelings in our own ways. What does loss mean to you?

17. Grandparents

Talking to our grandparents is one of the best ways to bridge gaps between generations. Talk to your grandparents about their experience in college or at your age. How does this compare to your own experience?

18. First job

What was your first job like? When did you receive your first paycheck, and what did this experience mean to you? If you’ve never worked a “real” job, what do you imagine it will be like? Describe a volunteer, academic, or professional experience. 

19. Future you

Write a memoir from the perspective of your future self. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 20 years? How will this version of yourself look different? What will they have accomplished?

20. Failure

Though difficult to write about, it’s important to reflect on our weaknesses just as much as our strengths. Have you ever failed in your life? How did you move on from this, and what did you learn along the way?

Ideas for older adults

As someone with more life experience, there’s a lot of room to reflect as an older adult. Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing as you drift down memory lane. 

How exactly do you want to be remembered by friends and family? What have you accomplished that you’re most proud of, and how will this affect your legacy?

What is your favorite hobby? Describe your experience learning this hobby and becoming a part of the culture. How does it affect your day-to-day life?

23. Life’s passion

While most people have a variety of passions, try to define a single, key passion that defines your life. Limiting it to one helps you focus on what matters most. 

24. Historical event

Have you witnessed any historical events? Things like national disasters, wars, rights movements, and so on are all once-in-a-lifetime experiences. How did they affect you, and what is your perspective on these happenings?

25. Paradigm shift

Was there ever a moment where your point of view changed drastically? Did it stem from someone, something, or a single experience? Describe this moment. 

26. Trip abroad

If you’ve traveled abroad, write about your experience in a new place and surrounded by an unfamiliar culture. What do you remember the most? What lessons did you take with you back home?

What is your relationship with change? Is it something you welcome with open arms or run from? Evaluate how your relationship with change has adapted over time. 

28. Built a home

What does “home” mean to you? Is it the place you grew up or somewhere you built for yourself? Define what home means to you and how you’ve built your own home life. 

While your career isn’t everything, it does say something about you and the life you lead. How has your career affected your life, and what doors has it opened or closed?

30. Life story

Finally, consider sharing your entire life story. If you’re not sure where to start, try the beginning. Each of us has a story to tell, no matter how big or small. 

There are no one-size-fits-all questions for sparking your memoir topic. Follow these tips below to find the right fit for you. 

Writing time and experience

Before you begin, consider how much time you have to dedicate to writing. While writing your life story might be a great goal, this should only be attempted if you have the time to follow through. Otherwise, choose something with shorter writing requirements like sharing an experience. 

Brainstorm before you begin

If you’re not sure where to start, simply start brainstorming or journaling. Often you’ll find the answer in what you write here. What are you drawn to most naturally? Where do your thoughts focus the most? This is where your story lies. 

Choose multiple topics

There are no rules that you only have to stick to one memoir topic. You could write a series of essays that discuss many of the topics above. There is no need to worry about them fitting together perfectly. Life isn’t a highlight’s reel. It’s raw and imperfect, and that’s okay.

Sometimes, the hardest part about starting a memoir is just that: getting started. While you need to have a solid overarching story, you also need to make a strong impression on readers early on. Like all forms of writing and craftsmanship, this process can be intimidating. 

The good news is it’s okay to be messy, to make mistakes, and to figure it out as you go. For inspiration, follow these tips for starting your memoir. 

Start with action

While it’s tempting to start your memoir off with backstory or context, this doesn’t necessarily draw readers into the story. Instead, begin in the middle of the action. There will always be time for context and further explanations later. 

Engage your audience in the work from the first moment, grabbing the reader’s attention. Whether you begin at an important decision-making moment, on a trip abroad, or wrapped in a moment of passion, make every inch of the page count. 

Treat your reader like a friend

Spilling your truth on the page is no easy feat. Because a memoir is your own story, it’s normal to feel anxiety about letting these feelings out from deep inside. One helpful tip for starting your memoir is to treat the reader like a trusted friend. 

This is someone you confide in regularly, and you know you can trust them. They won’t meet you with judgment or confusion. They’re just present in the moment, listening to what you have to share. When you place your trust in the reader, they feel that trust as well. 

Borrow from fiction writers

While you don’t want to borrow elements of stories, borrow writing techniques from your favorite fiction writers. Who said nonfiction had to read like a textbook? The best memoirs all tell a story creatively, relying on traditional fiction techniques to paint the narrative. 

Just like with fiction, create a structure for your story. This includes a strong opening, middle, climax, and resolution. Even a truthful memoir needs a clear course for readers to follow. Take inspiration from other memoirs, fictional stories, and the tales that inspire you. What can you learn from other authors?

Write for yourself

Most importantly, write for yourself. Writing your own memoir can be a healing process. When you write your own stories, even if they’re never shared, you let go of this weight inside ourselves. 

While you shouldn’t look exclusively inward, don’t focus so much on the reader that you lose sight of yourself. Invite your reader into these real-life moments. Let them exist inside them for a little while, even if it’s only on borrowed time.

Above all, write the story you have to tell. Everyone has something inside of them that wants to be let out. Your memoir is an opportunity to share that truth with a blank page, even if this is something you don’t share with others. 

Start Writing Your Memoir

There’s nothing holding you back from writing your memoir. As long as you’re willing to put the words to paper, you can get started today. You don’t need any formal training or writing experience to get started. Memoirs are written by people from all backgrounds and walks of life. 

You don’t need to worry about your story being “good enough” or “exciting enough.” A true story is a worthy story, no matter how it’s told. Let these 30+ topics above be your guide. From there, the page is yours to explore.

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Best Memoir Writing Prompts—16+ Ideas That Will Inspire You

• July 29, 2022

Memoirs are autobiographical accounts of one’s life story. They can cover an entire life or focus on a few significant events in a person’s life. 

They include the author’s memories, intimate thoughts and feelings about their past, and significant life experiences.

They may tell a story of the author’s secret past, the ups and downs of their love life, the most influential person in their lives, or significant life lessons one has learned through a life lived.

We write memoirs not only for others to read but to help ourselves form a narrative around our life stories.

Writing about past experiences and the personal narrative that went with them offers much insight. Writing about a time filled with struggles has even been found to help process trauma.

As far as inspiration goes, we’ve got you covered. Below we’ve included a list of over 16 memoir writing prompts to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.

If you’re stuck, don’t fret – it’s not easy to summarize a life story the moment you sit down to write. It may take time, reflection, and inspiration before you can even begin to know what to write about. 

How to write a memoir

Writing a memoir requires reflection and contemplation on one’s past experiences. These should take place before the writing process and are often the reason a person feels inspired to write a memoir in the first place. 

Still, the memoir writing process is also incredibly reflective, and an author may gain insights and perspectives they never had before as a result of the writing process.

So, if you’re ready to get started on your memoir, check out the prompts below.

