6 Step memoir writing guide

6 Step Writing Guide

Memoir Writing

ELA 40s

Start

Step 3

Step 5

Step 1

Brainstorm/reflect on potential topics and ideas

Consider the persepctive and narrative type

Create a draft

Step 6

Step 4

Step 2

Edit and refine

Outline how you want to tell your story

Identify your message and theme

Brainstorm/refect on potential topics and ideas

Do some reflective thinking and consider some memorable events in your life that you want to talk about. Consider the three components of writing a memoir: 1. Who you were 2. What happened 3. Who you became What events in your life are you trying to make sense of? Or that you have made sense of?

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Identify your message and theme

When thinking about your message think about what you want to tell your audience. What about your life and experiences can other people relate to and learn from.

Considering your message

Click on the image to see an example of the messaging in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

When thinking about your theme consider a central idea that is consistent throughout your story. Your story can have multiple themes and subthemes. However, focusing on one or a few main themes can help focus your writing on

Considering your theme

Click the image to see a list of theme ideas

Consider what perspective and narrative type you want to write

Perspective

Literary Devices

First person Second person Third person limited Third person ominicent

Use literary devices like imagery, symbolism, flashbacks, foreshadowing, etc. to express your perspectives in complex ways

Narrative types

Figurative language

Use figurative language to "show" and not "tell." Experiment with language to communicate complex ideas and feelings

Linear Non-linear Quest Viewpoint

Example: basic outline IntroductionDramatic moment, hook, setting, charactersBody: main eventsRising action, climax, falling actionConclusion Moral/lesson learned, wrap up loose ends

Step 4

Outline your ideas

Create an outline for your ideas in a way which helps you organize your events the way you want it to be told. Depending on what narrative type you choose this process may look different in terms of the chronological order of events

Create a draft

Begin the writing process by using your outline as a guide to organize your paragraphs and guide your writing. Focus on getting your core ideas out onto the page and don't worry too much about the minor grammatical details during this stage of the writing process.

Click image for an example draft

Edit and refine

Get someone to edit your work

Get someone to read your draft and give you feedback on elements such as:

Look for spelling mistakes

Grammar and writing mechanics

Clarity of ideas and events

Areas that could be expanded upon

Clarity and focus of ideas and events

Positive feedback on areas of good writing

Option 1: Sutori

Memoir Assignment

Option 2: TimeToast

Choose one of the following options. Using one of the options listed to create a memoir except that focuses on a single or select few experiences from your life.

Option 3: Genial.ly

Option 4: Essay: Memoir Excerpt

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01

TimeToast

Sutori

Create several journal style entries that tell a single event or multiple events in chronological order. Requirements: 5-8 well crafted journal entries with images to help support your writting.

Create several entries which either focus on several events or a single event told in multiple vignettes. Requirements 5-8 well crafted written entries with images to help support your writting.

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Essay: Memoir Excerpt

Genial.ly

Create a memoir excerpt which focuses on a single event or chapter in your memoir. Requirements: 2-4 pages double spaced, MLA formating.

Create a Genial.ly using any of the templates or assets on the website to tell your story in a creative, but concise and focued way. Requirements: This depend on what you decide to choose, but roughly 500-750 words worth of writing plus visual. Come see me to let me know what you choose and we will work out the details.

Memoir Assignment Rubric

Writting

Creativity

Grammar/Mechanics

Content/Focus