memoir autobiography difference

Memoir vs. Autobiography: What’s the Difference?

They say everyone has a story to tell, and I absolutely believe that. But some folks have a story to tell about their own lives. They’ve experienced things and learned lessons that are worth sharing with other people.

That’s pretty freaking cool.

When you want to tell a personal narrative, you have a few options: a blog, a YouTube channel , even a diary. But if you want to turn it into a book, you have two options to consider:

A memoir or an autobiography.

While these two genres might seem similar, there are quite a number of meaningful differences you must know if you want to be successful in either—or if you just want to figure out what you’re going to write.

We’ll cover all that and more in this article. “And more” includes a history of these genres, tips for each, how to choose between memoir and autobiography writing, and pulling everything together.

You have that story to tell, so let’s figure out how to do it.

Defining Your Life Story: Memoirs and Autobiographies

Understanding the distinction between a memoir and an autobiography is a must for any writer venturing into personal narrative writing. 

While both genres share the common element of being based on the author's life experiences, the scope and focus of each are quite different.

Memoirs are a form of creative nonfiction where the writer shares specific experiences or periods from their life. These works are less about the chronology of the author's life and more about personal reflections, emotions, and insights. 

Memoirs often include a focus on specific themes or events, allowing the author to delve deeply into their experiences with a reflective and often emotional lens, and are written more like a fictional story than nonfiction.

Autobiographies, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive view of the author's life. They typically follow a chronological format, documenting the author's life from early childhood to the present. 

Autobiographies are characterized by their detailed recounting of life events to encompass personal, professional, and sometimes public aspects of the author’s journey. The autobiography format emphasizes factual storytelling.

Memoir readers aren’t looking for a play-by-play of your life. They’re after the deeper meaning and themes behind your experiences and are more okay with stylistic choices and some interpretation of events.

Folks reading autobiographies are all about knowing what you did and why.

The History of Writing About A Person’s Life

While they’re both staples in modern literature, these genres have roots deeply embedded in history.

Which means as people, we like talking about ourselves.

That’s not a bad thing, don’t get me wrong; we all lead extraordinary, unique lives and have important things to share. And share we have.

Understanding how memoirs and autobiographies have been used historically can help us understand their current forms, too.

Memoirs have transformed quite a bit over time. Originating from the ancient practice of documenting noteworthy events (with that grandiose, fictional spin), they evolved during the Renaissance as a way for individuals to share their experiences and perspectives, often focusing on public life.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, memoirs became more personal, reflecting individual experiences and internal landscapes. This evolution paved the way for the modern memoir, which often blurs the lines between factual recounting and creative storytelling. Honestly, this works best for readers seeking emotional truth and personal growth.

Autobiographies have a lineage that can be traced back to religious and political leaders documenting their lives as a record of moral and ethical standards. You know, bragging about how good they are.

In the 18th century, with the rise of literacy and individualism, autobiographies became a tool for self-expression and identity exploration. This genre gained momentum in the 20th century, with notable figures from various fields chronicling their journeys, making it a popular way for exploring the complexities of human experience.

Both styles of work have been instrumental in our understanding of the past, too. Even memoirs, with their emphasis on storytelling, give us a glimpse into the lives of individuals and societies as a whole.

Writing a Memoir: Tips and Techniques

Diving into memoir writing can be equal parts thrilling and terrifying. It's not just about recounting events; it's about turning your experiences into a story that vibes with readers. 

Here are some tips and techniques to guide you:

• Find your focus - Unlike autobiographies, memoirs don't require you to detail your entire life. Pinpoint a specific theme, event, or period that holds significant meaning. This focus will be the heart of your memoir.
• Embrace emotional honesty - Memoirs thrive on emotional depth. Be honest about your feelings and experiences. This authenticity is what will connect with your readers.
• Show, don't just tell - Universally solid writing advice. Use descriptive language and sensory details to bring your story to life. Paint pictures with your words to immerse the reader in your world. Need some practice? Check out these worksheets .
• Incorporate reflective elements - A memoir is more than a series of events. It's an introspective journey. Reflect on your experiences, what you learned, and how they shaped you. This is what your readers are here for.

