Autobiography

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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoir vs. Autobiography: Understanding the Key Differences</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Both <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-memoir-ideas-to-jumpstart-your-life-story/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">memoirs</a> and <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-an-autobiography/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">autobiographies</a> are forms of non-fiction writing that tell the story of someone's life. However, while these two genres are similar in many ways, some significant differences set them apart.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In this article, we'll explore the differences between a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/16-reasons-to-write-your-memoir/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">memoir</a> and an autobiography and help you understand which format might be best for your life story!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 1: Definition of Memoir and Autobiography</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">The first and most obvious difference between a memoir and an autobiography is their definition. A memoir is autobiographical writing that focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life rather than covering their entire life from birth to the present. On the other hand, an autobiography is a comprehensive account of a person's life from start to finish.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 2: Scope and Focus</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">As mentioned, a memoir focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life. This could be a particular event, relationship, or challenge that significantly impacted the person and helped to shape who they are today. In contrast, an autobiography aims to provide a thorough account of a person's life, covering everything from childhood to the present.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 3: Perspective</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Another critical difference between memoir and autobiography is the perspective from which the story is told. In a memoir, the author is typically the main character and the story is told from the first-person point of view. This allows the author to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences more personally and authentically.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the author may also tell their story from a first-person perspective, but it is common for them to take a more objective, third-person approach. This way, the author steps back and provides a broader view of their life and the events that shaped it.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 4: Purpose</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoirs and autobiographies inspire or inform others, share lessons learned, or provide a compelling and engaging story. While both genres tell a person's life story, memoirs are often more focused on entertainment and personal growth.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Autobiographies may be written for a broader audience to establish the author's place in history, provide insight into a particular period or cultural context, or serve as a record of a person's life and achievements.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 5: Time Frame</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">A memoir typically focuses on a specific period or theme in a person's life, while an autobiography covers their entire life from birth to the present. As a result, memoirs are often more tightly focused and cover a shorter time frame. At the same time, autobiographies tend to be more sprawling and cover a broader range of events and experiences.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 6: Writing Style</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">While both genres are non-fiction, the style of writing varies significantly. In a memoir, the author has more freedom to experiment with style and structure and can use literary techniques such as dialogue, scene-setting, and characterization to bring their story to life.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Author <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/365-you-have-to-write-the-book-that-wants-to-be" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">Madeleine L'Engle</a> once said, "You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book is too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the writing style tends to be more straightforward and factual, with less emphasis on literary flourishes. Autobiographers often strive for a clear, objective tone that accounts for their life.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 7: Audience</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Memoirs are often written for a general audience and may appeal to anyone interested in the author's story or the themes they explore. Depending on the style and content, they may be marketed as self-help books, memoirs, or even novels.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In contrast, autobiographies are often written for a more specific audience, such as historians, researchers, or fans of the author's work. Autobiographers may focus more on documenting their life and achievements than crafting an engaging narrative.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 8: Authenticity</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Both memoirs and autobiographies aim to provide an authentic account of a person's life, but how this authenticity is achieved varies. In a memoir, the author may take creative liberties with the events or characters to tell a more compelling story. However, the overall tone and themes should still be grounded in reality.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the focus is often on providing an accurate, factual account of the author's life. Autobiographers may use primary sources such as diaries, letters, and photographs to ensure their account is as real as possible.