When we dive into the depths of Google searching for memoir answers, it often feels like we emerge with more questions than we started with. Lately, one question that keeps cropping up is about the different types of memoirs. It’s no wonder why – a quick Google search yields lists ranging from four to twenty (or more!) types of memoirs. So today, I want to offer you a clear and concise overview of the essential types of memoirs you should know about to make the best choices for yourself and your book.
Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding the Maze of Memoir Classification
Before delving into the various types of memoirs, let’s address why there’s such a plethora of listicles out there enumerating different types. Why is there such a lack of consensus on the definition of basic subgenres? Well, the answer lies in how these genres are coined. Often, new genres are born from the perspective of the author, but the terminology is formalized by academics.
Now, there’s immense value in academic scrutiny, as it uncovers nuances and complexities within literary culture. This meticulous examination serves as a form of historical documentation, capturing the zeitgeist of literary trends. However, for authors embarking on the journey of memoir writing, this level of detail can be overwhelming. What you truly need is clarity, not further intricacy and confusion.
So, in this article, I aim to provide you with a simple breakdown of the different types of memoirs, free from unnecessary complexity.
The Five Essential Types of Memoirs
- Hybrid Memoir
The hybrid memoir is just as it sounds. It blends a personal story from your life, focusing on a specific experience rather than your entire life story, with elements from another genre.
One example of a hybrid memoir we often work on at Page and Podium is the Leadership hybrid memoir. In these memoirs, authors share their journey of leadership in various areas like their community, church, or workplace. Our role is to ensure these narratives are not only engaging but also filled with valuable advice. You might also hear these referred to as leadership memoirs.
Other examples include nutrition book memoir hybrids and self-help memoir hybrids. If you’re blending personal stories with teachings or lessons for others, a hybrid approach can be ideal. It seamlessly incorporates vivid storytelling with insightful ideas, making it a favorite among readers.
2. Legacy Memoir
A fantastic example of a legacy memoir is “Oil Man.” These memoirs are crafted with the intention of preserving personal stories for one’s family. Don’t let anyone convince you that these narratives are insignificant because they hold immense value.
I’ll share a touching experience with you. When we published “Oil Man” shortly after Walter, the author, passed away, his family expressed profound gratitude. Losing someone often triggers a natural yearning to learn more about their life, especially with grandparents or great-grandparents. Personally, I didn’t have the opportunity to grow up with grandparents, and their absence left me longing for their stories. If they had penned a legacy memoir, it would have been a treasure trove of memories for me.
Legacy memoirs have no strict guidelines. Authors have the freedom to craft them in any way they see fit. Whether it’s capturing moments from birth to the present or weaving together various life events, the author dictates the narrative. Ultimately, the primary audience for a legacy memoir is the author’s family, ensuring that these personal stories endure for generations to come.
3. Portrait Memoir
I find portrait memoirs particularly fascinating because they offer a unique perspective on storytelling. Typically, when we think of memoirs, we imagine authors recounting their own experiences and personal growth. However, with a portrait memoir, the author shifts the spotlight onto someone else, narrating a story through their own lens.
These memoirs often revolve around relationships like father-son, mother-daughter, or any other dynamic, irrespective of gender. The author reflects on their interactions with individuals such as parents, grandparents, aunts, or even business mentors, capturing their essence through the author’s own experiences.
Unlike traditional memoirs focused on personal growth, the primary aim of a portrait memoir is to celebrate and reflect upon the life of another person. While the author’s growth may still play a role, the main focus is on honoring the subject’s journey, exploring their actions, and delving into the profound impact they’ve had on the author’s life. Essentially, a portrait memoir serves as a heartfelt tribute, painting a vivid picture of another individual through the author’s narrative brushstrokes.
4. Braided Memoir
Imagine your life as a rich tapestry woven from multiple threads of experiences and stories. That’s precisely what a braided memoir encapsulates. Similar to the portrait memoir, this genre intertwines various narratives to create a cohesive and intricate tapestry of memories.
Unlike its counterpart, where another individual takes center stage, the braided memoir places equal emphasis on both the author and the subject matter. It’s a delicate dance of intertwining personal stories with broader themes or multiple timelines.
For instance, envision crafting a memoir about your family’s journey of immigration to the US. Perhaps you wish to delve into the challenges they faced and the triumphs they celebrated while building their new lives. In a braided memoir, you could seamlessly blend your ancestors’ experiences, captured through diary entries or oral histories, with your own reflections and observations.
