1. By Gary Paulsen

2.  You will need to write a personal narrative about your life.  Think about moments that have been important and/or significant in your life.  Brainstorm a list of experiences that have special meaning to you.  Then evaluate those experiences by asking:  Is this experience important to me? Why?  What specific details can I give about this experience?  Is the experience too private or too embarrassing to share?

3.  Consider:  Your audience  What will your audience need to know in order to understand your experiences.  Organize your writing and choose an order:  Chronological  Order of importance  Spatial  BEGIN WRITING!!!!!