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 9: Tone</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In a memoir, the author's voice and personality are often front and center, and the tone may range from humorous to severe, depending on the subject matter. The tone may also change throughout the book, reflecting the author's emotional journey.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">In an autobiography, the tone is often more consistent and may be more objective or academic. The author may adopt a more distant or detached tone to provide a broader view of their life and achievements.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Difference 10: Legacy</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Finally, both memoirs and autobiographies have a lasting impact on a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/how-to-write-your-legacy-story/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">person's legacy</a>. By sharing their story, authors can inspire and educate others and leave a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/post/4-reasons-to-record-your-life/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">record of their life</a> and achievements for future generations.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">While memoirs and autobiographies are forms of non-fiction writing that tell the story of a person's life, they differ in significant ways. Memoirs focus on a specific period or theme and are often more personal and literary in style. At the same time, autobiographies provide a complete account of a person's life and are often more objective and factual. Understanding the differences between these two genres will help aspiring writers choose the format best suited to their own life stories.</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Write your Memoir or Autobiography on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7">Whether you write a memoir or autobiography or simply want to record your valuable life stories, the most important thing is to start capturing and sharing those memories. Your life is too important to be lost to time - it deserves to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9b25dcf5-7fff-6b2f-839a-fd94fc091fa7"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">My Stories Matter</a> is incredibly helpful when writing your memoir or autobiography. We provide an easy and accessible way to record your stories and memories, allowing you to create a digital asset for generations. You can chronicle your life to make writing a memoir or autobiography much easier! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Memoir and an Autobiography" type="Memoir and an Autobiography">Sign up</a> for free today.</b></p>


10 Differences Between a Memoir and an Autobiography

<h1>How to Write an Autobiography </h1>
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<p>Autobiographies are the most powerful thing you can write about yourself due to their unmatched intimacy. The reader is getting a firsthand account of your life. </p>
<p>Autobiographies are particularly popular with readers as they provide valuable lessons on life and exciting solutions to how people have overcome unique problems. </p>
<p>There is always an autobiography trending these days, such as Matthew McConaughey’s “Greenlights.” Some even shake the world, such as “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” or Anne Frank’s “Diary of a Young Girl.” </p>
<p>Stories are meant to be passed down through generations. They intend to preserve family histories. So if you want to pass down your legacy, you’ve come to the right place. </p>
<p>See our six tips on how to write the best autobiography. </p>
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<h1>Identify Your Audience </h1>
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	Every writer has a target audience. What type of readers will benefit from your story? What do you want to convey to them? 
<p>Start by writing out the significant events of your life you want to include. For example, what experience most shaped you into who you are today? What have you learned? This will reveal your story. </p>
<p>Choose a central theme for your story.</p>
<p>It can be:  </p>
<p>• The childhood story</p>
<p>• Coming of age story</p>
<p>• The falling in love story</p>
<p>A story of grief, conflict, or identity. </p>
<p>The story you tell will influence who your target audience is. Often, the theme of a story is a message about life. For example, why the author (you) wrote the story and what message you want to share with your readers.  </p>
<h1>Gain Inspiration from Others </h1>
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<p>Who is your role model? </p>
<p>Some examples of famous autobiographies include: </p>
<p>• “Agatha Christie: An Autobiography” by Agatha Christie </p>
<p>• “Mark Twain’s Own Autobiography” by Mark Twain</p>
<p>• “Chronicles: Volume 1” by Bob Dylan  </p>
<p>• “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah </p>
<p>• “Bossypants” by Tina Fey</p>
<p>Thinking about your autobiography may make you feel overwhelmed and lost. The best thing to do is gain outside inspiration and read an autobiography of someone who interests you. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="Write Autobiography on My Stories Matter">My Stories Matter</a> is a great place to start writing your autobiography. If you experience writer’s block, parse through memories and feelings other people share on <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="Write an Autobiography on My Stories Matter">My Stories Matter</a> every day. When writing about a particular story or event, you can invite people who were there to collaborate and fill in the gaps. Inspiration is something you must actively seek. “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it” (<a href="https://due.com/blog/jonathan-winters-swim-out-to-meet-it/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIf%20your%20ship%20doesn%27t,swim%20out%20to%20meet%20it!%E2%80%9D&amp;text=Winters%20reminds%20us%20of%20the,than%20taking%20control%20of%20it." title="Jonathan Winters on Inspiration ">Jonathan Winters</a>). </p>
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<h1>Create Your Timeline </h1>
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	Once you’ve identified your audience and read your role model’s work, it’s time to create a timeline for your autobiography! 
