The A to Z Challenge asks bloggers to post 26 articles on a themed topic. It’s supposed to be every day in April except Sundays, but I find that too busy and decided to post mine ‘about’ once a month. Yes, it’ll take me a couple of years. Sigh.
My topic, like the last three times, will be writing genres.
This genre:
Quiet Memoir
Definition
a memoir where the story may not be dramatic but the authors voice is
Tips
- Dorothy Rice says, “Memories…are often quiet, more echo than boom, more lingering sense than clamor, more subtext than headline.”
- nothing really dramatic, often a bunch of scenes organized around a time frame, family, ordinary events.
- The energy in Quiet Memoirs is smaller than other memoirs.
- It isn’t an autobiography.
- It doesn’t require a traumatic event nor single incident at its center.
- Your audience is ordinary people who identify with similar, ordinary challenges.
- Show readers, by your example, how to manage ordinary life events, navigate through similar challenges.
Popular Books
- Arranging a Dream by J.Q. Rose
- Be a Happier Parent or Laugh Trying by Betsy Kerekes
- Building a Midshipman by Jacqui Murray
- Plunge: One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary by Liesbet Collaert
- PS I Forgive You by D.G. Kaye
- Songs of Heartstrings by Miriam Hurdle–memoir in poems
- They Call Me Mom by Pete Springer
Here’s a less-than-10-minute video example of Quiet Memoir:
BTW: If the book you’ve written fits into any of these S-Z genres, let me know in the comments and I’ll include you, the book title, and where to purchase it.
Click for complete list of these 26 genres
Click for a complete list of all genres I’ve written about
More Q Genres:
@AprilA2Z #atozchallenge
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Man vs. Nature saga, and the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Laws of Nature, Summer 2021.
Pingback: Cheryl’s Homemade Alphabet Soup ~ A Mixture Of Blogging From A to Z Challenge Posts (2022) – ~Plucking Of My Heartstrings~
Thank you for the explanation of this genre, Jacqui! It seems like I haven’t turned on my laptop for two weeks. Thank you for including my book in this genre!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You definitely qualified with your book, Miriam. I love how broad this genre is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Memoir is very broad. It’s good that it has subcategories, Jacqui.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true, innit. I used to think of ‘memoir’ as something with an unusual story like no other. That’s not true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m still learning what memoir is. Your explanation answered some of my questions.
LikeLike
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May would fit in with this. That subtitle makes it sound like self-help, but in Britain the subtitle was “how I learned to flourish when life became frozen,” which is a much better description. I reviewed it here: http://www.joyweesemoll.com/2021/01/15/wintering-bookreview-brifri/
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a much better subtitle. I wonder why they didn’t use it here.
LikeLike
Thanks Jacqui.. the kind of memoir I prefer, especially having read some ghost written celebrity ‘memoir’s over the years.. great list of selected titels and I have enjoyed three of them so far. xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do like reading how people accomplished dreams. I almost prefer that they are relatable rather than extraordinary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It makes them more achievable for mere mortals than some of the exploits.. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacqui, I’m humbled to be on your list. Thank you for the mention, and thank you for so eloquently demonstrating quiet memoir. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your book helps people in your situation–probably more than any of us would expect–to see a path through. You shared so freely that anyone can feel they can get through also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again for your wonderful perception, and as always, when I write I hope to convey through my own experiences that there are always decisions, solutions and repercussions that must be attended to. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quiet Memoir sounds like a pleasing genre, Jacqui. Easy to read and quite relatable. Thank you for including Plunge!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely, Plunge! fits perfectly in this category, Liesbet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, who knew? My latest book, then – FLASHES OF LIFE – is a quiet memoir. Hmmm, I like the sound of that genre. Always learn so much from you, Jacqui.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think it should have been included! Darn! I’m glad you noted it here.
LikeLike
Hi Jacqui, I suppose I probably have read more of these sorts of stories than I realise, although I think a lot of the books I’ve read are fictionalised memoirs which elements are not historically accurate. I’ve read a few of the books on your like.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Memoirs often have factual errors, don’t they. Our memories aren’t always true even though we are sure they are!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Our memories are also one-sided and that skews the facts too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do agree that some people fall into this style naturally as they are not into the flashy and loud but thought filled and detailed. Definitely worth a try …
Friends and Family Helpful to have in war!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for commenting!
LikeLike
Here’s a great one, Jacqui: Growing Up by Russell Baker.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I will check that one. I find I like this genre. The characters are more natural than other fiction, more like me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The quiet memoir sounds very interesting and worth giving a try…
LikeLiked by 3 people
You, Herb, have a unique, definitive voice. I think it would work for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm…
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the first time I’ve heard about Quiet Memoire! How have I missed this all these years?
