Writing a Memoir....the first step

Definition of Memoir ENG 2D1 A memoir is a piece of autobiographical writing, usually shorter in nature than a comprehensive autobiography. The memoir, especially as it is being used in publishing today, often tries to capture certain highlights or meaningful moments in one's past, often including a contemplation of the meaning of that event at the time of the writing of the memoir. The memoir may be more emotional and concerned with capturing particular scenes, or a series of events, rather than documenting every fact of a person's life Characteristics of the Memoir Form Focus on a brief period of time or series of related events Narrative structure, including many of the usual elements of storytelling such as setting, plot development, imagery, conflict, characterization, foreshadowing and flashback, and irony and symbolism The writer's contemplation of the meaning of these events in retrospect A fictional quality even though the story is true Higher emotional level More personal reconstruction of the events and their impact Therapeutic experience for the memoirist, especially when the memoir is of the crisis or survival type of memoir Writing the memoir To write a memoir, begin by brainstorming on paper all the events you can remember from your life that were either very important to you in a positive way, or very important to you in a negative way. Talk to other members of your family to get ideas, help you remember events from when you were small, and to help fill in the details that might have been forgotten. Select the event, or series of related events, that seems most interesting to you right now. ☞ Where we are now Brainstorm again but in more detail, trying to recall names, places, descriptions, voices, conversations, things, and all the other details that will make this turn into an interesting memoir. Work at this notetaking stage for a few days, until you feel you've got it all down on paper. Then begin to write. You will be surprised to see that even more details begin to appear once you start to write. For your first draft, write quickly to get all your ideas down from beginning to end. Don't worry about editing. Before you revise, share your first draft with someone. Consider their response, but go with what feels right. Rewrite, and then start editing as needed. Good memoirs are about everyday things, but they are interesting, sometimes just as interesting to read as a good novel. But remember, a memoir is supposed to be true, so be careful not to exaggerate or embellish the truth.....and hopefully it reveals a deeper truth, a significant fact , something greater than the event itself....hopefully. Remember, you are not Christy Brown, or Nelson Mandela , or Lance Armstrong, or Spencer West or a child soldier......You be you............now think on the event and freewrite on it....filling the back of this sheet unless it's posted on a blog...you have no sheet....any paper will do....fill one side with memories, details, , recollections don't worry about form, style etc...for now