What Makes Your Memoir Unique, and How to Communicate That to Readers
Writing a memoir is one of the most personal, transformative journeys an author can embark on. Your life story, experiences, and voice are inherently unique, but understanding what specifically makes your memoir stand out is crucial to both writing it effectively and communicating its value to potential readers.
As a memoir instructor and author, I’ve seen many aspiring writers struggle with pinpointing the unique elements of their life story. It’s easy to get caught up in the belief that your experiences are too ordinary, but the truth is, the perspective and lens through which you share those experiences are what make your memoir special.
In this blog, I’ll explore how you can identify what makes your memoir unique, and more importantly, how to convey that to your readers in a way that engages and resonates with them. I’ll also share insights from my personal experience as the author of Accidental First Lady: On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics, a non-political memoir that reveals the often-unseen perspective of a political spouse—a story that’s about so much more than politics.
1. Identify the Core Theme of Your Memoir
Every memoir has a central theme that serves as its backbone. This theme might not be obvious at first, but as you reflect on your life experiences and start writing, a pattern will likely emerge. Your theme could be one of resilience, self-discovery, overcoming adversity, or pursuing a lifelong dream.
In my own memoir, the theme was one of finding my voice while supporting my husband through a 22-year political career. At first, I thought my memoir would be about the behind-the-scenes of politics, but as I dug deeper, I realized it was about the personal transformation I experienced over those years. This insight became the heart of my book.
Take time to ask yourself: What is the larger message or takeaway I want readers to gain from my story? Understanding this will help you shape the direction of your memoir and ensure you’re communicating a cohesive, powerful narrative that readers can connect with.
2. Consider What Makes Your Perspective Unique
One of the most compelling aspects of any memoir is the author’s perspective. Your life may include experiences that others have gone through, but your perspective—how you view and interpret those experiences—is what makes your memoir distinct.
Think about the lens through which you’re sharing your story. What insights do you bring to the table that others might not? Are you approaching your experiences from an angle that hasn’t been widely explored? For example, in Accidental First Lady, I offered a rare perspective: the viewpoint of a political spouse navigating the complexities of public life while remaining behind the scenes. This isn’t a story we hear often, and it gave me the chance to shine a light on an untold side of political life that readers found fresh and fascinating.
As you develop your memoir, ask yourself: How does my perspective on these experiences differ from others who have experienced something similar? How can I bring that unique perspective to the forefront?
3. Emphasize Your Story’s Emotional Impact
Readers are drawn to memoirs that make them feel something—whether that’s inspiration, empathy, or even discomfort. A great memoir doesn’t just tell a story; it makes readers feel the emotions the author experienced.
One way to ensure your memoir resonates is by focusing on the emotional impact your story will have on the reader. How will your story change the way they see the world, or even how they see themselves? Will they walk away with a new sense of courage, hope, or determination?
In my memoir, I didn’t just share the facts of what it was like to be a political spouse—I shared the emotional rollercoaster that came with it. From the pressure of public scrutiny to the deeply personal challenge of finding my own identity amidst it all, I invited readers into my emotional world. This allowed them to connect with my journey on a much deeper level.
When crafting your memoir, consider how your experiences have shaped your emotional landscape, and don’t shy away from sharing the raw, vulnerable parts. That’s often where the magic happens for readers.
4. Tie Your Story to a Larger, Universal Theme
Even though your memoir is about your personal life, it’s important to connect it to a universal theme that readers can relate to. The more you can tie your story to something larger than yourself, the more your memoir will resonate with a broad audience.
In my case, while Accidental First Lady was about my personal experiences in politics, it was also about the universal theme of self-discovery and finding one’s voice amidst overwhelming challenges. These are themes that many readers can relate to, even if they’ve never set foot in the political world.
Think about how your personal story can serve as a reflection of a larger human experience. Are you telling a story of perseverance, love, loss, redemption, or growth? These are themes that readers can connect with, no matter their background or circumstances.
5. Clearly Communicate the Value Your Memoir Brings to Readers
Once you’ve identified what makes your memoir unique, the next step is clearly communicating that to your readers. What will readers gain from reading your book? How will your story impact their lives? Whether it’s a shift in perspective, inspiration, or practical advice, make sure you can articulate the value your memoir offers.
For example, in my memoir, readers aren’t just getting a glimpse into the political world—they’re getting a story of resilience, personal growth, and the journey to finding my own voice. I made sure to emphasize this in the way I presented my book, from the back cover copy to my marketing materials.
When communicating the value of your memoir, think about how your story will help, inspire, or even entertain your readers. What problems are you solving for them? What insights are you offering? The more clearly you can express this, the more likely readers will be drawn to your book.
6. Use Storytelling to Draw Readers In
Finally, remember that people are naturally drawn to stories. When you communicate what makes your memoir unique, don’t just list facts—tell a story. Whether you’re writing your book’s description, crafting a pitch for an agent, or sharing your memoir with potential readers, use storytelling to engage your audience.
For example, when I talk about Accidental First Lady, I don’t just say it’s a memoir about being a political spouse. I share a story about how I learned to navigate public scrutiny, raise a family, and find my voice—all while standing beside my husband in a high-profile political career. This approach allows potential readers to get a taste of what they’ll experience when they read my book.
By framing your unique elements within a narrative, you’ll make your memoir more appealing and engaging for readers.
Conclusion
Your memoir is unlike any other because it’s a reflection of your life, your perspective, and your emotional journey. By identifying what makes your memoir unique—whether it’s your core theme, perspective, emotional impact, or universal connection—you’ll be better equipped to communicate its value to readers.
As you continue writing and sharing your memoir, remember that your story has the power to inspire, uplift, and even change lives. And by clearly conveying what makes it stand out, you’ll ensure that the right readers find and connect with your work.