• Consider a non-linear structure - While some memoirs follow a chronological order, feel free to experiment with the structure. A non-linear approach can add intrigue and highlight how past events influence the present. Make sure to get lots of beta reader feedback to make sure your story still makes sense.
• Get personal, but stay relatable - While your memoir is deeply personal, aim to connect your experiences to universal themes. This relatability makes your story more impactful. Here’s a complete guide for writing themes .
• Revise with care - Memoirs often blend fact and narrative flair. In your revisions, balance creativity with accuracy. Remember, the essence of your truth is what matters most, so don’t let it get lost in your fictionalization.

Memoir writing is not just about telling your story; it's about sharing your perspective on life, with all its complexities and nuances. Each memoir is a unique window into a life, offering insights and reflections that no other story can.

My pal Abi has a great guide to writing memoirs you should bookmark if this is something you’re serious about.

Crafting an Autobiography: Structure and Elements

Writing an autobiography involves a different set of considerations compared to memoirs. It's about presenting the entirety of your life's journey with clarity and structure. 

Here are key elements and structural ideas to consider:

• Outline the chronology - Autobiographies typically follow a chronological order, leading your reader through your life's journey. Map out the key events from your early years to the present, creating a timeline that serves as your narrative backbone.
• Detail significant events - Highlight the pivotal moments in your life, both personal and professional. These events should not only tell what happened but also detail their impact and the lessons you learned from them.
• Develop a consistent theme - While covering all the cool stuff you’ve done (or things you’ve endured), maintain a consistent theme or message throughout your autobiography. This theme makes the whole story worth reading.
• Incorporate character development - Show how you evolved over time. This character arc is crucial in autobiographies because it shows how experiences shaped your personality, beliefs, and decisions.
• Be factual, yet engaging - Autobiographies require factual accuracy, but that doesn't mean they should be dry. Use engaging storytelling techniques to bring your experiences to life, making your narrative both informative and captivating. Here’s an article to help you focus on your prose.
• Include supporting characters - Your life's story is also about the people who influenced you. Include these characters, describing their roles and the dynamics in your relationships with them. An autobiography is still a story, and supporting characters make stories great.
• Reflect on your journey - Offer reflections on your experiences, providing insights into how they influenced your current perspective. This reflective angle adds depth to the factual recounting of events and should be directly tied to your themes.
• Edit for coherence and clarity - Ensure that your autobiography is not just a collection of events but a cohesive tale. In editing , focus on clarity, coherence, and the overall flow of your story.

Crafting an autobiography is an opportunity to not only share your life story but also to reflect on the journey and its broader implications. It's a chance to offer a detailed, introspective look at the milestones that have defined you.

Which, admittedly, sounds intimidating, but putting in the effort can result in a book that changes both your life and a reader’s.

Choosing Your Approach to Creative Nonfiction

When it comes to sharing your life story, deciding between a memoir and an autobiography isn’t always an easy decision. This choice influences not only the structure and focus of your work but also how your readers will connect with your story. 

Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Understand your objective - Consider what you wish to achieve with your book. Are you looking to explore a particular aspect of your life with emotional depth (memoir) or do you intend to provide a comprehensive account of your life’s journey (autobiography)?

Assess your content - Reflect on the events and experiences you want to share. A memoir suits a more focused, thematic exploration, while an autobiography is ideal for a broader, chronological recounting.

Consider your audience - Think about who you're writing for. Memoir readers choose their books because they’re interested in the theme, topic, or story rather than the person. Autobiography readers tend to make purchases based on who they’re reading about. If you don’t have some fame or following, an autobiography might be a hard sell.

Reflect on your writing style - Your natural writing style can also guide your choice. If you lean towards reflective, emotive storytelling, a memoir might be your forté. If you're more comfortable with factual, chronological narratives, consider an autobiography.

Flexibility vs. structure - Memoirs offer more creative flexibility in structure and storytelling, allowing for a more literary approach. Autobiographies, being more factual and chronological, require a structured approach to storytelling.

Personal comfort - Consider your comfort level with vulnerability and personal disclosure. Memoirs require a deeper dive into personal experiences and emotions. Autobiographies, while personal, can let you use a more observational tone.