Memoir writing prompts and ideas

There are many possible focal points of your memoir . You can write about a time when life was sweet or you can write a powerful memoir which has made it difficult for you to live in the present moment.

Here are some suggestions of major life events to you can draw inspiration from:

1. Your first romance

Write about the first romantic partner you ever had. How did you meet them? How old were you? What was unique about your relationship? Did you end up with your first crush?

If you’re not with that person anymore, how did things end? Was there a memorable argument which led you to end the relationship? Did you ever see them again?

2. Near-death experience

Have you ever had a near-death experience? What happened, and how did you survive? Describe your experience. What was the significance of that moment? Did it give you a new outlook on life? Or was it a novel experience that lost significance after the initial event?

3. A day with your younger self

You don’t have to write memoirs chronologically, and you don’t have to confine yourself to writing exclusively about the past. Get creative by imagining that you, as you are now, can visit your younger self.

Choose any age, child, teen, or adult, and write about a day spent with that younger version of yourself. What would you tell them? Do you have insight and wisdom now that would have helped the younger you?

Consider a time in your life when you had to make an important choice. Perhaps all options were exciting and viable before you, but you had to eliminate all but one.

What decision or choice did you make, and how do you feel about it now? How do you think your life might have been had you made a different choice? Perhaps you chose one romantic partner over another or decided to live in a different country from where you were born.

5. Your earliest memory

What is your earliest memory? How old were you and who was there? How do you feel about that memory now? Do you remember it fondly, or is it a painful memory? Was it something you think defined your character, or is it simply a fun and adored memory?

6. Childhood

What was your childhood like? Write about the household in which you grew up.

Was it a happy household, or was there a lot of trouble? Did you grow up with two parents and siblings, a single parent, or were you an only child? How did your parents relationship mold your character?

How do you feel about how you grew up, and do you ever wish things had been different? How do you think your childhood influenced the person you are today?

How was your experience in high school? Write about elementary school, high school, or college. Did you like school? Do you have a favorite teacher who has greatly influenced your life today?

What were the good parts, and what were the bad ones? How was your social life in high school? How do you feel about the education system? Do you think it served or hindered you?

8. Spirituality

If you’re spiritually minded or religious, write about your life’s experience from your spiritual perspective? Have your thoughts on God, religion, and spirituality changed?

What attitude did you hold when you were younger, and how do you see things now? Were there any significant events or an influential person that shaped your spiritual beliefs and perspectives?

9. Best friend

Write about your relationship with the best friend you’ve ever had.

Are you two still friends today? How did you two get to know each other, and what experiences have you shared? How do you feel about that friendship and friendship in general?

Did that person set a standard that no one else could ever meet? Did you two ever fight? How is the relationship now?

10. Regrets

Do you have any regrets? Perhaps you made one choice over another and now see it as a mistake. Did you hurt anyone in your life and wish you go back and change things?

Alternatively, write about how you feel about regret as a concept by relating your perspective to your experiences. Do you think there is any value in regret? Did you regret things once but no longer?

11. Unlearning

What did you learn as a child that you had to unlearn as an adult?

Perhaps the behavior of your parents or other family members taught you that particular conduct was expected, but you realized how abnormal it was when you left home. Do you understand why that person behaved, or are you still confused? Do you forgive those who taught you unhealthy behaviors?

12. Gratitude

What makes you feel grateful? What life experiences, good or bad, happy or sad, joyous or nightmarish, taught you to look at life through a lens of gratitude? Have you always been grateful, or is gratitude something you learned later in life?

13. Sexuality

Write about the journey of discovering your sexuality.

Did you realize at some point that you had sexual preferences you weren’t clear about previously? Have you always had the sexual preferences you have now or had for most of your life?

Write about the process of discovering your sexual self and the trials and tribulations that came with it.

14. Expectations

When you look back on your life, did it turn out how you expected when you were younger? Did you have an idea or vision of how your life would turn out at a certain age?

As a child, in your teens, twenties, or thirties, how did you imagine the life ahead of you? Is your life now an accurate portrayal of that vision, or is it different? How different is it?

15. A big impact

Write about a time you hugely impacted another someone’s life. What happened, and what is your relationship with that person now? Alternatively, write about a person who greatly influenced your life? Again, what happened, and what’s that relationship like now?

16. Life lessons

What’s the most important life lesson you’ve ever learned? What happened in your life for you to understand that lesson?

Is this lesson something you have tried to share with others? Do others hear that lesson the same way you do? Does it resonate with others? How do you think your life might have been if you had never learned that lesson?

A memoir is a deeply personal account of memories that the author, the memoir writer, believes influenced their life and is worthy of sharing with others. They are more than just a whimsical collection of stories and anecdotes, though you’re free to write with a sense of humor about your experiences.

As a writing exercise, start with a short story using one memoir writing prompt. Something about first time you set eyes on your first love will be easy. A bit more challenging memoir topic will be your family history.

If you want more help with writing your memoir, consider reading those of others. Writers of all kinds need to be avid readers to hone their craft. 

Reading others’ memoirs not only shows how to structure your writing but can also inspire you to look at your own life through a reflective and insightful lens.

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Best Memoir Writing Prompts (Life Lessons, Childhood, and More!)

Whether you are writing for personal therapy or sharing your story with others, memoir writing prompts lets you create personal narratives that are engaging, meaningful, and reflective. In this article, you’ll discover a variety of journal prompts for unlocking different aspects of your life. 

Table of Contents

What Are Memoir Writing Prompts?

Memoir topics are an excellent way to jumpstart your writing and to reflect on your life experiences. Plus, they provide a specific theme, so you can focus on one aspect of your life and defeat the dreaded writer’s block.

Unlike  narrative writing prompts , which are generally more focused on developing a story, memoir topic ideas explore your personal experiences and memories. It can be your earliest memory when you were a kid, a passion that got side-tracked because of responsibilities, or an emotionally hurtful part of your life, like a divorce or a separation from your first love. 

Tip:  Don’t feel pressured that your personal narrative should be perfect after answering memoir writing prompts. Remember, even the best memoir writers always start with a draft. What’s important is that you write. 

Life Lessons

Memoir writing prompts that focus on life lessons can be particularly valuable if you want to share your experiences and insights with others. Here are some of the best memoir ideas that focus on life lessons:

• Think about a mistake that affected not only yourself but others. 
• A moment when you had to let go of something or someone.
• A moment when you had to stand up for yourself or someone else.
• What was the toughest decision that you had to make? 
• Think about an experience that you did not expect to fail. How did you overcome it? 
• What is one experience that changed your outlook on life? 
• Recall a wrong decision and how it affected your life. 
• How did you overcome a situation that you had difficulty letting go of? 
• How do you cope with problems you don’t have control over? 
• What life lesson did you have to learn the hard way? 

They say that our childhood experiences shaped who we are now. So, tap into your younger version or younger self and trace back your memories that made a lasting impact. 

