1. Drafting II: Writing the First Draft - “talking out” your narrative prose Objective: To create a first draft of your memoir in prose C.C.S.S: W8.4, W8.5

2. Before they were memoirs… All of the stories that we’ve read and discussed did not begin in the mode/style that you see them now… they probably began as narrative prose (just like a regular story, essay, paragraph) and before that they were probably just words exchanged. Today, you are going to discuss your memory with a partner (you both should be working in the same mode). Then you can begin to write out your memory in prose. (Be sure to skip lines)

3. See example from Walter Dean Myers – screen play began as prose

4. Talk it Out Each partner should receive 2-3 minutes to talk out their idea. The other partner should not only listen but ask questions! Let your partner know if you need more information, if you are lost, if you are unsure of the order. Some examples of questions to ask…. “What do you mean when you say that?” “I don’t understand, she was there or she wasn’t there?” “Why did you do that?” Your partner should not only clarify but understand that this information should be included in the first draft.

5. Write it out Write! Use the conversation you just had with your partner to put your ideas to paper…. Remember when they asked you questions because they were lost or needed more information or needed clarification --- add that into your draft! IF you would like, have them read over your idea again. Is there information missing? Anything that is unclear?