1. How much can you say about your life in exactly six word?
The Six-Word Memoir
“The psychic said I’d be richer” – Elizabeth Berenstein
How much can you say about your life in exactly six word?
9/21/2018

2. The memoir is about you and your life.
What is a memoir?
mem·oir [ mém war ]   
biography or historical account: a biography or an account of historical events, especially one written from personal knowledge
essay on scholarly subject: a short essay, article, or report on a scholarly subject, usually one in which the writer is a recognized specialist
autobiography: somebody's written account of his or her own life or of events in which he or she took part
Synonyms: account, biography, history, chronicle, description, record, diary, journal, dossier
9/21/2018
The memoir is about you and your life.

3. The Event Memoir (focuses on an episode in your life that changed you)
Bike parade- streamers, ballons, blue ribbon!
1st 5K. Last place. Still victorious.
“I still make coffee for two.”-Zak Nelson
“First time skiing- first torn ACL.”
“Wolf! She cried. No one listened.” – May Lee
“For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.”- Ernest Hemingway
“Never felt safe after the divorce.”
9/21/2018
What has happened to you?

4. What are your habits of behavior?
The Personality Memoir (focuses on your qualities or traits as a person)
Reading addict. Under sheets with flashlight.
Kept talking when they weren’t listening.
Big smile-ready laugh-fun happening.
So blessed, but still so worried.
“Never really finished anything, except cake.”- Carletta Perkins
“Lazy Renaissance man settles for dilletantism.”- Bradley Lyons
“Asked to quiet down, spoke louder” –Wendy Lee
9/21/2018
What are your habits of behavior?

5. The Hobby/Talent Memoir (focuses on what you like to do/are good at doing)
Four sisters. Designated peacemaker. Saved lives.
Drama, debate, choir- no TV time.
Bargain shopper. Interested when 75% off.
Travel? Yes! Ready to go now!
“Wasn’t noticed, so I painted trains.” Mare 139
“Older now. I draw myself better.”- Peter Arkle
“Sports got me through high school.”
9/21/2018
I really shine when I…

6. The Philosophy Memoir (focuses on a core belief)
People are fragile, handle with care.
People do their best, be patient.
Broccoli between teeth? Friends tell friends.
“Life has gone to the dogs.” –Ted Reingold
“Fight, work, persevere- gain slight notoriety.”- Harvey Pekar
“Every story is a Hero’s Quest.”
“Hockey is not just for boys.”
9/21/2018
Do I have a moto?

7. Memoir & Presentation worth 80 points
The assignment:
Write four, six-word memoirs. One event memoir, one personality memoir, one hobby/talent memoir, and one philosophy memoir.
Present all four memoirs to the class. Explain each of them.
Choose one memoir to illustrate on your sticky note. Bring it to class finished. You may use any media you like- crayon, marker, feathers, sequins, buttons, etc. Your illustrated memoir should be in color unless there is a thematic reason to avoid color.
9/21/2018
Memoir & Presentation worth 80 points