Tip: If you want to pen a powerful memoir, don’t stick only to good memories.

Here are some memoir writing prompts that you can use as a guide: 

• What was your happiest childhood memory that you could think of on top of your head? 
• As a young child, what were your proudest moments? 
• What video games did you play for our hours? 
• A lesson you learned as a child that has stayed with you into adulthood.
• Your earliest childhood memory and what it reveals about your personality or interests.
• Your relationship with your parents or guardians. Make sure to include both positive and challenging aspects.
• A pivotal moment in your childhood, such as a move or a major life change.
• A childhood friendship that was particularly meaningful to you.
• A difficult or traumatic experience you had as a child.
• A family tradition or celebration that you participated in.
• A place from your childhood that was particularly special to you and why.
• A childhood dream or aspiration and how it shaped your path in life.

When it comes to writing about your school years, there are a wealth of memories and lessons to draw from, whether you look back on these years with fondness or find them more challenging to revisit.

• A favorite teacher from your school years and how they influenced you.
• A significant achievement or challenge you faced in school.
• A school project or assignment that was particularly meaningful to you and why.
• Did you feel like an outsider at school?
• A school-related goal that you worked towards and achieved.
• A subject or activity that you were passionate about in school.
• A school-related tradition or event that was significant to you.
• Did you belong to a clique or club in high school? 
• What did you feel after graduation? 
• What was your favorite subject during elementary school or middle school?

Inspirational

By sharing your experiences, you can offer valuable insights and guidance to others facing similar challenges or seeking inspiration on their own journeys.

• A time when you faced a significant challenge and overcame it.
• Think about one person who has had a profound impact on your life.
• A moment when you felt true joy or contentment.
• Think about an experience you thought would fail, but the outcome was the opposite. 
• Recall the darkest point in your life and how you overcame it. 
• A goal or dream that you have pursued despite obstacles or setbacks.
• A time when you showed courage in the face of fear or uncertainty.
• A moment when you learned an important lesson about forgiveness or acceptance.
• A time when you helped someone else.
• A moment when you had to step outside of your comfort zone.
• A way in which you have grown or changed over time.

Confessional

When it comes to writing confessionally, the process can be even more challenging, but it can also offer an opportunity for healing and growth.

• A secret or hidden part of yourself that you have kept from others and why.
• A mistake or regret from your past that you’ve never told anyone.
• A time when you felt shame or guilt and how you coped with those feelings.
• A personal weakness or flaw that has challenged you.
• A difficult relationship in your life.
• A moment when you felt lost or uncertain about your life path.
• A time when you experienced a significant loss or change in your life.
• A habit or behavior that you struggle with.
• A moment when you felt betrayed or let down by someone you trusted.
• A time when you felt like an imposter or struggled with feelings of inadequacy.

Love also shapes us, whether it’s romantic love, familial love, or love for friends and community. Here are some memoir prompts revolving around love. 

• A time when you experienced a deep and meaningful connection with someone.
• Think about a relationship that has challenged your beliefs and outlook on life.
• A moment when you felt truly loved and cared for.
• Did you experience abuse, or were you in a toxic relationship? How did you let go? 
• A person or relationship that has shaped your understanding of love.
• A moment when you experienced love in an unexpected way or from an unexpected source.
• A time when you struggled to express your love or affection.
• A time when you had to forgive someone you loved.
• A moment when you felt deeply connected to a community or group.
• A time when you experienced unrequited love and how you accepted that you couldn’t force someone else to feel the same. 

Social Life

Your social life is an integral part of your identity, and the relationships you form with others can have a profound impact on your experiences and perspectives.

• A friendship that has had a significant impact on your life.
• A time when you’ve felt like an outsider in a social group or community.
• A moment when you took a risk to form a new relationship or social connection.
• A time when you had to set boundaries in a relationship or social interaction.
• A time when you had to confront someone in a social situation.
• A moment when you felt a strong sense of belonging in a community or social group.
• How did you navigate a conflict or disagreement with friends? 
• Recall a moment when you broke off a friendship. 
• A moment when you experienced a major shift in your social life, like starting a new job.
• A time when you felt empowered or inspired by a social connection or relationship.

Focusing on key milestones allows you to delve deeper into your thoughts and emotions and gain insights into how these events have shaped you into who you are today.

• A time when you felt genuinely proud of yourself and your accomplishments.
• A significant moment in your childhood that shaped who you are today.
• The first time you fell in love and how it impacted your life.
• A difficult decision you had to make and how it affected you.
• A moment when you felt a deep sense of loss and how you coped with it.
• An experience that challenged your beliefs or worldview.
• A moment when you had to confront your fears and how you overcame them.
• A significant accomplishment or achievement you worked hard for.
• Think about how you felt when you finally bought your own home.  
• A moment when you felt happy and content with your life.

Memoir writing prompts are a powerful tool. It helps you create personal narratives that are engaging, meaningful, and reflective. Remember, there are many more prompts out there. What’s important is that you write freely but truthfully.

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59 Memoir Ideas

On this page you’ll find memoir ideas and topics, along with links to even more memoir writing prompts.

56 Memoir Topics

Which of these have been important in your life?

• being a parent
• your parent
• your grandparent
• a sister or brother
• a sport or game that's been important to you
• a trip you took
• a particular job
• your career
• something you collect
• an unusual talent
• dieting or fitness
• your cultural heritage
• your relationship to nature
• a school you went to
• your college or university
• summer camp
• a disability
• an accident
• an addiction
• the death of someone close to you
• adolescence
• becoming an adult
• a book or movie that changed your life
• a work of art that changed your life
• a teacher or mentor
• an important friendship
• a spiritual or religious experience
• a change in your economic situation
• a decision to change some aspect of your life
• a place where you lived
• a place that was special to you
• a move to a new place
• another major life change
• the effect of war on your life
• another historical event that impacted your life
• a dangerous situation you survived
• something you did to help others
• military service
• something you accomplished
• a topic you research as a hobby
• discrimination you have faced
• someone who was a great inspiration to you
• a mission or quest

Learn how to write a great memoir with our online course.

3 Memoir Prompts

1) What's a song that brings back memories for you? Listen to the song (if you don't have a recording, you can probably find it on Youtube.com), and travel back in your mind to a time that it makes you remember. Spend a few minutes inside that memory, reliving it in as much detail as possible. Then write about that memory, trying to recreate it on the page. 2) Write about a conversation that had an impact on your life. Show the scene where the conversation happened, and try to reconstruct parts of the dialogue word-for-word on the page so that readers can "hear" it first-hand. 3) Look at a photograph of your family. What memories does it bring back? Focus on one of the memories, trying to recall sounds, smells, and other sensations, as well as what things looked like. Then write about it, recreating the scene for the reader. Click here for more 38 more memoir ideas.