Remember, the choice between a memoir and an autobiography is not just about the story you want to tell but about how you want to tell that story. Your decision will shape both the way you write your story and how your readers interpret it.

Best Practices for Personal Narrative Writing

Whether you choose to write a memoir or an autobiography, certain best practices can enhance your storytelling and connect more deeply with your readers. 

First, stay authentic . Authenticity is the cornerstone of personal narrative writing. Your readers are seeking truth in your story, even if it's presented through a subjective lens. Be genuine in your recounting, and don't shy away from your unique voice.

You also want to engage your readers emotionally . Whether it's through humor, sorrow, inspiration, or reflection, emotional resonance makes your story memorable and impactful. One of the best ways to suck them in is to use descriptive language to create vivid scenes and characters. This immerses the reader in your world, making your experiences and memories come alive.

Remember, these are both still stories and thus have a cohesive plot. Ensure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end . Even if you choose a non-linear structure, maintaining a coherent narrative flow is essential for keeping your readers engaged. If you need some help with story structure, you know we have your back with this guide .

Dialogue can be a powerful tool in personal narratives. It brings dynamism to the story and offers insights into characters and relationships. Don’t neglect good dialogue just because you aren’t writing fiction.

Personal narratives aren’t just about what happened; they’re about what those events mean. Include your reflections and analysis to provide depth and context to your experiences, but do it in a way that flows and feels natural. This is obviously more important in memoirs, but your autobiography needs to have reflection, too.

Finally, when writing about real people and events, consider the implications of sharing private information. Respect the privacy of others and navigate sensitive topics with care.

Personal narrative writing is a journey of exploration, both for you as a writer and for your readers. By incorporating these best practices, you can create a story that’s not only engaging and informative but also profoundly moving.

And that’s the whole point.

Reflective Writing and Authorial Perspective in Personal Narratives

The heart of a compelling personal story, be it a memoir or an autobiography, lies in its reflective writing and your authorial perspective. These are the elements that make memoirs and autobiographies unique from other genres. And it’s what our readers are looking for. 

Here are five final tips to make best use of these elements:

Embrace reflective writing - Reflective writing involves looking back at your experiences and analyzing their impact. It's about understanding the why behind the what. This critical thinking transforms your writing from a simple plot into a journey of personal growth and understanding.

Cultivate a strong authorial voice - While an author’s voice is always important, it does extra work with these genres. It conveys your unique perspective and personality. A strong, consistent voice helps readers connect with your story on a deeper level. And, if you need help refining or developing your voice and tone, click here .

Integrate insights and learnings - Your story should offer insights and learnings, not just for yourself but also for your readers. Share the wisdom gained from your trials and adventures. Turn your personal journey into a relatable, universal tale of human experience.

Use reflection to drive the narrative - Let your reflections and insights drive the plot forward. Your personal growth is just as important in these stories as a fictional character’s arc is in a fantasy epic or hockey romcom. What you learn and realize should push the plot.

Engage the reader with thoughtful questions - Sometimes, posing questions can be more powerful than providing answers. Use reflective questions to engage your readers and prompt them to think about their own experiences and perspectives.

Memoirs and Autobiographies are Still Stories

I know I’ve said this a bunch of times already, but this is something you need to permanently imprint in your writing brain: both memoirs and autobiographies rely on the same core elements as any other story.

It doesn’t matter that they’re based on real life. You still need to understand plot, character development, themes, settings, conflicts, metaphors, point of view, writing habits, and so much more. Then you need to layer everything we’ve discussed here on top of that.

I mentioned equal parts thrilling and terrifying before, right?

Don’t worry, though, because we’ve got you covered. I’ve already given you a bunch of links to relevant guides in this article, but you’ll find hundreds—yes, I’m talking triple digits!—for free over at DabbleU .

And speaking of free, you can click here to get a 100+ page e-book to help you go from idea to finished draft, also for zero dollars and zero cents. Now the only thing left to do is tell your life’s story.

Thrilling. Terrifying. Pretty dang cool.

Doug Landsborough can’t get enough of writing. Whether freelancing as an editor, blog writer, or ghostwriter, Doug is a big fan of the power of words. In his spare time, he writes about monsters, angels, and demons under the name D. William Landsborough. When not obsessing about sympathetic villains and wondrous magic, Doug enjoys board games, horror movies, and spending time with his wife, Sarah.