<p>To do this, list all the important events that happened to you. This is considered the “research” and “brainstorming” phase. What was your adolescence like? Your time at college? Career? A profound, life-altering moment?</p>
<p>Browsing the Timeline feature in <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="My Stories Matter's Timeline Feature">My Stories Matter</a>, you can see your memories and life events organized in an intuitive chronological feed. You can focus on writing and reminiscing while your memories are automatically categorized for easy viewing.</p>
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<h1>Get Everything Out! </h1>
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<p>Write first, revise later. First drafts are always messy but crucial. Don’t worry about length, flow, etc. It’s also important not to feel self-conscious writing first drafts. The first draft is only for your eyes. The more you write, the better your writing will be. </p>
<p>Try <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juEeUg0groU" title="Try Free Association writing when writing your autobiography">Free Association</a> writing if you’re stumped on ideas or feel self-conscious. Devised by Sigmund Freud, this method gets all of your thoughts out on paper without thinking about what you’re writing. </p>
<p>Much like <a href="https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/500-prompts-for-narrative-and-personal-writing/" title="New York Times' prompts ">The New York Times’ advice</a>, <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="My Stories Matter's prompts help write an autobiography">My Stories Matter</a>’s prompts will get you started and help you write an unforgettable autobiography. You’ll better recall memories with ease. </p>
<h1> </h1>
<h1>Edit, Edit, Edit! </h1>
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<p>Once you have the first draft, it’s time to revise your work! Spelling <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-021-09611-y" title="Spelling matters ">matters</a>. Poor grammar and sentence structure could easily dissuade your readers and damage your credibility. </p>
<p>One study found that 7 in 10 adults, or 71%, <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/four-out-of-five-adults-consider-themselves-to-be-good-spellers-yet-large-majority-often-find-spelling-mistakes-from-others-300130935.html" title="Spelling mistakes are common ">frequently find spelling mistakes</a> others make. When proofreading our work, we <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23931599/" title="We don't see our typos when writing ">don’t see our typos</a> because what we see on the screen competes with the version in our heads. Therefore, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23931599/" title="Make your autobiography unfamiliar font">research</a> urges you to make your work as unfamiliar as possible, such as changing the font or background color to better catch typos. </p>
<p>Good grammar will keep your audience interested in your autobiography. Thankfully, many tools and resources help, such as <a href="https://app.grammarly.com/" title="Use Grammarly for autobiography">Grammarly </a>or <a href="https://www.gingersoftware.com/grammarcheck" title="Use Ginger for your autobiography">Ginger.</a> You can hire a professional editor or even have a trusted friend or family member check your work. </p>
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<h1>Get Feedback </h1>
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<p>Many famous historical figures had a second pair of eyes looking over and collaborating on their autobiographies, such as Andrew Mortain in Princess Diana’s groundbreaking “Diana: Her True Story - in Her Own Words” or Alex Haley in Malcolm X’s “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” </p>
<p>Reading too long on your screen drains you mentally, making <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563204000202" title="Reading too long makes it harder to remember">it harder to remember</a> what you read once you’re done. It’s vital to have a second pair of eyes reading through your autobiography, pinpointing spelling or content flaws.</p>
<p>Feedback adds perspective to your autobiography. </p>
<p> </p>
<h1>Write Your Autobiography on My Stories Matter<a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Write your autobiography on My Stories Matter"> </a></h1>
<p>Your life has something to offer this world, someone to inspire. Many people will relate to your experiences. As Stephen King <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/82850-a-little-talent-is-a-good-thing-to-have-if%23:~:text%3DQuotes%2520%253E%2520Quotable%2520Quote-,%25E2%2580%259CA%2520little%2520talent%2520is%2520a%2520good%2520thing%2520to%2520have%2520if,ability%2520to%2520remember%2520every%2520scar.%25E2%2580%259D&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1648597324724665&amp;usg=AOvVaw36yAxH7n3mcokUdv-EBu5p" title="Stephen King on talent ">states</a>: “A little talent is a good thing to have if you want to be a writer. But the only real requirement is the ability to remember every scar.” </p>
<p>Not sure where to write your autobiography? Try <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog" title="Write your autobiography on My Stories Matter">My Stories Matter</a>, a safe, effective way to begin recording your life story.</p>
