1. Memoir

2. Memoir
A story retrieved from the writers memory
Stars the writer as protagonist
Written in first person
Uses I to remember and comment on the events
Places emphasis on the story
The point emerges from events + characters, rather than from narration.
A record of the event, not a reaction to it.
3. Memoir
Writing memoir is a way to figure out who you used to be and how to you to be who you are Abigail Thomas
4. Example
Why I Ride - Jana Richman
See handout.
5. Techniques
6. Simplicity
Clutter is the disease of American writing. - William Zinsser
Americans have short attention spans.
Strip sentences to their cleanest components.
Clear thinking becomes clear writing.
Ask yourself: What am I trying to say?
7. Six-Word Memoirs
What are they?
Six-Word Memoirs by Teens
Why write them?
Economy of words
Word choice
NPR examples; books
Your tasks:
Write three six-word memoirs.
Create/choose an image to accompany eachmemoir.
For each memoir: format these words and image(s) to be visually impactful on an 8 1/2X11 sheet of paper.
Turn in by the bell.
Optional: Use Glogster.com to present your 6 word memoirs. Print and/or send your Glogs to me.
8. Homework
Please bring in five pictures that tell the history of your life so far. These should be defining moments.