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think it’s only a few years old–less than a decade. But it really makes sense, doesn’t it?
LikeLike
I’m going to find some memoirs and read them. I suppose a quiet one would be a re-telling of a life without any Bullet car chase moments. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hehee.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing, Jacqui. I highly recommend Pete’s and Miriam’s and now have a few more to add to my kindle.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Pete’s, I so related to, and Miriam’s made me feel good. Thanks, Bette.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are building a big resource full of genres, Jacqui. When I saw “Quiet Memoirs,” I immediately thought of J.Q.’s which I enjoyed so much. I thought Liesbet’s memoir was much less quiet, because she was living an unusual and adventurous life. Regardless, her “Plunge” was an enjoyable read too. Good luck with the A-Z! You’re braver than I am!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good points about both. I love the idea that ordinary lives can make extraordinary books.
LikeLike
Ooh, this was interesting. I bet JQ’s would fall under this category, don’t ya think?
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh yeah, why I added it. It’s a common enough story–middle class person starting a business–but her voice makes it spectacular
LikeLike
Thank You, for these recommendations Jacqui, will defintely add them to my list!
LikeLiked by 3 people
This genre reminds us all how amazing we are just because we live our lives and thrive.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing, Jacqui. Great list of examples. I feel there is a vast difference between a memoir and a biography.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Absolutely! I think twere I to write my personal history, it would definitely be a memoir so I didn’t have to worry so much about all those pesky facts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
An insightful blogger commented on one of the lessons we captured from The Expanse, about some folks’ comfort with being told lies, and it made me wonder: are memoirs a way to softly re-write our own tales in our minds?
LikeLiked by 3 people
They absolutely could be! It’s incumbent to us as consumers/readers to understand those differences–a memoir isn’t an autobiography. Good point!
LikeLike
I think I’m reading one of these now, about a guy’s visit to the Holy Land. It’s a lot of stream of consciousness, his notes and observations, but kind of interesting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I would say it is. And if he classifies it as a quiet memoir, no one will expect huge epiphanies or world-changing events.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nothing world-changing seems likely. I’ll have to see on the epiphany part.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My mind is spinning with speculations. What would count as an epiphany on a trip to the Holy Land? Hmm…
LikeLiked by 2 people
From what I read on the back cover, it may be a spiritual epiphany. And judging by how “not into it all” he is currently, that’s what I’m voting for.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is one that I didn’t really have a handle on,Jacqui, so the clarification was nice. I’ve read about half of the books on the list too. There’s quite a variety, but I can see how they fit. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 3 people
They are a great read, aren’t they. No trauma/drama, no judging or soul searching. I love it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hadn’t thought of this as a separate genre. I know I’ve read things similar but I can’t necessarily remember titles immediately. I remember the experience because there was nothing about the story that jumped out at me but it lingered with me for a long time. The Story of Forgetting by Stefan Merrill Block kind of feels like that, although I find the story structure of that book genius. Far from ordinary in some ways and yet gently straightforward and relatable in others, without much overt action. I believe that one is fiction, not memoir, but I have read it twice and still feel like it’s memoir.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You understand, Sheri–seems ordinary, stays with you for a long time. Once I discovered this, I was surprised how many writers practice this genre.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful genre and you explained it so well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was pretty excited to discover this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read a couple of these and have more to read. It’s a genre I didn’t read until later in life.
LikeLiked by 2 people
In the wrong pen, it could be boring!
LikeLike
Yup, that would describe any memoir I would write.
LikeLiked by 3 people
But your quirky sense of humor would bring it to life, Andrew.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am wondering whether it would still be called a quiet memoir if it is fictionalized?
LikeLiked by 3 people
If it is your memories, albeit without evidence or proof, I think so. And there are non-fic authors who write ‘creative non-fiction’ that includes elements of fiction stories. It’s complicated, innit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Like many others, I’ve read some without realizing that was the genre I was reading. I obviously recognized them as memoirs, but I didn’t know there was a subcategory. I liked your response to Liz’s comment.
Now, I’m curious if there is a subcategory called “noisy memoirs.” 🤣
LikeLiked by 3 people
I added yours because it really is your story of becoming a teacher. That sounds ordinary, but not through your eyes. Even though I’ve experienced much of what you did, I couldn’t put the book down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
While I have always distinguished memoirs from autobiographies, I haven’t thought of this distinction. Thanks for enlightening us.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes. Memoirs are allowed to have historical/factual mistakes because they are based on a person’s memories. The Quiet Memoir is allowed to be about a ‘boring’ topic, brought to life by the author. Pretty cool genre, I think!