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Memoir vs Autobiography: Understanding the Key Differences

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on May 10, 2024

Categories Reading , Storytelling , Writing

A memoir and an autobiography are both forms of personal narrative that delve into an individual’s life experiences, but they serve distinct purposes and adhere to different structures.

An autobiography is a comprehensive narration that covers an author’s entire life from birth to the present, offering a detailed chronology of events and facts. It is expected to be factually accurate and exhaustive, encapsulating a wide spectrum of life’s milestones.

In contrast, a memoir tends to be more selective and subjective. It may focus on a particular theme or a significant segment of the author’s life, emphasizing emotional truth and personal reflection. Memoir writers often aim to establish a deep connection with the reader, employing a storytelling approach that prioritizes emotional resonance over chronological exactitude.

The distinction between the two can be seen in how they approach their narratives: a memoir is akin to a snapshot of a pivotal moment or series of moments, imparting personal insights and truths, while an autobiography resembles a full-length documentary, capturing a life’s story with precision and breadth.

Defining Memoir and Autobiography

In the realm of nonfiction, memoirs and autobiographies allow authors to present their life stories, but they adhere to different conventions and serve distinct literary functions.

Core Characteristics

Memoir is a term that specifies a narrative focused on specific memories or pivotal moments from the author’s life, often presented with reflective and emotional overtones. Memoirs tend to zoom in on a particular period or theme, offering deep insights into personal experiences and their broader impacts. They are less about the comprehensive chronology and more about the subjective journey and emotional truths.

Contrast, an autobiography might be seen as the exhaustive mapping of an individual’s life. It is a chronological account, commencing with birth and following through to the present or the end of their life. Autobiographies are structured around the factual and often strive for a complete historical portrayal of one’s life, including significant milestones and achievements.

Historical Evolution

The memoir as a literary genre has evolved significantly over time, with early iterations akin to autobiographies but without their sweeping scope. Modern memoirs, however, have become more selective, seeking to engage readers through shared human conditions and powerful storytelling.

The concept of an autobiography has remained relatively stable, rooted in the comprehensive recording of a person’s life. This form has long been associated with influential figures and serves as a method for public personas to share their life stories with a degree of formal structure and attention to factual detail.

Both genres reflect an author’s perspective and presence, thus contributing valuable insights into the human condition as documented through the lenses of personal history within nonfiction writing .

Structural Differences

In examining the structural variations between memoirs and autobiographies, one will find distinct differences in the approaches to chronology and the extent of the life story they cover.

Chronology in Narrative

Memoirs often adopt a non-traditional approach to chronology , focusing on thematic connections rather than strict chronological order . The structure can be flexible, weaving in and out of different time periods as they relate to the overall theme or message the author is conveying. This may involve flashbacks or reflective passages that link past events to current reflections.

Scope and Focus

Conversely, autobiographies usually maintain a broader scope , presenting the narrative of one’s whole life from birth to the present day in a linear fashion. The structure here is more traditionally chronological, cataloging events as they occurred through time.

An autobiography aims to provide a comprehensive history rather than emphasizing a specific period or theme. It seeks to document the full spectrum of experiences and achievements of an individual’s life.

Emotional and Thematic Content

Choosing between a memoir and an autobiography often hinges on how the writer wishes to engage with the audience through emotional depth and central themes . This section will explore how each format addresses personal experiences and emotions , and how themes and messages are developed to establish a connection with the reader.

Personal Experiences and Emotion

In memoirs, authors have the latitude to deeply explore their personal experiences with a focus on emotional truth . They offer a profound emotional connection by reflecting on the feelings and insights that these experiences elicited. For instance, writing a memoir allows an author to share not just the events of their life but also the emotional journey that accompanied those events, providing a more intimate reading experience.

Themes and Messages

Contrasting with autobiographies, memoirs are often designed around a central theme or message , rather than a comprehensive life story. This focused approach allows the writer to illuminate lessons learned or insights gained, making it a powerful tool for delivering a resonating message .

