1. Childhood Memories Essay
Well, I remember when…

2. A few quotes from a writer: Tim O’Brien
“I want you to feel what I felt. I want you to know why story truth is truer sometimes than happening truth.”
“A thing may happen and be a total lie; another thing may not happen and be truer than the truth.”
“Stories are for joining the past to the future. Stories are for those late hours in the night when you can't remember how you got from where you were to where you are. Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember except the story.”

3. Prewriting Bubble Maps
In the center circle bubble, write down what memory/occurrence you will be writing about.
Then, branch out and give details in the surrounding bubbles that offer some info about:
Describe yourself at the time…
Where and when did the event take place? Be specific…
What did things look like? What was around?
Which people were involved?
What sounds do you remember hearing?
What did things feel like – physically? Textures…
What did things taste like?
What smells do you remember?

4. How to write a successful memoir:
A sympathetic main character: A reader’s sympathy and interest doesn’t come for free. You have to earn it. Make this a priority for your main character to come across as sympathetic, and readers will appreciate it.
Vividly depicted scenes: A vividly depicted scene has strong imagery that creates a movie in the mind of readers. Strong scenes like these are memorable and lasting.
Emotional tension: An emotionally involved reader will keep reading. Find a way to create and heighten the emotional impact of your story. Every story has emotional tension – whether it positive or negative.
Increasing sense of drama/conflict: A story that builds increasingly toward the climax comes across as purposeful. How do you build? Ratchet up the conflict. Show how the stakes are raised. Make readers know what might be lost – or gained.
A satisfying ending: Note that this is a satisfying ending versus a good or bad ending. No matter how the main story of your memoir ends, it should wrap up the main story tensions and bring a sense of closure.