There are many reasons that compel people to write their memoirs or an autobiography. They may have had a unique experience that’s provided them with an exciting true story to tell. Or they may want to document their life story for historical posterity. But one of the most important reasons to write a memoir is that true stories can make a difference in readers’ lives.
Memoirs can provide inspiration
Cheryl Strayed’s Wild is one of the most successful memoirs of the past decade. Millions of readers have read the story of Strayed’s solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, and still more have seen the critically acclaimed film adaptation. The success of Wild is partially due to the way the book inspires: it tells the story of a woman leaving her ordinary life behind and undertaking an extraordinary journey so that she could emerge healed, changed, and stronger than before.
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love is another true story of a person who goes to great lengths to redefine themselves. Both of these books use true stories to show readers that it’s possible to change their lives, and can help motivate readers to take action to be happier and more fulfilled.
Memoirs can give hope
Writing a book about true experiences can also be a way of giving people hope. Many memoir writers tell of how they overcame desperate circumstances, or how they took action to make the world a better place. These books can help readers in similar situations feel hopeful about their futures.
Malala Yousafzai’s memoir, I Am Malala, written with ghostwriter Christina Lamb, is the story of how Yousafzai continued fighting, in spite of a violent Taliban attack, for girls’ right to an education. The story of her tenacity has moved people to work towards social justice and equal rights around the world, and Yousafzai has become a symbol of hope.
Some stories give hope on a more personal level. Michael J. Fox’s memoir Always Looking Up, tells the story of how Fox has stayed positive, active, and optimistic despite his battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Stories like his provide a sense of hope to those struggling with their own illnesses.
A memoir can make you a role model
Successful people often serve as role models—and writing memoirs is one way in which individuals can reach and inspire people.
Mindy Kaling is one of the few Indian-American women to achieve mainstream Hollywood success. Her memoirs—Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns) and Why Not Me?— tell the story of her work in television and position her as a role model to other young women who want to work in comedy.
Memoirs by successful business leaders provide aspiring entrepreneurs with role models. Books like Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran’s Shark Tales, written with ghostwriter Bruce Littlefield, and Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s comic book-style memoir Delivering Happiness, show would-be entrepreneurs how they can be successful.
If you’re thinking of writing a memoir, contact us. We provide comprehensive writing and editing services. Our professional, experienced ghostwriters can make it easy for you to write a book that will make a difference in the world.
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