1. Sharing a Relationship You Have With A Person, Place, or Thing
Memoir
Sharing a Relationship You Have With A Person, Place, or Thing
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools

2. Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools
Potential People
Mom
Dad
Grandparent
Sister
Brother
Cousin
Aunt
Uncle
Neighbor
Teacher
Coach
Bus driver
Preacher
Colleague
Friend
Doctor
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools

3. Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools
Potential Places
Lake
Grandma’s house
Woods
Backyard
Stream
Playground
Basement
Skating rink
Pool
Park
Farm
Ditch
Attic
Barber shop
Patio
Pier
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools

4. Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools
Potential Things
Pet
Tree
Porch
Swing
Bicycle
Computer
Food
Alarm Clock
Shoes
Dancing
Thunderstorms
Reading
Laundry
Swimming
Boat
Golf
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools

5. Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools
The Relationship
_____________________ is important in my life (because/but) ___________________
___________________________________
___________________________________.
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools

6. Elaboration: Prove It By…
Telling stories.
Giving examples.
Being specific.
Staying on track.
Not repeating yourself.
Knowing when to say when.
Using less dialogue/action.
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools

7. Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools
Organization
Stories and examples are not necessarily arranged in chronological order.
Arrange according to how the stories and examples relate to each other.
Cause/effect, seasons, greatest to least, save the best for last…
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools

8. Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools
Lead
Get the reader’s attention.
Get the reader on the right track by indicating the focus.
Try one or more of the following: list, quote, question, command, comparison, action, onomatopoeia, thought…
Connect to the first piece of evidence with a transition.
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools

9. Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools
Closing
Make the piece feel finished.
Give the reader something to think about, laugh at, remember…
You might tie back to the lead or title.
Be brief.
Donna Vincent, Muhlenberg County Schools