The thematic bones of a memoir can vary widely, from overcoming adversity to the joy of discovery, each underscored by the emotional resonance that binds the narrative together.

The Role of the Author

In both memoirs and autobiographies, the author undeniably plays a central role not only as the narrator but also as the subject. The nuances in their storytelling and purpose set apart the impact and structure of each genre.

First-Person Perspective

Memoirs and autobiographies are crafted from a first-person perspective , giving the reader an intimate lens through which to view the author’s experiences. The writer’s perspective is the core of both narratives, revealing personal essays that frame their experiences with immediacy and presence. A memoir often hinges on this perspective to draw the reader into specific personal stories.

Author’s Intention and Reflection

The intentions and reflections present in the author’s writing can vary significantly between a memoir and an autobiography. In autobiographies, the intention often circles around documenting the historical account of their life, elucidating a factual chronology from birth to the present.

Whereas in memoirs, the writer’s reflection is more pronounced, they emphasize particular life events to share a thematic or emotional journey rather than a comprehensive life story. The personal essay format of a memoir relies heavily on an author’s reflection to convey deeper truths about human experience .

Influence and Impact on the Reader

The measure of a book’s success often lies in its capacity to influence and impact its readers on an emotional and educational level. Memoirs and autobiographies, while similar, achieve this in distinct ways.

Creating Connection

Memoirs tap into the profound depths of the writers’ experiences to forge a strong emotional connection with their readers. This genre is not just about the events themselves but also about the emotions and reflections that accompany them. Readers often find memoirs relatable because they focus on specific themes , allowing individuals to see aspects of their own lives mirrored in the narrative. For instance, a memoir can make a reader feel as if they are walking alongside the author through their most transformative life events .

Educational Value

Autobiographies, however, often contain a comprehensive account of the author’s life, which can be educational in scope. Readers gain insights into not only the personal journeys but also historical and cultural contexts that shaped the author’s experiences.

An autobiography can serve as a de facto masterclass on an individual’s entire life, offering readers a chronological understanding of the subject’s history and development within their professional field or influence on society.

Examining Notable Works

In examining the impact and contribution to literature , it’s important to look at specific examples of autobiographies and memoirs that have left an indelible mark on readers and the literary world.

Famous Autobiographies

Autobiographies provide an encompassing look into an individual’s life, often presenting a chronological journey from birth to the present. Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom” is a profound testament to his resilience and leadership in the face of apartheid in South Africa. Benjamin Franklin is another distinguished figure whose autobiography has inspired countless individuals with its portrayal of American Enlightenment ideas.

The narratives of Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X are pivotal, highlighting racial injustice in America and the power of transformation ; the former through “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave,” and the latter via “ The Autobiography of Malcolm X ,” as told to Alex Haley. Helen Keller’s “The Story of My Life” also serves as a beacon of courage, detailing her journey as an author and activist who overcame the challenges of being deaf and blind.

Memorable Memoirs

A memoir often focuses on specific themes or periods from the author’s life, reflecting on the emotional and personal growth of the individual. Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” shines a light on identity and racism through the lens of her early experiences. Frank McCourt’s “Angela’s Ashes” provides a haunting yet humorous account of his impoverished childhood in Ireland.

Joan Didion crafted a powerful narrative on grief in “The Year of Magical Thinking,” reflecting on the year following the death of her husband. Elie Wiesel’s memoir “Night” confronts the horrors he survived during the Holocaust, embodying a chilling testament of history. Meanwhile, David Sedaris uses wit and observation in “Me Talk Pretty One Day” to explore the idiosyncrasies of his life. The personal struggles and triumphs of Malala Yousafzai are poignantly narrated in “I Am Malala,” inspiring readers worldwide.

Ernest Hemingway and Elizabeth Gilbert utilized the memoir format to recount significant personal journeys. Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast” delves into his years in 1920s Paris, while Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” recounts a year of exploration and self-discovery.

Andre Agassi and Roxane Gay wrote memoirs offering raw insights into their lives. Agassi’s “Open” reveals the complexities behind his illustrious tennis career, while Gay’s “Hunger” is a brave exposition of her relationship with her body and self-image.

The transformative experiences of Piper Kerman in “Orange Is the New Black” and Malala Yousafzai ‘s activism in “I Am Malala” have struck chords with readers, highlighting the potential for personal memoirs to effect change and resonate on a global scale.

Understanding these notable works enriches our appreciation for the unique lenses through which autobiographies and memoirs are written, offering a profound glimpse into the human experience.

Writing Your Own

When one sets out to pen a personal narrative , they grapple with the choice of a memoir or autobiography, each offering a unique avenue for sharing life stories. The decision shapes not only the content but also the connection with readers.

Choosing Between Memoir and Autobiography

A memoir typically zooms in on specific themes or periods in a person’s life, conveying more emotional depth and personal insights. It’s a slice of life that resonates with overarching themes common to human experiences. For example, one might focus a memoir on the trials and triumphs of their artistic career, highlighting critical moments that define their personal growth and development.

An autobiography , on the other hand, presents a more comprehensive chronology of the author’s life. It’s often factual and holistic, starting from early life and progressing through major milestones and achievements. When an author wishes to document their entire life’s journey as a historical record, an autobiography is the suitable format. This approach requires meticulous attention to detail and often involves a chronological recount of the author’s life experiences.

Tips for Aspiring Authors

Begin with a plan : Establish whether the aim is to explore a particular aspect of life (memoir) or to narrate life from start to present (autobiography). Consult credible resources like Masterclass for insights into the distinctions.

Be reflective : Regardless of the chosen format, reflection is key. Tap into personal feelings, lessons learned, and experiences that shaped who you are. This introspective approach is paramount for both memoirs and autobiographies.

Develop your voice : A unique narrative voice is crucial. Whether it’s the conversational tone of a memoir or the authoritative recount of an autobiography, the voice should be compelling and authentic.

Focus on storytelling : Narrate your experiences in a way that engages readers. Grammarly suggests that good storytelling transcends mere facts, weaving experiences into a narrative that captivates readers.

Edit meticulously : A successful personal account demands rigorous editing. A story is only as compelling as it is clear and well-written.

In distinguishing between memoirs and autobiographies , it is essential for one to recognize the scope and detail each literary form entails. An autobiography offers a comprehensive recollection of an individual’s entire life story , chronicling their birth, upbringing, achievements , and struggles . It often follows a chronological structure and demands extensive reflection and thorough documentation of events.

Memoirs, on the other hand, present a more concentrated exploration, focusing on pivotal events or periods within a person’s life. These works are typically less comprehensive but rich in emotional and introspective detail. The lens through which a memoir is written is aimed at bringing forth the writer’s personal reflection on significant experiences, revealing insights into their choices and the lessons learned.

• Autobiography : Chronicles the entirety of one’s life.
• Memoir : Highlights specific chapters of personal significance.

Writers choose between these forms based on their intent to either recount their life’s full tapestry or illuminate select threads that hold unique personal meaning. Each format serves its purpose, allowing readers to delve into the narrative – be it the detailed map of a full life’s journey or the magnified examination of its critical junctures.

Home » Writing » Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir

What is a Biography?

A biography, also called a bio, is a non-fiction piece of work giving an objective account of a person’s life. The main difference between a biography vs. an autobiography is that the author of a biography is not the subject. A biography could be someone still living today, or it could be the subject of a person who lived years ago.

Biographies include details of key events that shaped the subject’s life, and information about their birthplace, education, work, and relationships. Biographers use a number of research sources, including interviews, letters, diaries, photographs, essays, reference books, and newspapers. While a biography is usually in the written form, it can be produced in other formats such as music composition or film.

If the target person of the biography is not alive, then the storytelling requires an immense amount of research. Interviews might be required to collect information from historical experts, people who knew the person (e.g., friends and family), or reading other older accounts from other people who wrote about the person in previous years. In biographies where the person is still alive, the writer can conduct several interviews with the target person to gain insight on their life.

The goal of a biography is to take the reader through the life story of the person, including their childhood into adolescence and teenage years, and then their early adult life into the rest of their years. The biography tells a story of how the person learned life’s lessons and the ways the person navigated the world. It should give the reader a clear picture of the person’s personality, traits, and their interaction in the world.

