Journal vs. Memoir
In 2021, one of the hot new releases was a book called These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham. Publishers marketed this book as a thriller, and that establishes certain expectations: an unreliable narrator, marriage with secrets, or maybe even a shocking twist at the end! When you go to the thriller section of the bookstore, you know what you’re looking for.
Well, These Silent Woods was not a thriller—it was so much more and so much better than your run-of-the-mill popcorn thriller. I saw reviews online that rated this book pretty low, because it wasn’t what they were expecting—and they wanted a thriller! Expectations matter in writing, no matter the genre or format.
Purpose of journal vs. memoir
If your reader is going to pick up your book, they’re going to expect a story. And if they find disjointed journal entries instead? Well, you might have a very disappointed reader on your hands. Some writers at the very beginning of their memoir journey are unclear of what actually constitutes a memoir. The essential difference that you must understand is that a journal is an account, while a memoir is a story. A journal is a record of what happened (and sometimes how you felt about it). But a memoir is a story of what happened and how you changed because of it. See the difference? Your journal is for you alone; a memoir is written for a reader.
Structure of journal vs. memoir
A journal is a loose chronological account covering both actual events and your emotional response to them. A memoir, however, is an intentionally crafted narrative that includes events and your emotional response in a carefully constructed way. In a memoir you are writing for someone else; in a journal you write only for yourself. A memoir borrows from fiction writing in several fun and impactful ways, including structure possibilities! Some of the best memoirs read as easy as fiction, and that’s largely due to creative structure!
How to use your journal
A journal is a wonderful repository for in-the-moment thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Your journal can be an invaluable primary source to reference when you’re actually ready to sit down and start your memoir. Just because a journal alone doesn’t make for a good memoir doesn’t negate its immense value to the writing process! Your journal contains memories and feelings that can infuse your memoir with depth and resonance. Take what you have in your journal, and use it to inform what you write in your memoir. You’ll be so grateful you have that record.
When you know not only what the difference is between a journal and a memoir but also how to use your journal to support your memoir, then you’ll be able to set up your reader’s expectations in just the right way—they’ll be drawn in, keep reading, and love it.
