The 3 I’s of Memoir

Memoir is a three-I’d monster. But don’t worry, it’s a friendly one. Keeping in mind these three keys to writing memoir will ensure your story shines!

Image by expresswriters from Pixabay

Illustrate

This is the probably the most obvious of the three I’s. Your primary job as a memoir writer is simply to tell your story. Think of it like illustrating a picture: for the readers to see your picture (story) clearly, you need to paint the background, foreground, and all the elements in between. Choose details that illustrate the most important aspects of your story so the reader’s “eye” is drawn to what is most meaningful. When written well, your story will be an illustration of your universal message, which leads us to the next I… 

Illuminate

Within the broader context of your story, you want to illuminate a particular aspect. In my work with clients, I call this the “universal message.” You could also call it a takeaway, an argument, or a universal theme or truth. The way you structure and tell your story should shine a light on this message. Otherwise, you’re just telling an anecdote. The most impactful works of art have a focal point. Your illustration may be beautiful, but if a reader’s eye doesn’t know where to focus, they’ll quickly lose interest. What’s your focal point?

Inspire

So you’ve illustrated your story with the mastery of Van Gogh, and illuminated your universal message as a literary focal point. If you’ve done your job well, this part should happen automatically. You worked hard to create a payoff for the reader, and the lovely reality is that it’s a payoff for you, too. Just think of it—your story has the potential to actually change the people who read it. It may cause them to change their lifestyle or mindset, to be kinder to others or themselves. It may help them feel seen or help them see something they never noticed before. 

Amazing, right?