Memoir Writing Assignment | Online Homework Help

Memoir Writing Specifics

Length: 2-3 pages

Format: MLA

Approach: 3 drafts (3^rd draft turned in for a grade)

Drafts 1,2 done with volunteers turning in and I correct and shar

with the class

Due Dates: TBA (to be announced)

Rewrites: No

Type:

Memoir is a word that comes from the French Memoire which means to reminisce. Reminisce means to think back on and share the what happened, when, where, why or how, in your past and how it has informed (effected) the person you are today.

NOTES

• Like all good personal essays, you need to be forthcoming (truthful); be specific and understand that you are telling a story (narrative). All good narratives have a story arc: A beginning, middle and end.
• Your memoir has a beginning. Where were you? How old were you? Where were you etc. The reader needs context (background). They have to be able to place you somewhere in their thinking. Then what they read about you in that context will have meaning.
• What you are reminiscing about are the middle paragraphs. The heart of the experience. How whatever unfolded. EX: “My child spoke for the first time in three years after the accident. It happened when he got a new puppy, and said to the pup, I will always love you”. The pup licked his face and I cried. The reader wants to be with you there and feel what you were feeling.
• Most memoirs end with something that can be called different things: an understanding, an epiphany, a new outlook on life, renewed hope, you tell us how it changed you in some small or large way.

• How do we know this and expect to read something like this? Because you still remember it. It is still a part of who you are today.
• Memoirs are very personal. What you remember from your past is significant to you. It needn’t be significant to the reader. For the reader learning (about) something from your past is our shared moment, that is the significance to us.
• Please do not judge your memoir as being: dumb, insignificant, boring, no big deal and all the rest of the “self-put downs”.
• Memoirs can be humorous, we have funny stories too, don’t we?
• Because it is personal and at least one other will read it (maybe more than one) you should exercise judgment as to what to write about. For example: serious events like being arrested, having had an abortion, sex change; you get my drift. If it is going to be too personal and you are going to regret committing this story to paper; best let it go and choose something else. And never write about committing serious crimes. I do not think any of you have nor would write about it if you had BUT I have to do this disclaimer.
• Maybe the best thing about memoir writing is it can give the writer a sense that their lives are important, we have lived, we have share-worthy stories and experiences. They validate our importance; at the very least: to us.

SO:

I will post on Blackboard under this assignment at least one sample memoir / essay. I think I can get two posted.

I look forward to reading your shared experience.