LikeLike
I didn’t realize this genre existed. Thanks for the introduction.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is pretty great, don’t you think? It really puts the spotlight on the author’s skill at writing, not his life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still have to read Liesbet’s book. I’ve only read a couple memoirs as they aren’t my style, but the ones I picked were really good.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m not into the ones that try to convince me their lives were extraordinary when usually, they’re self-centered (ooops), but these are a lot more human.
I loved your question this month, Alex–about audiobooks. I have the same question for myself and will be checking out answers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Since I read memoirs, I definitely need to look more into this genre.
LikeLiked by 3 people
This genre is highly dependent upon the power of the storyteller. Find the right one, I think you’ll love it.
LikeLike
Again, I have learned of a new genre through you. 🙂 I think it would be nice to settle down to a book like this after a hard day.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Agreed! It doesn’t scream at you, isn’t frightening, and sounds like so many people we could know. I really like this genre.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting. I wasn’t aware of this genre, Jacqui. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s a good one, don’t you think? Normal people we could all relate to. Thse become all about voice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am surprised to know there is a quiet memoir. In a time when its cool to be cruel and cancel culture maybe reading a quiet memoir can be soothing and bring peace of mind.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So very true, Grace. And the ones I’ve listed–I’ve read most of them and thoroughly enjoyed them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the insights, Jacqui. Like others, I had not heard the name of this genre. Serving as my father’s caregiver put me on the path to write and publish a quiet memoir. Post release, I heard only crickets, compelling me to study how to tell a story readers will love.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yet, there are thousands (and thousands) of caregivers who would relate to that book, Grant. It’s more about spreading the word than the book itself I suspect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder whether Isabel Allende’s latest book, Violeta, would fit into this category? It has the feel of a memoir, although it’s written as a letter in which the writer recalls the larger events that swirled around the her life.
LikeLiked by 3 people
If the larger events aren’t those memorable type like “I married a prince” or “my father is a serial killer”, maybe. I’m not familiar with that book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, maybe it could be considered as such. Interesting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like quiet memoir, but I didn’t know the name for it. Cool.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I forget how I stumbled across this genre but it immediately resonated with me.
LikeLike
I hadn’t heard the term “quiet memoir” before, although from your definition, I’ve read and enjoyed them.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ordinary people doing ordinary things, completely relatable, made fascinating by the storyteller. What’s not to like?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t even know the name for this genre, though I have read it 🙂
Ronel visiting for the A-Z Challenge My Languishing TBR: E
LikeLiked by 4 people
It’s intriguing, innit? BTW, I love your AtoZ theme–your TBR. I can’t believe how huge yours is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂 I was looking for something on my Goodreads TBR when I saw that it’s up in the thousands… And not complete when looking at some free downloads and ARCs laying around. Not good. So I decided to make a plan and start reading seriously.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, it turns out that’s a great theme. I’m enjoying see all the books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting. New to me.
LikeLiked by 4 people
You almost have one with your book, Ankur, if you remade it as a more personal story with lessons learned. Which I’m not suggesting. I really liked it for what it is now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such an interesting post again, Jacqui – you’ve defined this genre so well. Toni x
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you, Toni! It was the easiest one in my list to find blogging authors for. I barely had to look beyond my circle of efriends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you put this genre into the spotlight, Jacqui. I enjoy it. I’ve read many on your list. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is special, innit, silent but loud in how many there are.
BTW, I’ve been reading about your new blog host, Substack. I’m intrigued.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought you might be. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a lovely post with useful tips Jacqui thank you. We’re offline for the moment so I can’t see the clip. Phones can be handy!
LikeLiked by 4 people
The clip is a 10-minute quiet memoir, intriguing in that it shares the traits pretty well. With music!
LikeLike
My love https://silasthepoet.wordpress.com/2022/04/06/my-love/
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks for visiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome
LikeLike
I haven’t read many from this genre (I actually can’t think of an example but it feels like there’s a dusty memory hiding somewhere 😉 ) but definitely worth some exploration.
LikeLiked by 6 people
If Old Man and the Sea was a true story, it would be a quiet memoir–ordinary activities that come to life through the voice of a true storyteller. I was surprised how many I’ve read!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: #AtoZChallenge: Genres–Quiet Memoir — – uwerolandgross