Writing a Memoir or Autobiography

Newell G. Bringhurst gave us some great insight about crafting an autobiography or memoir. He said that both words were used interchangeably about book written about one's own life. Generally an autobiography is written in chronological order and written in first person.

Memoir is written by the author and is more a kind of remembrance, certain aspects of his or her life--an emotional experience that stand out. It will contain some autobiographical elements..

Bringhurst feels that all biographies and even fiction, contain some relationship to the author's life.
He used biographies he wrote as examples:
Brigham Young, Fawn McKay Brodie, and The Mormon Quest for the Presidency.

He's told bits and pieces of his life story through essays.

He recommended reading autobiographies including the following:
Narrative of Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver, and also the Memoir--Hillbilly by Vance.

He suggested the following book for directions:

Breathe Life into Your Life Story by Dawn and Morris Thurston. Some of the suggestions contained in it:

• Show a vivid picture for the reader to see, hear and smell what you're describing.
• Avoid expository writing.
• Zoom in on a specific dramatic incident from your past--sad, healing, poignant, etc.
• Use dialogue. Recall conversations, take literary license.
• Use dramatic tension to move the story along. Write it like fiction.

Ways to jog your memory:

• Draw a floor plan of your home.
• Draw a map of your home town
• List 5-10 life changing events, turning points
• Radio and TVE programs you enjoyed

As a group we discussed local writers who have written memoirs and autobiographies. 

CRAFTING ONES AUTOBIOGRAPHY OR MEMOIR

“Crafting Ones Autobiography or Memoir”

20 May 2017 Presentation to Tulare Kings Writers from 10 -12.

Visalia Library, Oak Street, Blue Room (upstairs)

by Newell G. Bringhurst*

 My presentation will focus on the process of composing one’s life story, be it an autobiography or memoir. My presentation will be divided into three main sections:  First, I will briefly describe my own fascination with the genre of autobiography/memoir—both from my own reading  of life stories written by accomplished authors, of note;  but also from the perspective of my own feeble efforts to relate my own life story—as inconsequential as that may seem. 

Secondly, I will offer suggestions/guidelines on the best way to undertake the challenging task of  describing one’s life experiences. Finally, time will be left for members of the audience to “brainstorm” concerning the craft and challenges of crafting their own readable autobiography/memoir.

*Newell G. Bringhurst is a retired professor of history and Political Science from College of the Sequoias, where he taught for 25 years.  He is the author/editor of  thirteen books, exploring various aspects of American history of race, religion, politics, and Tulare County history.