1. Creative Non-Fiction

2. Compose a Snapshot Memoir All snapshots should relate to one Universal Truth you’ve learned in your life so far Aim for three “snapshots” in your memoir One snapshot may be in poem format (it must be YOUR poem—not someone else’s) The others must be narrative Snapshots should be written in present tense By the conclusion, the reader should be aware of the Universal Truth that you wish to share

3. Pre-Writing Step Use the Memoir Organizer to help you organize and test your ideas before you begin your rough draft.

4. A picture presents one moment in time Your snapshots should describe one moment in time Snapshots should be very focused! Tell just what the reader needs to know to understand the snapshot (they may infer!) Include some dialogue Include descriptive passages Let the snapshot event tell why the experience was memorable

5. Use only one side of the paper! Remember to write in present tense (as if it were happening right now) Paragraph as you draft—don’t wait for your final Include sensory imagery Start on a new page for each snapshot Go back and read over your words periodically as you write Revise as needed as you write

6. Revise each snapshot separately Look for~ Does the snapshot story make sense? Is it told in present tense (as if it were happening now)? Is it told in first person point of view (I, me, my, we)? Is there purposeful dialogue? Does the snapshot story tie into the universal truth?

7. Read the paper with a careful eye Mark any conventions errors you find with a red pen Look for~ Capitalization Punctuation Spelling (esp. homophones) Verb Tense Dialogue Punctuation

8. Type your paper using proper MLA format (get a sample from the teacher) Double space Indent new paragraphs—don’t leave extra space between paragraphs Use a size 12 font, Arial or Times New Roman Title centered, same size and font as the rest of the paper Capitalize main words in the title Include your name, teacher’s name, date, and name of assignment as shown in proper MLA format

9. Staple together, in this order: 1. Rubric 2. Final Copy 3. Rough Draft 4. Memoir Organizer 5. Daily Progress Sheet