Creating a Memoir: Re-visioning Oneself

Project 2: Memoir (Follow the Checklist Below)
This assignment has 3 parts
1. Select three memories that are interwoven for you. The piece should have an epiphany, a story, a situation, setting, scenes, vivid description, first person point of view, reflection, and a frame. Think about what the common thread is. Is it a person, a feeling, a setting? How will you make sense of it? Once you have an outline of three scenes, use 500 words per scene and begin to create your memoir. Submit the scenes (1500 words total).
2. You already have three scenes from your memoir. Now, think about how you will frame them. What is the order your story will take? Write a short outline of your memoir. What scene will you start with? What do you need to explain between this scene and the next? Okay, are there scenes missing that you need to add? Sketch those out in a few sentences. What scene will you end with? Go back and look at your scenes. Do they all support your central story? If not, which do you need to cut? Perhaps you simply need to add some reflection to connect the scenes.
Writing The Final Memoir
3. After generate a 1500 word memoir. The piece should have an epiphany, a story, a situation, setting, scenes, vivid description, first person point of view, reflection, and a frame. Use the "Memoir Checklist" to guide you as you write, as well as during the revision and peer editing process, to guarantee you've employed all the techniques discussed in the text and preceding lessons.
Also, prepare a cover memo and attach this to the work. In the memo discuss the origins of the story. Why did you choose this story and not some other to write? Also discuss any concerns you might have about the story itself. For example, if you think the main character might not be fully developed, point that out here. You can also use this space to draw attention to any aspects of the story you believe work particularly well. Finally, talk about the suggestions that you incorporated in your revision. This non-graded memo represents the beginning of your side of the conversation you'll have with your instructor about this piece.
Formatting Instructions
At the top of the first page type your name, the date, and the total number of words. Approximately one-third of the way down the first page, center the story's title. Beneath this, begin the story. Double space the text. Number every page except the first. Attach your cover memo.
Use the checklist to be sure you've applied all the techniques discussed in previous lessons when writing/revising your story. Note: this checklist is very similar to the short story checklist because the genres share many techniques.
Memoir Checklist
Use the following checklist to be sure you've applied all the techniques discussed in previous lessons:
• Does the title entice readers to want to read the story? Does the title offer a key to, or enlarge, the story?
• What is the framing mechanism? Why did you choose it?
• Is there something emotionally at stake for the writer?
• Are there obstacles (real or psychological) the protagonist must overcome in order to reach his/her goal? Is there conflict?
• Are relevant sensory details used to develop the character(s) and reveal the setting? Have you used all the senses to describe the character(s) and the setting?
• Does the setting contribute to the story? Does the setting enlarge upon the characters' feelings, actions, and words?
• Are summary and scene used to move the action forward quickly, to provide background information (summary), to zero in on critical phases of action, or to develop character (scene)?
• Are flashbacks used to clarify and contribute to the overall depth of the story?
• Is dialogue used sparingly and only to reveal character(s) or move the action forward? Does the dialogue add to readers' conception of the character(s)?
• Have you experimented with adding descriptive details to dialogue to further develop the character(s)?
• Have you used the dialogue of minor characters to round out the ways your readers will see your main character(s)?
• Have you used the correct format and punctuation for dialogue?
• Have you chosen and maintained a consistent point of view? Is your tone appropriate to the subject matter and appealing to the reader?
• Is your protagonist reflective? Do we have an understanding of the motivations that move the character (ie you!)?
• Does the protagonist experience an epiphany?
• Have you proofread for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors?