Writing – Memoirs vs Autobiography

Posted by Maralyn D. Hill | Tips, Writing |

The Hill Team, Brenda, Norm and I, were discussing the differences between autobiographies and memoirs. We each put in our thoughts and then we had Brenda research the old fashioned way, off the Internet.

She discovered they do differ according to some seasoned writers. Lou Willet Stanek, PHD and author of Writing Your Life, said, “The two methods are kissing cousins.” An autobiography covers the whole of life and generally requires dates and research. A memoir can be only one year, or one day, a snip it of memory. Amazon has some good reviews of Stanek’s book.

Everyone seems to agree that there is more editorial leeway with a memoir. We cover this in the “You Can Write a Book Successfully,” seminar we are giving June 16, and wanted to double check our own thoughts. Fortunately for us, what Brenda discovered with her research, agreed with what we had all thought to be true.

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About The Author

Maralyn D. Hill

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is President Emeritus of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association and Executive Editor for LuxeBeatMag. She is also a member of SATW and SPJ. She contributes to numerous publications. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.