Memoir Ideas - Next Steps

• Get more memoir prompts.
• Join our online course on memoir writing.

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21 Memoir Examples to Inspire Your Own

Writing a memoir is a daunting endeavor for any author: how do you condense your entire life story into a mere couple hundred pages? Of course, you'll find plenty of online guides that will help you write a memoir by leading you through the steps. But other times that old adage “ show, don’t tell ” holds true, and it’s most helpful to look at other memoir examples to get started. 

If that’s the case for you, we’ve got you covered with 21 memoir examples to give you an idea of the types of memoirs that have sold well. Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in? 

The autobiographical memoir

The autobiographical memoir — a retelling of one’s life, from beginning to present times — is probably the standard format that jumps to most people’s minds when they think of this genre.

At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward recount of your past. However, don’t be deceived! As you’ll be able to tell from the examples below, this type of memoir shines based on three things: the strength of the author’s story, the strength of the story’s structure, and the strength of the author’s voice.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. The woman who Toni Morrison said “launched African American writing in the United States,” Angelou penned this searing memoir in 1969, which remains a timeless classic today.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Less of a singular memoir than a collection of humorous anecdotes framed around his life as a transplant to Paris, the star of this book is Sedaris’ dry voice and cutting humor.

A Two-Spirit Journey by Ma-Nee Chacaby. Chacaby’s remarkable life — from growing up abused in a remote Ojibwa community to overcoming alcoholism and coming out as a lesbian as an adult — is captured in this must-read autobiography.

The “experience” memoir

One of the most popular memoirs that you’ll find on bookshelves, this type focuses on a specific experience that the author has undergone. Typically, this experience involves a sort of struggle, such as a bitter divorce, illness, or perhaps a clash with addiction. Regardless of the situation, the writer overcomes it to share lessons learned from the ordeal.

In an "experience" memoir, you can generally expect to learn about:

• How the author found themselves facing said experience;
• The obstacles they needed to overcome; and
• What they discovered during (and after) the experience.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. Faced with the prognosis of terminal cancer at the age of thirty-six, Paul Kalanithi wrote an unforgettable memoir that tackles an impossible question: what makes life worth living?

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. An account of drug and alcohol abuse that one reviewer called “the War and Peace of addiction,” this book became the focus of an uproar when it was revealed that many of its incidents were fabricated. (In case you’re wondering, we do not recommend deceiving your readers.)

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen. Adapted in 1999 into a critically acclaimed film starring Angelina Jolie, Girl, Interrupted enduringly recounts the author’s battle with mental illness and her ensuing 18-month stay in an American psychiatric hospital.

The “event” memoir

Similar to the “experience” memoir, the “event” memoir centers on a single significant event in the author’s life. However, while the former might cover a period of years or even decades, the “event” memoir zeroes in on a clearly defined period of time — for instance, a two-month walk in the woods, or a three-week mountain climb, as you’ll see below.

Walden by Henry David Thoreau. In July of 1845, Henry David Thoreau walked into the woods and didn’t come out for two years, two months, and two days. This is the seminal memoir that resulted.

Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer. The controversial account of the 1996 Everest disaster, as written by author-journalist Krakaeur, who was climbing the mountain on the same day that eight climbers were killed.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. Immortalized as one of the classic books about mourning, The Year of Magical Thinking recounts the grief Didion endured the year following the death of her husband.

The “themed” memoir

When you look back on your own timeline, is there a strong theme that defines your life or ties it all together? That’s the premise on which a “themed” memoir is based. In such a memoir, the author provides a retrospective of their past through the lens of one topic.

If you’re looking to write this type of memoir, it goes without saying that you’ll want to find a rock-solid theme to build your entire life story around. Consider asking yourself:

• What’s shaped your life thus far?
• What’s been a constant at every turning point?
• Has a single thing driven all of the decisions that you’ve made?

Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby. Throughout an up-and-down upbringing complete with a debilitating battle with depression, the single consistent thread in this author’s life remained football and Arsenal F.C.

Educated by Tara Westover. If there’s one lesson that we can learn from this remarkable memoir, it’s the importance of education. About a family of religious survivalists in rural Idaho, this memoir relates how the author overcame her upbringing and moved mountains in pursuit of learning.

Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth. Now best known for its BBC adaptation, Worth’s account of her life as a midwife caught people’s imagination with its depiction of life in London’s East End in the 1950s.

The family memoir

In a family memoir, the author is a mirror that re-focuses the light on their family members — ranging from glimpses into the dysfunctional dynamics of a broken family to heartfelt family tributes.

Examples of this type of memoir

Brother, I’m Dying by Edwidge Danticat. A love letter to her family that crosses generations, continents, and cultures, Brother, I’m Dying primarily tells the intertwined stories of two men: Danticat’s father and her uncle.

Native Country of the Heart by Cherrie Moraga. The mother is a self-made woman who grew up picking cotton in California. The daughter, a passionate queer Latina feminist. Weaving the past with the present, this groundbreaking Latinx memoir about a mother-daughter relationship confronts the debilitating consequences of Alzheimer's disease.

The childhood memoir

A subset of the autobiographical memoir, the childhood memoir primarily focuses (spoiler alert!) on the author’s childhood years. Most childhood memoirs cover a range of 5 - 18 years of age, though this can differ depending on the story.

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. The groundbreaking winner of the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography, McCourt’s memoir covers the finer details of his childhood in impoverished Dublin.

Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl. Evoking his schoolboy days in the 1920s and 30s, the stories in this book shed light on themes and motifs that would play heavily in Dahl’s most beloved works: a love for sweets, a mischievous streak, and a distrust of authority figures.

The travel memoir

What happens when you put an author on a plane? Words fly!

Just kidding. While that’s perhaps not literally how the travel memoir subgenre was founded, being on the move certainly has something to do with it. Travel memoirs have been written for as long as people could traverse land — which is to say, a long time — but the modern travel narrative didn’t crystallize until the 1970s with the publication of Paul Theroux’s Great Railway Bazaar and Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagonia .

In a travel memoir, the author isn’t the star of the show: the place is. You can expect to find these elements in a travel memoir:

• A description of the place
• A discussion of the culture and people
• How the author experienced the place and dealt with setbacks during the journey

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Proof that memoirs don’t have to tell catastrophic stories to succeed, this book chronicles Gilbert’s post-divorce travels, inspiring a generation of self-care enthusiasts, and was adapted into a film starring Julia Roberts.

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux. A four-month journey from London to East Asia (and back again) by train, this is the book that helped found the modern travel narrative.

The celebrity memoir

The celebrity memoir is just that: a memoir published by a celebrity. Though many celebrity memoirs are admittedly ghostwritten, the best ones give us an honest and authentic look at the “real person” behind the public figure.

