Did you know that even if you are writing memoir, you can bring it to life using creative writing techniques and that this is called auto-fiction? I’ve just started on a creative non-fiction course on how to write compelling memoir, so wanted to share what I’ve learned so far, especially useful if you are a first-time writer like me.

1. Voice-Led Beginning. A strong, engaging voice will pull readers into your memoir from the first sentence. Start with a scene or moment that introduces the reader to your unique voice and perspective. This opening should not only set the tone for the memoir but also give readers a sense of the your personality, values, maybe your worldview. For example, you could start with an in-the-moment scene, some dialogue, or an introspective reflection that hints at the central theme.

2. Show Don’t Tell. In memoir, it’s vital to show more than you tell. I covered this in detail in an earlier post SHOW DON’T TELL but in summary instead of telling the reader how you feel, show the scenes through emotions and experiences. Creating textures, adding layers through actions, dialogue, and sensory details will allow the reader to experience the character's emotions directly, allowing them to be fully immersed in the scene.

Using a concrete example where a character feels nervous before a job interview, if you simply told the reader ‘she was nervous’ that isn’t very interesting and doesn’t take the reader on the journey with you. Showing it however could read like this, ‘she tugged at the hem of her blazer for the third time, glancing at the clock on the wall. Her throat felt dry, and she shifted in her seat, crossing and uncrossing her legs. The receptionist’s keyboard clicks seemed unnaturally loud in the silence.’ Here the reader is right there, experiencing the scene you have so carefully laid out for them.

3. Slanting Detail. Slanting detail wasn’t a term I’d come across before and while it is closely related to show-don’t-tell, it is a tool used within the show-don’t-tell method. Slanting detail is more subtle and involves choosing specific, telling details that suggest an emotion or idea. Where by selecting certain details and omitting others, you guide the reader to interpret the emotion without fully showing everything.

In the same scenario using this technique, it may read,  ‘she noticed a tiny fray at the edge of her cuff and picked at it absently. The clock’s minute hand had barely moved, but the receptionist’s pen scratched steadily across a clipboard, one slow stroke after another.’ Here I’m not directly focusing on the character’s internal state but hinting at it.

Both these techniques and tools will help bring your story to life, so pay close attention to the world around you; gestures; tone of voice; facial expressions. You’ll never know when it’ll come in handy.

4. Deciding What to Leave Out. Not every event or detail deserves a place in your memoir, in your story. It’s important to decide what serves the narrative and what doesn’t. Ask yourself:

   - Does this detail or scene advance the story or theme?

   - Does it reveal something important about a character (you or others)?

   - Is it central to the conflict or transformation?

If it doesn’t add value, leave it out. Focus on moments that build emotional depth and momentum.

5. Narrative Arc: Protagonist vs. Antagonist. Even in memoir, you should use a narrative arc to give the story structure and shape. Consider yourself the protagonist and any obstacles or adversaries as the antagonists.

   - What is your journey? How do you evolve from the beginning to the end of the story?

   - What challenges do you face, both external and internal? How do these challenges force change or growth?

   - While memoir is based on real life, it can still follow classic story structures with conflict, tension, and resolution.

All these techniques can transform and bring your story to life by creating a rich, engaging story that resonates emotionally with readers. By weaving in slanting details, focusing on showing rather than telling, curating your content, and shaping your narrative arc, you can take your readers on a journey as if they are right there with you. I hope this has been helpful. I would love to hear from you, please do say hi.

Until next time, love the process and enjoy the ride.

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