Biographies can also be focused on groups of people and not just one person. For example, a biography can be a historical account of a group of people from hundreds of years ago. This group could have the main person who was a part of the group, and the author writes about the group to tell a story of how they shaped the world.

Fictional biographies mix some true historical accounts with events to help improve the story. Think of fictional biographies as movies that display a warning that the story is made of real characters, but some events are fictional to add to the storyline and entertainment value. A lot of research still goes into a fictional biography, but the author has more room to create a storyline instead of sticking to factual events.

Examples of famous biographies include:

• His Excellency: George Washington  by Joseph J. Ellis
• Einstein: The Life and Times  by Ronald William Clark
• Princess Diana – A Biography of The Princess of Wales  by Drew L. Crichton

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is the story of a person’s life written by that person. Because the author is also the main character of the story, autobiographies are written in the first person. Usually, an autobiography is written by the person who is the subject of the book, but sometimes the autobiography is written by another person. Because an autobiography is usually a life story for the author, the theme can be anything from religious to a personal account to pass on to children.

The purpose of an autobiography is to portray the life experiences and achievements of the author. Therefore, most autobiographies are typically written later in the subject’s life. It’s written from the point of view of the author, so it typically uses first person accounts to describe the story.

An autobiography often begins during early childhood and chronologically details key events throughout the author’s life. Autobiographies usually include information about where a person was born and brought up, their education, career, life experiences, the challenges they faced, and their key achievements.

On rare occasions, an autobiography is created from a person’s diary or memoirs. When diaries are used, the author must organize them to create a chronological and cohesive story. The story might have flashbacks or flashforwards to describe a specific event, but the main storyline should follow chronological order from the author’s early life to their current events.

One of the main differences between an autobiography vs. a biography is that autobiographies tend to be more subjective. That’s because they are written by the subject, and present the facts based on their own memories of a specific situation, which can be biased. The story covers the author’s opinions on specific subjects and provides an account of their feelings as they navigate certain situations. These stories are also very personal because it’s a personal account of the author’s life rather than a biography where a third party writes about a specific person.

Examples of famous autobiographies include:

• The Story of My Life  by Helen Keller
• The Diary of a Young Girl  by Anne Frank
• Losing My Virginity  by Richard Branson

What is a Memoir?

Memoir comes from the French word  mémoire , meaning memory or reminiscence. Similar to an autobiography, a memoir is the story of a person’s life written by that person. These life stories are often from diary entries either from a first-person account or from a close family member or friend with access to personal diaries.

The difference between a memoir vs. an autobiography is that a memoir focuses on reflection and establishing an emotional connection, rather than simply presenting the facts about their life. The author uses their personal knowledge to tell an intimate and emotional story about the private or public happenings in their life. The author could be the person in the story, or it can be written by a close family member or friend who knew the subject person intimately. The topic is intentionally focused and does not include biographical or chronological aspects of the author’s life unless they are meaningful and relevant to the story.

Memoirs come in several types, all of which are written as an emotional account of the target person. They usually tell a story of a person who went through great struggles or faced challenges in a unique way. They can also cover confessionals where the memoir tells the story of the author’s account that contradicts another’s account.

This genre of writing is often stories covering famous people’s lives, such as celebrities. In many memoir projects, the celebrity or person of interest needs help with organization, writing the story, and fleshing out ideas from the person’s diaries. It might take several interviews before the story can be fully outlined and written, so it’s not uncommon for a memoir project to last several months.

Memoirs do not usually require as much research as biographies and autobiographies, because you have the personal accounts in diary entries and documents with the person’s thoughts. It might require several interviews, however, before the diary entries can be organized to give an accurate account on the person’s thoughts and emotions. The story does not necessarily need to be in chronological order compared to an autobiography, but it might be to tell a better story.

Examples of famous memoirs include:

• Angela’s Ashes  by Frank McCourt
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings  by Maya Angelou
• Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S.  Grant by Ulysses S. Grant

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir Comparison Chart

Check out some of our blogs to learn more about memoirs:

• What is a memoir?
• 5 tips for writing a memoir
• Your memoir is your legacy

Ready to get started on your own memoir, autobiography, or biography? Download our free desktop book-making software, BookWright .

Autobiographies , Biographies , memoirs

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