Start with a Strong Premise: The First Step to Writing a Compelling Memoir

Before you start writing your memoir, there’s one crucial decision to make that will shape everything else: your premise.

A premise is more than just the summary of your story. It’s the "big idea" that holds your memoir together—the through line that keeps you focused, your readers engaged, and your story coherent.

Without a strong premise, your memoir can drift, trying to cover too much or missing the heart of what makes your story worth telling. But when you define your premise from the start, it becomes your North Star, guiding you as you write.

What Is a Memoir Premise?

Your memoir’s premise is a single sentence (or two) that captures:

• What your story is about,
  
• The transformation you went through, and
  
• Why it matters—what’s at stake for you and for the reader.
  

Think of it as the “because of this, I learned that” idea. It’s not just a summary of events—it’s the deeper meaning behind them.

Example:
"After my husband’s sudden death, I set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail—alone. This memoir explores how grief unraveled me, how solitude reshaped me, and how the wild helped me find my way back to myself."

Notice how this isn’t just a list of events—it’s a promise to the reader about the emotional and thematic journey they’ll go on.

Why You Need a Clear Premise

A well-crafted premise helps you:

• Stay focused. You’ll know what to include—and what to leave out.
  
• Avoid scope creep. Memoirs can easily veer off course. Your premise keeps you anchored.
  
• Pitch your book. If you plan to publish, a clear premise is the backbone of your proposal and marketing efforts.
  
• Find your audience. A strong premise tells readers why this story might matter to them.
  

How to Discover Your Premise

If you’re not sure what your memoir is really “about,” try this:

1. Write freely. Explore your memories. What themes keep surfacing? What turning points stand out?
   
2. Ask reflective questions:
   
• What changed in you because of these experiences?
  
• What question or tension are you trying to resolve?
  
• Who are you at the beginning of the story, and who do you become by the end?
  
3. Distill the message. Once you’ve written and reflected, try to boil your story down to one or two powerful sentences.
   

You don’t have to get it perfect right away. Your premise can evolve as your story takes shape. But even a rough version will give you something to aim for—and that clarity will make a world of difference.

Ready to Write Yours?

Take a few minutes to answer this prompt:

“This is a story about _________. After going through _________, I discovered __________.”

Once you’ve filled in the blanks, you’re on your way to crafting a memoir that not only tells your story—but reveals its deeper truth. That’s what draws readers in. That’s what makes your memoir powerful and memorable.

So before you dive into chapter one, pause. Ask yourself: What’s the big idea I’m really writing about? Your premise can (and often will) evolve as you write. But even a rough idea gives you direction—and helps you find the real heart of your story.

Want more tips on how to get started writing your memoir? Download my free guide, "7 Tips to Get Started Writing Your Memoir."