What is a memory? Where do memories come from? Why do we enjoy looking at pictures in our photo albums?

Writers take simple things in their lives and make them extraordinary through their telling of the story. The stories in ones’ life, regardless of how small or insignificant, has the making of a memory that is worth sharing.

We learn through these life stories, the lessons that help us to grow into a better person. People like to share their life stories and the lessons learned through the telling and writing of stories called MEMOIRS. People like to share their life stories and the lessons learned through the telling and writing of stories called MEMOIRS. Memoirs are made up of our special memories, so unforgettable they are worth telling to others. Memoirs are made up of our special memories, so unforgettable they are worth telling to others.

What is one of your most important memories ? Every picture tells a story. Today you will tell the story about your picture.

Use Your Senses SIGHTSOUNDTASTETOUCHSMELL Perfect smiles Perfect smiles Proud husband Proud husband Clowning Clowning Falling off couch Falling off couch costume costume Noises to get her attention Noises to get her attention Crying Crying Whining Whining Dogs barking Dogs barking Salty tears Salty tears Squeezing hands Squeezing hands Pinching legs Pinching legs Soft, fluffy puppy Soft, fluffy puppy Fresh, homemade biscuits Fresh, homemade biscuits

Show—Don’t Tell Last night I went to a party. Last night I went to a party. It was very nice and I enjoyed it. I spent ages trying to decide what to wear to the party. First, I was going to wear jeans, but then I thought, “No, jeans are so ordinary, and besides, I wore jeans to the last party.” Then I thought of wearing a skirt, but Terry had told me at school that she was thinking of wearing a skirt, and if I also wore a skirt then she would think that I was trying to copy her… I spent ages trying to decide what to wear to the party. First, I was going to wear jeans, but then I thought, “No, jeans are so ordinary, and besides, I wore jeans to the last party.” Then I thought of wearing a skirt, but Terry had told me at school that she was thinking of wearing a skirt, and if I also wore a skirt then she would think that I was trying to copy her…

Fabulous Memoir Writing Includes… Dialogue Dialogue Vivid word choice—get rid of boo, bad, boring words, and replace them with great, grand, grandees words Vivid word choice—get rid of boo, bad, boring words, and replace them with great, grand, grandees words Use Smiley-Face-Tricks in your writing to make it come alive! Use Smiley-Face-Tricks in your writing to make it come alive! Vary sentence length Vary sentence length Don’t be afraid to show emotion— that’s what a memoir is all about! Don’t be afraid to show emotion— that’s what a memoir is all about!

Fabulous Memoir Writing Includes… Write a lead or hook which engages the reader Write a lead or hook which engages the reader Use transitions between ideas to help the writing flow Use transitions between ideas to help the writing flow Develop characters through thoughts, words, actions etc.. Develop characters through thoughts, words, actions etc.. End it effectively—leave the reader something to think about End it effectively—leave the reader something to think about