Note that we define “celebrity” broadly here as anyone who is (or has been) in the public spotlight. This includes:

• Political figures
• Sports stars
• Actors and actresses

Paper Lion by George Plimpton. In 1960, the author George Plimpton joined up with the Detroit Lions to see if an ordinary man could play pro football. The answer was no, but his experience in training camp allowed him to tell the first-hand story of a team from inside the locker room.

Troublemaker by Leah Remini. The former star of TV’s The King of Queens tackles the Church of Scientology head-on, detailing her life in (and her decision to leave) the controversial religion.

It’s Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong. This is a great lesson on the way authors often write books to create their own legacy in the way they see fit. As history confirmed, Armstrong’s comeback success wasn’t entirely about the bike at all.

Now that you know what a memoir looks like, it’s time to get out your pen and paper, and write your own memoir ! And if you want even more memoir examples to keep being inspired? We’ve got you covered: here are the 30 best memoirs of the last century .

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How to Write a Memoir Essay

October 12, 2023

What is a Memoir Essay?

A memoir essay is a form of autobiographical writing that focuses on a specific aspect of the author’s life. Unlike a traditional autobiography, which typically covers the author’s entire life, a memoir essay hones in on a particular event, time period, or theme. It is a deeply personal and reflective piece that allows the writer to delve into their memories, thoughts, and emotions surrounding their chosen subject.

In a memoir essay, the author aims to not only recount the events that took place but also provide insight into the impact and meaning of those experiences. It is a unique opportunity for self-discovery and exploration, while also offering readers a glimpse into the author’s world. The beauty of a memoir essay lies in its ability to weave together personal anecdotes, vivid descriptions, and introspective reflections to create a compelling narrative.

Writing a memoir essay can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires careful selection of memories, thoughtful introspection, and skillful storytelling. The process allows the writer to make sense of their past, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and share their unique story with others.

Choosing a Topic for Your Memoir Essay

Selecting the right topic is crucial to write a good memoir essay. It sets the foundation for what you will explore and reveal in your personal narrative. When choosing a topic, it’s essential to reflect on your significant life experiences and consider what stories or themes hold the most meaning for you.

One approach is to think about moments or events that have had a profound impact on your life. Consider times of triumph or adversity, moments of exploration or self-discovery, relationships that have shaped you, or challenges you have overcome. These experiences can provide a rich foundation for your memoir essay.

Another option is to focus on a specific theme or aspect of your life. You might explore topics such as identity, family dynamics, cultural heritage, career milestones, or personal beliefs. By centering your essay around a theme, you can weave together various memories and reflections to create a cohesive narrative.

It’s also important to consider your target audience. Who do you want to connect with through your memoir essay? Understanding your audience’s interests and experiences can help you choose a topic that will resonate with them.

Ultimately, the topic should be one that excites you and allows for introspection and self-discovery. Choose a topic that ignites your passion and offers a story worth sharing.

Possible Memoir Essay Topics

• Childhood Memories
• Family Dynamics
• Life-altering Events
• Overcoming Societal Expectations
• Love and Loss
• Self-discovery and Transformation
• Lessons from Nature
• Journey from Darkness to Light
• Triumphing Over Adversities
• Life’s Defining Moments

Outlining the Structure of Your Memoir Essay

Writing a memoir essay allows you to share your personal experiences, reflections, and insights with others. However, before you start pouring your thoughts onto the page, it’s essential to outline the structure of your essay. This not only provides a clear roadmap for your writing but also helps you maintain a cohesive and engaging narrative.

First, consider the opening. Begin with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader and establishes the theme or central message of your memoir. This is your chance to grab their attention and set the tone for the rest of the essay.

Next, move on to the body paragraphs. Divide your essay into sections that chronologically or thematically explore different aspects of your life or experiences. Use vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and dialogue to bring your memories to life. It’s crucial to maintain a logical flow and transition smoothly between different ideas or events.

As you approach the conclusion, summarize the key points you’ve discussed and reflect on the significance of your experiences. What lessons have you learned? How have you grown or changed as a result? Wrap up your memoir essay by leaving the reader with a memorable takeaway or a thought-provoking question.

Remember, the structure of your memoir essay should support your storytelling and allow for a genuine and authentic exploration of your experiences. By outlining your essay’s structure, you’ll have a solid foundation to create a compelling and impactful memoir that resonates with your readers.

How to Write an Introduction for Your Memoir Essay

The introduction of your memoir essay sets the stage for your story and captivates your readers from the very beginning. It is your opportunity to grab their attention, establish the tone, and introduce the central theme of your memoir.

To create a compelling introduction, consider starting with a hook that intrigues your readers. This can be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid description that immediately draws them in. Your goal is to make them curious and interested in what you have to say.

Next, provide a brief overview of what your memoir essay will explore. Give your readers a glimpse into the key experiences or aspects of your life that you will be sharing. However, avoid giving away too much detail. Leave room for anticipation and curiosity to keep them engaged.

Additionally, consider how you want to establish the tone of your memoir. Will it be reflective, humorous, or nostalgic? Choose your words and phrasing carefully to convey the right emotions and set the right atmosphere for your story.

Finally, end your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should express the central theme or message that your memoir will convey. It serves as a roadmap for your essay and guides your readers in understanding the purpose and significance of your memoir.

By crafting a strong and captivating introduction for your memoir essay, you will draw readers in and make them eager to dive into the rich and personal journey that awaits them.

Write the Main Body of Your Memoir Essay

When developing the main body of your memoir essay, it’s essential to structure your thoughts and experiences in a clear and engaging manner. Here are some tips to help you effectively organize and develop the main body of your essay:

• Chronological Structure: Consider organizing your memoir essay in chronological order, following the sequence of events as they occurred in your life. This allows for a natural flow and a clear timeline that helps readers understand your personal journey.
• Thematic Structure: Alternatively, you can focus on specific themes or lessons that emerged from your experiences. This approach allows for a more focused exploration of different aspects of your life, even if they did not occur in a linear order.
• Use Vivid Details: Use sensory details, descriptive language, and engaging storytelling techniques to bring your memories to life. Transport your readers to the settings, evoke emotions, and create a vivid picture of the events and people in your life.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of simply stating facts, show your readers the experiences through engaging storytelling. Use dialogue, scenes, and anecdotes to make your memoir more dynamic and immersive.
• Reflections and Insights: Share your reflections on the events and experiences in your memoir. Offer deeper insights, lessons learned, and personal growth that came from these moments. Invite readers to reflect on their own lives and connect with your journey.

By organizing your main body in a logical and engaging manner, using vivid details, and offering thoughtful reflections, you can write a compelling memoir essay that captivates your readers and leaves a lasting impact.

