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

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

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

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?

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

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

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