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What Are Some Good Memoir Themes

What Are Some Good Memoir Themes

Every good story needs a theme as part of its foundation. The memoir is no exception to this rule. You’ll find that just about any event that happens in life can potentially be a memoir theme. What a writer must do is separate the good memoir themes from the ones that may not be as meaningful so the story offered can create a maximum impact.

What are some good memoir themes? Here are a few ideas to help get your creative process started today.

#1. Ethics

Some choices are easy to make – like what to eat for breakfast in the morning. Others are not so easy, like what to do when you see your direct supervisor violating company policy. Everyone faces ethical decisions that can be quite challenging. This theme can help readers be able to sort out what they need to do.

#2. Disabilities

Being able to overcome a disability can be a powerful memoir theme. Whether it’s a developmental disability, one caused by military service, or a health disability caused by illness, the process of overcoming the challenges faced to chase a dream can be a powerful motivator for others to chase their own dreams.

#3. Divorce

It’s been said that 1 in 2 marriages will eventually end in divorce. This means as a memoir theme, nearly half of the world’s population will be able to relate to the story offered. Finding a way to continue on after this life event can help others uncover their own journey they’ll want to take.

#4. Faith

Spirituality is a unique aspect of the human experience. Whether it’s a formal religion or something that is just personally meaningful, a faith theme can help readers search inside themselves for a greater truth.

#5. Forgiveness

In the greatest of tragedies, some people are able to immediately forgive. How they are able to do this makes for a great memoir theme because not everyone can embrace forgiveness – especially when ignorance, carelessness, or deliberate actions have caused the personal injury.

#6. Grief

There are two guarantees in life: death and taxes. For the first, grief is a natural reaction to personal loss. When a loved one unexpectedly passes away, the process of grief is a journey that can be an inspirational memoir theme. It may be a difficult memoir to write because of the power of this emotion, but if it can be done, the experiences offered can be immediately helpful to virtually everyone.

#7. Hope

Every person on this planet has faced dark times. Some people seem to be stuck in those dark moments. By sharing a story of being able to find the light at the end of a tunnel, a memoir can provide hope to those who might feel like they are in a hopeless situation right now.

#8. Love

It’s been said that love is patient. That love is kind. That real love does not envy or boast but seeks out joy. Writing about love is often a superficial subject, which means the memoir written will also be superficial. This memoir type is incredibly powerful when the aspects of true love are discussed because ultimately love is more than just a feeling – it’s also a decision that is made.

#9. Parenting

Many challenges face parents today. What school should be chosen? Should breastfeeding be encouraged or is bottle feeding still okay? How much screen time is too much screen time? There are many “experts” willing to offer parenting advice today for a fee. What many parents are missing is the personal stories of parenting that are happening every day. That’s why this type of memoir can often be popular and successful, especially if there is a unique family structure. Step-parenting, having multiples, adoption, and other non-traditional family structures all have unique challenges that can be discussed in a memoir.

#10. Travel

Some people travel to relax. Others travel to explore. Some lessons are sought out, while others seem to just naturally appear. This memoir type offers a look at personal experiences in unique locations and that entices the reader to want to experience more. A reader may never make it to London, but a travel memoir set in the city can help people feel like they get to experience the city while getting to know the writer in a personal way.

There are many good memoir themes that can be created today. The best ones are the themes that hold great meaning to the writer. When a memoir can be written authentically, then the stories and lessons offered are equally authentic. Choose from this list or choose your own and then you’ll be ready to start writing.

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