Reflecting on Lessons Learned in Your Memoir Essay

One of the powerful aspects of a memoir essay is the opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned from your personal experiences. These reflections provide deeper insights and meaning to your story, leaving a lasting impact on your readers. Here are some tips for effectively reflecting on lessons learned in your memoir essay:

• Summarize Key Points: In the conclusion of your essay, summarize the key events and experiences you have shared throughout your memoir. Briefly remind readers of the significant moments that shaped your journey.
• Identify Core Themes: Reflect on the core themes and messages that emerged from your experiences. What did you learn about resilience, love, identity, or perseverance? Identify the overarching lessons that you want to convey.
• Offer Personal Insights: Share your personal insights and reflections on how these lessons have influenced your life. Were there specific turning points or moments of epiphany? How have these experiences shaped your beliefs, values, or actions?
• Connect to the Reader: Make your reflections relatable to your readers. Explore how the lessons you learned can resonate with their own lives and experiences. This allows them to connect with your story on a deeper level.
• Offer a Call to Action: Encourage readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how the lessons from your memoir can apply to their own journeys. Pose thought-provoking questions or suggest actions they can take to apply these insights.

By reflecting on the lessons learned in your memoir essay, you give your readers a chance to contemplate their own lives and find inspiration in your personal growth. These reflections add depth and impact to your storytelling, making your memoir essay truly memorable.

Crafting a Strong Conclusion for Your Memoir Essay

The conclusion of your memoir essay is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers. It is where you tie together the threads of your story and offer a sense of closure and reflection. Here are some tips to help you craft a strong conclusion for your memoir essay:

• Summarize the Journey: Remind your readers of the key moments and experiences you shared throughout your essay. Briefly summarize the significant events and emotions that shaped your personal journey.
• Revisit the Central Theme: Reiterate the central theme or message of your memoir. Emphasize the lessons learned, personal growth, or insights gained from your experiences. This helps reinforce the purpose and impact of your story.
• Reflect on Transformation: Reflect on how you have transformed as a result of the events and experiences you shared. Share the growth, self-discovery, or newfound perspectives that have shaped your life.
• Leave a Lasting Impression: Use powerful and evocative language to leave a lasting impact on your readers. Craft a memorable phrase or thought that lingers in their minds even after they finish reading your essay.
• Offer a Call to Action or Reflection: Encourage your readers to take action or reflect on their own lives. Pose thought-provoking questions, suggest further exploration, or challenge them to apply the lessons from your memoir to their own experiences.

By crafting a strong conclusion, you ensure that your memoir essay resonates with your readers long after they have finished reading it. It leaves them with a sense of closure, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of personal storytelling.

Editing and Proofreading Your Memoir Essay

Editing and proofreading are crucial steps in the writing process that can greatly enhance the quality and impact of your memoir essay. Here are some tips to help you effectively edit and proofread your work:

• Take a Break: After completing your initial draft, take a break before starting the editing process. This allows you to approach your essay with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
• Review for Structure and Flow: Read through your essay to ensure it has a logical structure and flows smoothly. Check that your paragraphs and sections transition seamlessly, guiding readers through your story.
• Trim and Refine: Eliminate any unnecessary or repetitive information. Trim down long sentences and paragraphs to make your writing concise and impactful. Consider the pacing and ensure that each word contributes to the overall story.
• Check for Clarity and Consistency: Ensure that your ideas and thoughts are expressed clearly. Identify any confusing or vague passages and revise them to improve clarity. Check for consistency in tense, tone, and voice throughout your essay.
• Proofread for Errors: Carefully proofread your essay for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Pay attention to common mistakes such as subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, and punctuation marks. Consider using spell-checking tools or having someone else review your work for an objective perspective.
• Seek Feedback: Share your memoir essay with a trusted friend, family member, or writing partner. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement.

By dedicating time to edit and proofread your memoir essay, you ensure that it is polished, coherent, and error-free. These final touches enhance the reader’s experience and allow your story to shine.

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Home — Essay Types — Memoir Essay

Memoir Essay Examples

Selecting the right topic is the cornerstone of a compelling memoir essay. It's the initial step in crafting a narrative that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impression. The chosen topic serves as the foundation upon which your entire memoir is built, setting the tone and direction for your storytelling journey. To better illustrate this point, let's examine some memoir essay examples in our base of essays.

When you carefully consider your memoir essay topics, you're essentially inviting readers into your world, allowing them to connect with your personal experiences, emotions, and insights. The more relatable the topic, the deeper the connection you can establish with your audience. After all, the power of memoir lies in its ability to evoke empathy and understanding.

To gain a better understanding of this concept, we can turn to some well-known memoirs, such as "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls and "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, as memoir essay examples. "The Glass Castle" revolves around her unconventional upbringing and the struggles of her impoverished family, illustrating how the right topic can engage readers and make a memoir not just a personal narrative but a shared human experience.

Finding Inspiration for Memoir Essay Topics

So, where can you find inspiration for your memoir essay topics? The answer lies in your own life experiences, and there are countless facets to explore.

I. Start by reflecting on significant life events, such as your childhood memories. Think about the moments that shaped you, the adventures that left a lasting impression, and the challenges that forced you to grow. These events often hold the key to compelling memoir essay ideas, as they offer glimpses into your personal journey.

• A Life-Altering Event and Its Profound Impact
• Exploring the Impact of Milestones in Life
• Personal Crisis Leading to Transformation
• Influence of Key Moments on Life's Path
• Lessons from Milestones: Successes and Failures

II. Additionally, consider your milestones and achievements. Successes and accomplishments, both big and small, can be fertile ground for memoirs. Whether it's graduating from college, starting a business, or completing a marathon, these moments represent your growth and perseverance.

• Reflecting on the Marathon: Perseverance and Transformation
• Transitioning from College to the Real World
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Navigating Challenges in Business
• Shaping Character Through Personal Achievement
• Personal Growth Through Accomplishments

Personal challenges and growth experiences also make for engaging topics. Everyone faces adversity at some point in their lives, and sharing how you navigated through these trials can inspire and connect with readers who have undergone similar struggles.

Of course, here are the essay topic examples marked up as a list:

• My Journey Through Personal Challenges and Triumph
• My Most Memorable Experiences in Life
• Navigating Personal Struggles for Personal Growth
• Triumphing Over Life's Obstacles: Stories of Resilience
• Lessons from Adversity: Building Empathy and Connection Through Shared Struggles

Lastly, your career and professional experiences are a goldmine of stories. Share your successes, the challenges you've faced, and the valuable lessons you've learned along the way. Your career journey can offer valuable insights and inspiration to others pursuing their own professional paths.

• Lessons Learned from My Professional Journey
• How Past Experiences Influence Our Present
• Overcoming Challenges and Thriving in My Career
• Shaping Growth Through Career Path and Mentorship
• Inspiring Others with Insights from My Professional Odyssey

By delving into these various aspects of your life, you can uncover memoir topics that are not only deeply personal but also universally relatable, creating a narrative that resonates with readers on a profound level.

