Memoir Examples | Learn by Example
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Learn by Example
Memoir examples are the best way to understand the genre. You may not have time to read a full fledged book but you can get your memories flowing by reading short, personal memoir examples like this one that tells you a little about me. Enjoy!
*Preface - This is my recollection of an event from 32 years ago that forever changed me. Can you relate?
Mom had the task of delivering the news to me.
"Well, I can't believe it, but your father will soon be an official member of the U.S. Navy... again" mom said.
My palms were wet, bile rising in my throat. The interior of the roomy, two-toned Dodge suddenly seemed claustrophobic.
Mom gave me a cursory, sidelong glance, then continued, "... and we got his orders today."
Contents at a Glance
Memoir of a Navy Brat
Gilligan's Island?
My throat muscles constrict, fighting the nausea. I knew it going to happen, but chose to play ostrich. I wanted to attend one high school, start to finish. In my adolescent mind, as long as I ignored the possibility, I wouldn't have to deal with it. It made perfect sense to me.
Thoughts, questions and cuss words were swirling in my brain, fighting to be the first out of my mouth. I needed to come up with some sort of coherent response. A response my mom was obviously waiting for. Of course, it needed to convey the time honored, teenage attitude of indifference.
Humor, I can deal with this and still come off 'cool' if I inject a little humor. I pull my bugged out eyes back into their sockets, take a deep breath and say,
"Where are we going - Gilligan's Island?"
People always say:
"Start at the beginning".
Not so.
The beauty of memoir is being able to start at any moment in your life.
"Glad I could oblige"
Mom twists to face me; her mouth gaping open. Then, to my utter horror, she completely dissolves into hysterical laughter. In that moment, my only rational thought was, "Glad I could oblige. "
We're sitting at the stop sign at the end of the road we live on. Thank God we weren't holding up traffic. Mom was taking me to cheerleading practice when she makes this life changing announcement. I sit there, watching and waiting for her to regain her composure and let me in on the gag. Finally, she wipes her tears of laughter, takes a few cleansing breaths and continues her foray into ruining my young world.
"Actually" she says, "you're very close. We'll be stationed on Guam..."
Map of a Memoir...
Where the heck is Guam?
A shiver runs down my back, though the temperature in the car is fine. My mind is racing with the impact of her announcement. For the first time in my life, I'm speechless; no witty comeback, no sassy retort, nothing.
As I gawk at my mom, a hint of recognition is teasing my brain. Then, my junior high geography class comes back, full tilt! An island; it's an island somewhere between Hawaii and Japan. And, if memory serves, a very small island!
Mom, oblivious to my comatose state, carries on with her one sided conversation. She suggests after practice we look up Guam in our well worn set of encyclopedias.
You see, it's October, 1979. No internet, computers or cell phones.
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The End...
or rather, the beginning. A whole book could be written about these 15 months in my life... and maybe it will be.The challenge is to capture in words all the emotions swirling like a whirlpool -- I was scared, sad, angry but at the same time excited, wondered what it would be like, how my life would change.
How did I feel about -- saying goodbye to family and friends, the 43 1/2 hour trip from Seattle to Guam, my first impressions of my new island home and so much more. This is all material for a book, if I so choose.
I bet you have experiences, emotions and situations that would make a wonderful book, article or history for your family.
We all have a lifetime of stories.
Which one of yours wants
to be told first?
What About You?
Would you consider writing about your life experiences? (a book, article or essay)
For sure, I have lots of stories to tell!
drbilltellsexcitingstories says:
Absolutely. And you have inspired me to take the next steps! ;-)
CountrySunshine says:
I have thought about it quite often, but have never known where to start. I like the idea you have here, of just starting at any point in my life. Thanks for the tips!
Gala98 says:
I've been told I have lots of stories & I've already shared a few in my lenses. I write from what I know so yes, I guess I could do a deeper telling of some events.
Serenia says:
Yes. Like you I was also dragged off to a foreign country when I was 12 years old - but I was away for 3 years. Hated every minute of it. .
lollyj says:
Yes, I considered writing about my life and did in several books.
Irenemaria says:
I did - irenemarias story lens
fantasticallyfictional says:
I wouldn't rule it out but I think experience is key.
Yawapi says:
I've collected reams of stories from older relatives. I love turning those memories into stories (with permission of course!)
rlivermore says:
I'd like to do something like this someday, for sure!
Wednesday_Elf says:
I think I'm beginning to share some 'life experiences' here on Squidoo in small articles (lenses). Hopefully, my (grown) children will find this a nice way to 'remember' some special and/or interesting times we all carry in our memories.
No way. I'm too shy or don't think my stories are interesting.
jwncoexists says:
I don't think so, but never say never!
Research for your memoir
"If you were to write an autobiography, you would have to spend a lot of time at the courthouse, looking up the date your great-grandfather was born, what year your father bought the house on Elm Street. The research for a memoir can be done in an easy chair. Close your eyes..."
Sit back in your easy chair and close your eyes. Think back in time. What specific experience from your life comes to mind...
Your first date?
Your high school graduation?
The kindly neighbor lady that fed you homemade cookies and milk?
The time you were almost fired from your job?
It's not hard. Allow your mind to wander and follow the movie in your mind.
Memoir Books to help you along...
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Auntie-M
Mar 27, 2012 @ 1:06 pm | delete
- The great thing about memoirs is that, while my own life may not be that exciting, the places I sometimes visit really are.
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drbilltellsexcitingstories
Mar 27, 2012 @ 10:53 am | delete
- Thanks for sharing. I'll want to come back to this lens! ;-)
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CountrySunshine
Mar 27, 2012 @ 8:07 am | delete
- The majority of articles I have written so far are personal stories. I see how I could eventually put them all together for a memoir. I love the way you bring the reader in with your words. It makes me want to know more about your trip!
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jwncoexists
Sep 30, 2011 @ 12:10 am | delete
- I loved this lens, and am dying to know more about Guam!!! I completely understand why your mom laughed at the Gilligan's island comment!
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lollyj
Jun 12, 2011 @ 11:15 am | delete
- Loved the lens. Very intriguing and made me want to know more about you, which is one indication of a well-written memoir.
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Who is Mandee?
I write "Memoir Prompts" every Monday at Extreme Writing Now. It's open to writers of all genres and we'd love to have you!
More from Mandee...
Memoir Examples
Learn by Example
by DecoratingforEvents
I am passionate about writing memoir -- and memoir examples is the best way to learn! Join me on a short trip through my past. It may jump start your memories!
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Your Life as Story
by Tristan Rainer
Your Life as Story
Amazon Price: $7.34 (as of 06/03/2012)
For me, this is an essential reference book for anyone wanting to write memoir. Whether a book, family history or essays/journaling, Ms. Rainer's book will guide you on this path to discovery of yourself!
Writing Your Life - Putting Your Past on Paper
by Lou Willett Stanek
Writing Your Life: Putting Your Past on Paper
Amazon Price: $3.15 (as of 06/03/2012)
Another essential tool in the arsenal of a memoir writer. My copy is dogeared and coffee stained but beloved. When I reach a stand still, Ms. Stanek's prompts always get me back on track.
