1. Introduction to Memoirs

2. Memoir is a personal narrative composed from past experiences. What is a memoir?

3. ● Autobiography – A story you write about your ENTIRE life ● Memoir – A story you write about a SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE you’ve had Telling Stories

4. ●Focuses on ONE event at one point in the author’s life ●Uses description to bring story to life ●Written in first person ●Based on truth Qualities of a memoir

5. ●Reveals the feelings of the writer ●Narrative structure, including many of the usual elements of storytelling such as setting, plot development, imagery, conflict, characterization ●About the author’s experience more than about the event itself Qualities of a memoir

6. ●Something you have strong feelings about ●Something you know a lot about ●Something you can describe in great detail Qualities of a memoir

7. ●Something your audience will be interested in ●Something your audience will feel was worth reading ●Gives them a lasting impression ●A SO WHAT moment Qualities of a memoir

8. ●The story is clear and focused ●Ideas are original ●The writer stays on topic, and it is easy to tell what the main idea is ●It holds the reader's attention ●Once you start reading the story, you don't want to stop What counts in quality and focus?

9. ● Christmas with my family ● The time my car broke down ● Grandma Great – nursing home ● Uncle Mike – funeral this summer ● The Accident – the night, grieving ● 1 st Roller Coaster Ride Writing Ideas

10. ● Times Square ● Late to a Wedding ● Whitewater Rafting ● Visiting someone in jail ● Vietnam Memorial ● Holocaust Museum ● Ballet solo ● Critters at Work Writing Territories

11. ● Dirtbike / Fourwheeler / etc. accidents ● Dealing with Death – family, friend, pet, stranger, tragic situation ● First time doing something ● Accomplishing something ● Sports ● Injuries ● Childhood / Family ● Unfortunate events – funny or serious ● Something that changed your life or your perspective Good Ideas from the Past

12. ●Focus. Zoom in on the moment that you’re going to be writing about ●Tell the outside story/what was happening ●Tell the inside story/what you were thinking and feeling ●Dialogue can be used for impact ●Tell details only you, the writer, will know So I have my topic. Now what?