At Page and Podium, we specialize in helping clients weave together these diverse narratives. We might intertwine the tales of your great-great-grandmother’s love for her children with your own experiences, drawing parallels that reveal shared values and legacies. Alternatively, we could explore different stages of your life, threading together moments of growth and transformation to create a cohesive narrative.
The beauty of a braided memoir lies in its versatility. Whether drawing connections between generations or exploring thematic parallels, this approach offers a captivating way to tell your story. It’s a tapestry where individual threads merge to form a vibrant and deeply meaningful narrative.
5. Celebrity Memoir
Ever wondered what lies behind the glitz and glamour of celebrity life? A celebrity memoir offers a captivating glimpse into the personal journeys of our favorite stars. But what sets these memoirs apart?
Well, a celebrity memoir can encompass any of the previously mentioned memoir types but with a star-studded twist. It’s like getting an exclusive backstage pass to the lives of the rich and famous. Readers are eager for the juicy details, craving an insider’s perspective on fame and fortune.
Yet, amidst the allure of celebrity gossip, what truly resonates with readers are the valuable lessons embedded within these memoirs. Take, for example, the incomparable Michelle Obama, whose memoir not only offers a peek behind the curtain but also imparts profound wisdom and universal truths. While some celebrity memoirs may simply serve up sensationalism, others, like Obama’s, transcend the superficial, delving into themes that resonate with readers from all walks of life.
Now, it’s important to note that not all celebrity memoirs are created equal. While some may offer profound insights, others may rely solely on shock value to captivate audiences. The truth is, celebrities often have the freedom to bend the rules of traditional memoir writing, leveraging their fame to engage readers in ways that ordinary authors cannot.
And that’s precisely why the celebrity memoir deserves its own spotlight on this list. It’s a genre where storytelling meets stardom, where readers eagerly devour every word in pursuit of both entertainment and enlightenment.
Let’s explore two types of memoirs that often go unlisted:
- Memoir That Reads Like Fiction:
This is perhaps the most common type of memoir that authors approach us at Page and Podium to write. They seek captivating story arcs, vivid details, and scenes that transport readers into their experiences. While crafting a memoir that reads like fiction is a specialty of ours, it’s important to note that desiring this style doesn’t dictate the specific type of memoir you’re writing. Any memoir can adopt a fictional narrative style.
2. Memoir That Helps You Achieve a Specific Goal:
For authors aiming to achieve a particular objective with their memoir, we offer a dedicated quiz on our website. This quiz helps clarify the underlying purpose of your memoir-writing journey. Whether you aspire to inspire, advocate, or educate, our quiz provides valuable insights. For instance, if you’re considering blowing the whistle on certain issues, we offer guidance (though not legal advice) on potential challenges and precautions to consider, advising you to consult with a legal expert.
These two types of memoirs, focused on achieving specific goals and those that emulate fiction, aren’t necessarily subgenres. Instead, they represent descriptions of the kind of book many authors aspire to write.
Making Memoir Writing Easier
While the prospect of chronicling your life story may seem daunting, fear not! We’ve got your back.
Introducing the Memoir Method Checklist – your ultimate companion on this literary adventure. Crafted by our dedicated team, this invaluable resource is here to streamline the writing process, making it not only manageable but downright enjoyable.
From the initial spark of inspiration to the triumphant moment of holding your published book in your hands, our checklist has you covered every step of the way. We’ve mapped out a clear timeline, providing guidance and support at every turn.
And the best part? It’s completely free! Simply head over to pageandpodium.com/checklist to download your copy today.
But wait, there’s more! Once you’ve had a chance to dive into the checklist, we’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, your progress, and your triumphs with us. Your journey is our inspiration, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you every step of the way.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s make writing your memoir a breeze!
Final Thoughts
I hope this overview has shed some light on the diverse landscape of memoir writing. Remember, everyone has a story to tell, and your experiences are unique and valuable, no matter how ordinary they may seem.
I’ve shared these insights based on my experience working with clients, individuals just like you, who are eager to share their personal journeys with the world. These are the memoir types that have proven to resonate most deeply with them.
If any of these memoir types have piqued your interest, or if you’d like to delve deeper into any aspect of memoir writing, I’m here to help. Your feedback and questions are invaluable to me, and I’m constantly seeking new ideas to enhance our community’s experience.
So, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you leave a comment here or reply to our newsletter, I’m eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Together, let’s continue to explore the rich tapestry of memoir writing and unleash the power of storytelling.
