1. Do Now: Finish writing your memory story from yesterday

2.   The memoir is a form of creative nonfiction in which an author recounts experiences from his or her life. - Richard Nordquist  A memoir is not what happens, but the person to whom things happen. - Virginia Woolf  Memoir is a window into a life. - William Zinsser What is a Memoir ?

3.  MEMOIR  mem·oir (mmwär, -wôr) n. 1. An account of the personal experiences of an author Formula for a Memoir Memory + Autobiography (self+life+writing) Imagination -------------------------------------- Memoir

4.   It focuses and reflects on the relationship between the writer and a particular person, place, animal, or object.  It explains the significance of the relationship.  It makes the subject of the memoir come alive.  It maintains a first person point of view. Characteristics of the Memoir

5.  BRAINSTORMING QUESTIONS

6.   If the subject is a PERSON:  How long have you known this person?  When did you first meet this person? How did you meet?  What do you like about this person?  How do you feel about this person?  What’s the first thing you notice when you see this person? What the reader will need or want to know…

7.   How did you get this object?  How long have you had it?  How do you feel when you’re with it?  Where is it right now?  Has it changed since you first received it?  What’s your favorite thing about it?  Does everyone feel like you do about this object?  How has it helped you?  Is there a time when you really need it?  What if you lost it? …if the subject is an OBJECT

8.   What are your feelings when you think about this place?  When was the first time you went to this place?  What’s your favorite thing to do in this place?  Who else comes to this place?  If you could change one thing about this place, what would it be?  How often do you go there?  Does everyone feel like you do about this place?  Is this place the same today as it was in the past?  What’s the most important object in this place? Why? …if the subject is a PLACE

9.   What do you like the best about your pet?  What is your pets name?  What’s the first thing you notice about this animal when you see him/her?  What is this animal’s favorite thing to do?  When and how did you get it?  How do you feel when you are with it?  Does everyone feel the way you do about this animal?  What’s one funny thing that it does?  How does this animal help you or how do you help it? …if the subject is an ANIMAL (PET)