A memoir essay, with its vulnerability, introspection, and focus on key life lessons, differs from a standard personal essay or autobiography. Unlike chronological autobiographies, memoir essays thoughtfully reflect on specific meaningful experiences. By candidly revisiting impactful moments, memoir essayists gain self-awareness, find meaning in hardship, preserve family histories, and share life-changing epiphanies. 

Great memoir essays , illustrated by memoir essay examples , balance vivid scenic recreation, raw emotional insights, and universal truths. Evocative sensory details transport readers to pivotal moments, while introspective narration reveals the inner turmoil, growth, and realizations that recollection brings. The most compelling memoirs extract wisdom from lived experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys.

In the process of studying and crafting your memoir essay, it’s crucial to delve deep into understanding and portraying personal experiences with authenticity and emotional depth. By unlocking free profile essay examples , you can gain insights into different approaches to storytelling and character exploration, enriching your memoir with new dimensions and perspectives.

Memoir Essay’s Central Theme 

Identifying your memoir essay’s central theme or message provides focus for both writing and reflection. Set aside time for deep thought about the big life moments you could explore within your memoir essay and what universal insights they hold.

Common memoir themes include overcoming adversity, grief and loss, achievement, parenthood, sexual identity, family dynamics, disillusionment, recovery from trauma or addiction, spiritual awakening, and more. For example, a parent’s memoir may center on personal growth through raising a special needs child. A memoir of grief could find meaning in love and legacy after loss.

Once you land on a specific theme, use it as a touchstone while shaping your memoir’s scenes, tone, and takeaways. Let it guide your writing toward impactful self-revelation.

Memoir Essay’s Structure

An intentional structure connects your memoir’s scenes into a cohesive narrative arc. Chronological organization works well for linear stories, while a braided narrative with interwoven timelines suits winding journeys. 

Some memoirs, as in memoir essay examples for college students, utilize frame narratives that “bookend” the story, like Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette’s childhood recollections in My Mother’s House. Others divide chapters into thematic segments, like cancer survivor Kathy Kamen’s shifting outlooks in The Medicine Wheel.

Play with different structures until you find one that mirrors your narrative’s emotional cadence. Outline essential scenes like epiphanies, darkest moments, turning points, and resolutions to build your blueprint. A strong structure elevates your memoir’s impact.

Memoir Essay’s Voice and Tone

An authentic narrative voice and complementary tone shape how readers connect with your memoir. Your voice should fit the story, while your tone reflects the narrator’s perspective. 

For example, a humorous, ironic tone could capture the absurdities of childhood. A somber, reflective tone may suit a memoir of loss. Word choice profoundly affects tone, so select descriptors deliberately based on the desired mood and emotions.

Beyond tone, stylistic devices like metaphor and imagery convey voice. Is your narrator contemplative? Sarcastic? Lyrics? Fragmented sentences or analytical asides also contribute nuance. Remember your voice makes the memoir uniquely yours.

Bringing Scenes and Characters to Life 

Transport readers right into your memoir’s most pivotal scenes using vivid sensory description. Share sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes that set the scene and make it relatable. Zoom in on resonant images and telling details that reveal deeper meaning and character insight.  

Dialogue and anecdotes also help dramatize events and portray relationships. Let important conversations and interactions unfold naturally to illuminate the interpersonal dynamics, motivations, and emotions at play. Specific, evocative details turn recalled moments into immersive scenes.

Polishing Memoir Essays

Refine your first draft by revisiting your memoir’s central theme and emotional impact. Strengthen the narrative arc and deepen insights through targeted revision:

• Read sections aloud to polish language and flow.  
• Ask trusted readers for constructive feedback.
• Develop motifs and metaphors that underscore themes.
• Enhance scenes with more vivid sensory descriptions. 
• Adjust structure and pacing as needed.
• Clarify the narrative perspective and voice.

Revision is key to crafting a memoir that resonates. It takes raw recollections and molds them into universally relatable experiences suffused with meaning.

Free Memoir Essay Examples

We hope these free memoir essay examples inspire you to embrace the power of storytelling and to celebrate the uniqueness of every life’s narrative. Explore the pages of these memoirs to witness the resilience of the human spirit, the complexities of relationships, and the transformative power of personal reflection. These examples of memoir essays are a testament to the richness of the human experience and the artistry of memoir writing.

College Memoir Essay Examples

These insightful essays provide a glimpse into the diverse and transformative experiences of college life. Explore these stories of growth, challenges, and self-discovery as students share their personal narratives, shedding light on the unique journey that is higher education. Whether you’re a student seeking inspiration or simply curious about the college experience, these essays offer valuable insights and perspectives.

How to Write a Memoir Essays

Tips in memoir essay infographics.

Checklist for Writing a Memoir Essay

• Before You Start

✓ Choose a Specific Topic: select a meaningful and impactful life experience to write about.

✓ Identify Your Message: determine the central theme or message you want to convey through your memoir essay.

✓ Gather Memories: brainstorm and collect memories, details, and emotions related to your chosen experience.

✓ Narrow Your Focus: decide on the specific aspect or moment within your experience that you’ll explore in-depth.

• Structuring Your Memoir Essay

✓ Create a Three-Part Structure: plan for a clear beginning, middle, and end in your essay.

✓ Craft an Engaging Introduction: start with a compelling hook that introduces the topic and grabs the reader’s attention.

✓ Develop the Body: explore your chosen experience in detail, utilizing vivid descriptions, emotions, and reflections.

✓ Conclude Thoughtfully: wrap up your essay by tying together loose ends and leaving readers with something to ponder.

✓ Reflect and Connect: consider the broader implications of your memoir, connecting your personal experience to universal truths or lessons.

• Writing Your Memoir Essay

✓ Write Clearly and Concisely: use clear and concise language to convey your story and message effectively.

✓ Use Sensory Details: incorporate sensory details to bring your experiences to life for the reader.

✓ Be Honest and Authentic: share both strengths and vulnerabilities to make your memoir more relatable and authentic.

✓ Embrace Vulnerability: don’t shy away from sharing your emotions and vulnerabilities, as they add depth to your narrative.

✓ Revise and Edit: carefully revise and edit your work for clarity, coherence, and overall polish.

• Additional Resources

✓ Refer to Memoir Examples for College Students: seek inspiration and guidance from memoir examples tailored to college students’ experiences.

✓ Explore how to start a memoir essay examples: study various ways to begin your memoir essay effectively, drawing from examples.

Using this checklist can help you stay organized and focused while writing your memoir essay, ensuring that you craft a compelling and meaningful narrative.

While delving into the intricacies of writing a memoir essay, it’s essential to embrace the complexities of your narrative, weaving together the threads of your experiences with insight and reflection. However, expanding your understanding of different essay formats can further refine your writing craft. Specifically, by crafting a problem-solution essay , you can develop a keen eye for identifying and articulating challenges within your stories, while also presenting thoughtful, engaging resolutions. This skill not only enhances the depth and structure of your memoir but also equips you with a versatile approach to writing that can be applied across various genres. Engage with this dynamic essay format to enrich your storytelling toolkit and bring a new level of sophistication to your memoir.

