6-Word Memoirs Basic English 12

What is a memoir? A memoir is a form of autobiographical writing –Writer recalls important events in his/her life –Can be personal, but may also deal with events that are significant beyond the writer’s life –The author will often connect his/her life to current events –A memoir may include facts, feelings and opinions

6-Word Memoir Project A project from the editors of Smith Magazine –A collection of memoirs that are each 6 words long –The idea stems from Ernest Hemingway –He was asked to sum up his life in just 6 words: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn”

6-Word Memoirs Project The editors challenged writers to write their own six-word memoirs –Most were a cross between haiku poetry and personal ads –Editors expanded this challenge to average people, not just writers –They told people to not overthink; write a memoir, not a fortune cookie

Examples “Couldn’t cope so I wrote songs” –Aimee Mann, singer/songwriter “Shy jersey kid, overcompensating ever since” –Ariel Kaminer, writer for the New York Times “Mississippi. Maine. New York. Added family” –Laura Conway, NPR “Well, I thought it was funny” –Stephen Colbert “Brought it to a boil, often” –Mario Batali

Average People  “Felt lost. Found you. Better now”  “Tried to write; accounting is easier”  “Squirrel ate pizza, tournament goes on”  “Education, career, family. Last one best”  “Praying I don’t get laid off”  “They said I was crazy! (Laughter)”  “Has personality, not just pretty face”  “Feel bad, threw up, in class”

Average People “Born a loser, die a legend” “Broken home, broken heart, new beginnings” “Life too short, eat good cheese” “Job stinks. Art doesn’t pay. Dang” “Born looking up at the stars” “Miss you dad. You’d be proud” “Made others laugh. I still hurt”

Forming Deeper Meaning To make each of their stories more deep and meaningful, people began adding images –This was a way to make their stories seem more real – Also this ensures that their message was getting across –Furthermore, this is a fun way to play with the words!

Visual Representation es/2008/02/memoir/gallery/index.html es/2008/02/memoir/gallery/index.html

Your Assignment! You are going to write your own 6-word memoir! 1 st you will brainstorm! (Use worksheet) Then, you will write your own memoir Finally, you will draw a visual representation of your memoir (you can also use magazines, photographs, pictures, etc.)

INCENTIVES! (AKA reasons to do a good job!) Your memoirs will be judged by outside judges (no names will be included). The top two memoirs in the class will earn extra credit! Your memoir is worth 30 points. It will be graded on –Having 6 words –Graphic that makes sense with topic –Thought-provoking and well-thought out –Neatness/Effort/Presentation