When I started mapping out my memoir outline, one of the first things I had to get my head around was the importance of a theme, and the difference between my theme and my story.
Story
The story within your memoir is simple:
- You want something
- Something gets in the way
- What happens at the end
What gives your story depth is the character arc, which is how you’re changed by your realizations. In order for a memoir to be good, it can’t just be a continual stream of actions and events, it has to reveal how your journey impacted you—emotionally.
| Somebody | Wanted | But | So |
| Me | to quit our jobs and travel | my other half didn’t want to leave | I gave him an ultimatum, come or I’ll go by myself |
Theme
My theme theme answers the question, “What is this story about?”
Depending on the scenes and chapters I use in my book, and the slant I want to give it, my memoir could be about FEAR, LOVE, or RESPONSIBILITY.
I can take my memoir in multiple directions, but whichever route I take my story has to have a character arc around this universal theme. As soon as I incorporate that into my story, it creates a memoir with a broad appeal.
My life, as it is, will only appeal to me. But by incorporating a universal theme, and developing a character arc, it’ll impacts behaviors, decisions, and emotions other people can relate to.
Think of small, self-contained incidents that are vivid in your memory. If you still remember those incidents, it is because they contain a universal truth. There’s your theme.
William Zinsser, How to Write a Memoir
Universal Themes
I’ve started a list of Universal Themes, and included links to other sources to give you food for thought:
- ACCEPTANCE: of yourself or your situation
- BETRAYAL: by yourself or others
- FORGIVENESS: of yourself or others
- FEAR: acknowledging the source and finding the courage to conquer it
- LOVE: loving yourself or others
- RESPONSIBILITY: meeting your responsibilities, standing up for a cause, doing what you know you need to do
- TRUST: in oneself, in others, in the unknown
Here’s a couple more websites that have a list of themes:
- http://madelinesharples.com/archives/5559
- https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2009/11/list-of-universal-themes-in-memoir.html
If you’re on the same path, and want to write your memoir and are looking for some inspiration (or can provide some inspiration), please join in the conversation in the comments section below and lets get our memoirs written.
| Theme | Characters | Plot |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
Yes, I’m writing a memoir–my first. I’ve done lots of short essays on my life story. But the theme for memoir is pursuing a dream and making it come true. Hmmm…is that too wordy for a theme?? Your site has a lot of valuable information for memoir writers. Thanks for sharing.
JQ Rose