Do you ever feel confused about the difference between an autobiography and a memoir? If yes, then you are not the only one. You see, these two words are used interchangeably, and many people don’t quite know the differences between them. It’s true that both autobiography and memoir are first-person accounts of the writer’s life, mostly telling the readers about their own life and personal experiences. However, it must be noted there are stark contrasts between them in terms of writing style, format, and voice, making these two genres different from one another.

To give you a breakdown of the differences between an autobiography and a memoir, we have listed down some main points.

Differences Between an Autobiography and a Memoir

• Autobiographies cover the entire life of the authors, while memoir focuses on a specific part of the author’s life.
• Autobiographies are generally about famous personalities, including sportsmen, celebrities, scientists, politicians, world leaders, and businessmen. On the other hand, a memoir can be about anybody! It doesn’t matter if the author is well-known or famous. 
• A general rule is that autobiographies are written in chronological order. In the case of a memoir, it often moves back and forth in time.
• Autobiographies are read by people who want to know more about the life of the author. Memoirs are read by people interested in a specific story or a subject they are drawn to.
• Autobiography lays greater emphasis on facts and history. The writing style of a memoir places more importance on the emotional experience.

Tips on Writing Autobiography and Memoir

Autobiography

• Question Yourself

This is very important. Figure out why people would be interested in reading your autobiography? What makes it stand out from the other pile of autobiographies lying on bookshelves? If you are a well-known personality, it might not be a problem. But if not, then you need to put the bits and pieces together that would make your autobiography compelling.

• Spend Time on Research

In autobiographies, facts should be double-checked. You would want to make your memories accurate because autobiographies are all based on facts. Go through old diaries, refer to your pals and family, and search for old documents to ensure you don\'t get facts incorrect.

Memoir 

• Pick out Your Story

Memoirs focus more on the emotional journey of the author. So, pick out a story or a theme from your life worth talking about. You can focus on your financial struggles, hardships, successes, and so much more. You just have to choose the story and writing style that resonates best with the readers.

• Emphasize the Emotions

When it comes to memories, you may want to get experimental and free-flowing. Memoir readers are interested in your emotional journey. They want to know more about a specific point in your life. So give them that! 

With everything said, let’s take a look at some of the best autobiographies and memoirs from Austin Macauley Publishers.

My Father Called Me Bobby 

My Father Called Me Bobby is an intriguing memoir on the life of Robert F. Scherma. From growing up in an Italian family in the \'50s to exploring his sexual preferences a few decades later, this memoir tells it all. My Father Called Me Bobby will remind readers to live their lives to the fullest. This memoir will surely leave readers enthralled until the very last page.

We hope our binge-worthy list of autobiographies and memoirs will make the whole book reading experience so much better for you. If you want to connect with us, then follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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