1. Personal Narrative and Creative Non Fiction
Tell your story through your experiences

2. Memoir Memoir is a story that comes from a writer’s memory
The writer is the protagonist
The focus is on the “story” and a “point” or lesson that is learned by the end
Memoir is like a dialogue between the writer and his/her past

3. Image and Voice Use a conversational tone that is personal
Use concrete details that make the story real to readers
Avoid too much summary- tell your story through descriptive details, action, and dialogue
Personal narrative/memoir requires immediate, detailed action
By the end, your discovery or an important decision should be established through actions and/or dialogue

4. Memoir Starter:
Write the beginning of a memoir on your first day of high school, middle school, or elementary school. Take 15 min. to get started…
Focus on your emotions, nervousness, excitement as you enter the school building
Describe the people you saw- teachers, familiar friends, new faces, first impressions
Describe the atmosphere in the hallways in comparison to your previous school
How you felt at the end of the day- were you relieved it was over, nervous for the next day, content that you had a great day?

5. Character
Develop character (yourself, and others in your story) through detail and dialogue
You can re-create a memory or conversation by imagining what it was really like
Write as truly as you can, but create details where you need to
Balance personal reflections with dramatization- make it bold and interesting
Ex: In a memoir about friendship, focus on the conversation between you and a friend that was particularly emotional, whether it was funny, sad, inspiring, etc. Use dialogue and then reflect on how the convo made you feel

6. Voice and distance from reader
Personal memoir can be told through first person- “I said…”
You may also tell a personal narrative from the perspective of another person involved in your story
Put yourself in the middle of the action
Ex- Avoid writing about “your family”- too broad. Instead, write about one afternoon with your family where something happened that changed your views or your life

7. Tips on Writing Memoir/ Narrative
Write your truth!
Memory is imperfect- reinvent the truth as closely as possible, even if you have to rely on imagination
Start with action or in the middle of a scenario that is in progress
Blend your experiences with knowledge
Make sure your story has a purpose and an overall meaning that is revealed through the experience