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The Significance of Family: A Memoir Paper

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What is a memoir essay?

This type of writing is often mixed up with autobiography essays. However, it is not the same as it represents a first-person narrative that describes a certain part of a person's life. The topics and ideas are always chosen by the author. In terms of comparing a personal essay vs memoir, it is necessary to understand that memoir still keeps to a certain chronology even if describing a single day.

How to write memoir essays?

Even though it is not a fiction story, memoir essay writing still uses various metaphors or literary devices that increase an emotional effect. You can see our memoir essay examples that show how it is done in practice. The structure has a strong temporal effect and an overly emotional tone, which is acceptable for memoir writing. Remember to end your writing with an important argumentation that will make readers think.

How to start writing a memoir essay?

To begin writing a memoir essay, start by identifying a compelling personal story or theme from your life. Reflect on its significance and outline the key moments. Then, create an engaging opening that hooks readers, drawing them into your narrative. Finally, let your story unfold with honesty, reflection, and vivid detail.

How to write a memoir essay structure?

A memoir essay typically follows a chronological or thematic structure. Start with an engaging introduction, introduce the central theme or event, and provide vivid details. Progress through the narrative, building tension or insight. Conclude by reflecting on the significance of your story, offering lessons, or leaving readers with a thought-provoking idea.

How does a memoir essay differ from other types of writing?

Memoir essays differ by their introspective nature, centering on personal experiences and lessons learned. They often incorporate vivid descriptions and emotional depth to engage readers on a personal level.

What are some common themes explored in memoir essays?

Common memoir themes include overcoming adversity, family dynamics, personal growth, grief, identity, and transformative moments. These themes provide a framework for exploring life's complexities.

What is the ultimate goal of a memoir essay?

The primary goal of a memoir essay is to share a personal story while offering universal insights or lessons that resonate with readers. It aims to create a meaningful and reflective narrative.

How much personal detail should I include?

Be judiciously vulnerable. Share telling details that lend insight, but avoid oversharing or exposing others’ privacy. Strive for candid self-revelation in service of the larger theme.

How do I conclude in a meaningful way?

Offer closing reflections on your memoir’s central insights, tying together the theme and narrative arc. Look ahead to the future or revisit where the journey began. End on an uplifting or poignant note.

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Reclaiming Women’s Humanity from Evangelicalism

Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women’s Humanity from Evangelicalism By Liz Cooledge Jenkins Apocryphile

While McCammon’s focus is broad, the next three memoirs zoom in on one of evangelicalism’s chief sins: patriarchy. Liz Cooledge Jenkins notes from the outset of her memoir that her story will not take us to the most glaring instances of patriarchy in the church, those openly misogynistic men’s retreats or oppressive homeschooling movements. Instead, the first half of her book invites us along on her own ministry journey, from a respected “soft complementarian” church to ministry contexts that are explicitly egalitarian. And this is the point: even these ostensibly better churches and ministries employ subtle forms of sexism and gendered subordination. In the second half of the book, Jenkins proposes concrete steps in scripture reading, theological education, and liturgy planning to help dismantle Christian misogyny. A fascinating section on intersectionality analyzes the 2020 vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence. There are some commonalities between Jenkins’s ministry arc and my own: we both ministered to college students, we were both part of liberal minorities in conservative evangelical churches, and we were both fired when we fully affirmed LGBTQ folks. Jenkins’s book, however, functions for me like an inverse of Taylor Swift’s song “The Man”: As hard as my road was, how much worse would it have been if I were a woman?

The Woman They Wanted

Shattering the Illusion of the Good Christian Wife

The Woman They Wanted: Shattering the Illusion of the Good Christian Wife By Shannon Harris Broadleaf Books

Shannon Harris, ex-wife of ’90s purity culture poster boy Joshua Harris, gives us a very different anti-patriarchy memoir. She does not interview experts or prescribe steps for seminaries or churches. She simply tells her painful human story, one micro-essay at a time. Most of the entries—which are often irreverent and very funny—are three pages or less. Together they tell the story of a woman losing her identity under the crushing weight of her church’s expectations—and finding it again by leaving church and pursuing music. The book would have been worth reading even without any variety in approach, but I found in it some delightful surprises. Two essays, for instance, put Harris’s story on pause and simply deliver critiques of typical evangelical readings of the creation account in Genesis 2–3. In addition, scattered throughout the autobiographical essays are incisive observations of evangelicalism, like this one that stopped me in my tracks: “Christian America likes its leaders to be demigods, and they like to play along.” Harris’s book gives me painful insight into the little pocket of hell my wife lived through as an evangelical minister’s wife at the start of our marriage.

A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy

Rift: A Memoir of Breaking Away from Christian Patriarchy By Cait West Eerdmans

The subtitle to Cait West’s debut includes the phrase “breaking away from Christian patriarchy.” It is important to know that this does not refer, as other books on this list do, to the broad patterns of male dominance present in most megachurches. West is instead writing about her escape from a very particular Christian patriarchy movement, which she describes as a cult that cuts across different Protestant traditions. This movement, which is largely underground but does feature some prominent leaders such as Doug Wilson and Voddie Baucham, seeks to shape society around men as dominion-takers for God. And so West grew up in “an environment where [my father] could control every aspect of our lives—my life.” For the home­schooled West, high school graduation didn’t mean a transition to adulthood, just more staying at home and waiting for her father to find her a husband. She includes intriguing segments I can only call geo-poetry: reflections on the ancient movements of the planet, whose plates rift the same way her story does. The arc of this story is not triumphant, as even after her escape West struggles with trauma, OCD, and infertility. In place of triumph is a haunting, beautiful look at healing and resilience.

A Memoir of Doubt

Devout: A Memoir of Doubt By Anna Gazmarian Simon & Schuster

This memoir is unique on this list due to its narrower focus on mental health within evangelical Christian settings. Anna Gazmarian begins the book with a scene in her psychiatrist’s office when she was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2011. The memories her mind flashes back to in this scene set the stage for one of the primary conflicts in the memoir: the inability of fundamentalism, with its toxic positivity and its skepticism toward science, to understand or help people with mental illness. We travel with Gazmarian from that doctor’s office to college, to another college, to falling in love with her now husband, and to her pursuit of writing. Along the way, we learn about Gazmarian’s new medications and fears of side effects right alongside reflections on the relevance of biblical figures like Job and Moses to her journey with faith and bipolar disorder. I love many of the scenes and epiphanies—like when Gazmarian hears a reading of Romans 8:38–39 and for the first time notices chinks in the armor of total depravity and feels like God loves her as she is. Or her realization in a college poetry course that poems have become her prayers and the class is her church .  

Jon Mathieu

Jon Mathieu is the  Century ’s community engagement editor and the founding pastor of Harbor Online Community.

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