Why write a memoir? I’ve asked many people who have written one or tried to write one. Here are a few of their answers:
“I want them to know ‘the real me,’ to know I had an interesting, adventuresome life.”
“To understand my life by looking backward.”
“To write something for myself.”
“I want to talk about all the fun we had.”
“I want to get something on paper.”
“I grew up in a Ukrainian/Russian neighborhood in Rochester, New York, which no longer exists. I wanted my kids and grandkids to know what that life was like.”
“To inspire other immigrants to come out of their difficulties.”
“To capture the stories, but not in a lot of depth.”
“To write the story of my grandfather’s tragic death.”
That last answer was mine. Now it’s your turn. Why do you want to write a memoir?
I'm Martha Jewett and my passion is helping others capture their life stories. The purpose of this website is to share tips, ideas and resources on writing and even publishing your own memoir. Please share your own tips and experiences here and feel free to 
Oh yes, and DO come to the meetings of the Washington Biography Group if you’re going to be in Washington DC. Nell didn’t mention where you live. You can e-mail me to be on the mailing list (meeting notices, tidbits about bio). Marc Pachter, retired director of the National Portrait Gallery is our guru. There’s a page about the group on my Pat McNees website–just google the name.
Pat