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Writing Lessons from Your Lifein Memoirfrom Jump Start Your Memoir,a course withDeborah Wilbrink

3. STYLE COMPARISONTheme, Organization, & TitlingInstructionStyle Read Around in GroupsStyle & Theme DiscussionPartnered Oral Memory with theme promptBrainstorm ThemesPre-write, Write & ShareTechnique: Organization Graphic OrganizersOptional Homework

YOUR STORY: ELEMENTSSetting: Where and When?Character: Dialog and ActionPlotConflictMoralThemePlus Topics, Voice, Organization, Titles, and Resources

Theme: the Subjecta recurring or identifying quality or ideaLife themes may be clearly stated: I serve my family; I inspire young people through teaching; I create art or music.

Themes may be about how we feel: Im looking for love; I will show everyone Im the best cook!

Themes can emphasize a part of your life, be the common thread: homes; cars; children; jobs.

4Organizing Your Memoir Chronological: Key events in order from birth to presentFlashback: Start with a major event and then lead up to it and resolve.Theme: Chronological with a specific focus.Topical: Themed chapters such as Children, Career, Romance, Art, etc.

5FINDING THEMEGrouped Quick Read-AroundSelect a Book & Examine It for 5 minutes.Then complete the form:Title, authorTheme books subjectOrganization by time or by topic or both?Title how does the title relate to the theme?Would you read this book? Why or why not?Share your thoughts from the formForm Groups and Choose a Book

Exploring Theme, Organization,and Titles

Title, authorTheme books subject?Organization by time or by topic or both?Title how does the title relate to the theme?Would you read this book? Why or why not?

Discussion

What do these books have in common?What makes a specific book unique?How will your memoir be part of a genre?How will it be unique?

Partnered Oral Memorywith Themes Partnered Oral Memory Draw a prompt and discussLONGEST HAIR GOES FIRST

9What subjects could be the main idea, the common thread, or the purpose of a memoir?BRAINSTORM

THEMES

Optional: Use graphic organizer.10ThemesChoose one of your stories. What themes does it bring to mind?List at least 2 themes from the story.ExampleChoose one theme to use in another story.Start your new story, using the common theme.

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Sharing ProceduresVolunteers Share.If necessary, we will take turns.

Comments welcomed after each share.Constructive, positive comments only.

OPTIONAL HOMEWORKTry on Some Titles for Your Memoir, Chapters, or Vignettes

What theme is emerging for your memoir?

Writing from Your Life 5NEXT CLASS isWednesday PARK HERESee you then!Instructor: Deborah Wilbrink

14Writing from Your Life 6Jump Start Your Memoirwith theOsher Life Long Learning InstituteInstructor: Deborah Wilbrink

YOUR STORY: ELEMENTSSetting: Where and When?Character: Dialog and ActionPlotConflictMoral (Lessons in Life)ThemePlus Topics, Voice, Style, Titles, and Resources

STYLE : a distinctive and identifiable way of expression; a way of doing something.. Voice first person II should sound like the person telling/writingTone indicates the attitude or view of the writerFollowing & not following rulesOnes cultural and educational setting vocabulary & grammarChoiceEditingProofreading

17Famous & Everyday ExamplesTechnique: How does the author convey the life lesson?Tell it if so, where?Show it how? Characters state itThe reader draws a conclusionOral Topic GenerationUsing Writing Prompts:Proverbs, Aphorisms and MoralsChoose a prompt from the bag. Explain it to the group. Does any prompt remind you of a personal story? If so, write a note to yourself about the prompt and story.What are some Lessons learned in Life? (advice, morals, proverbs, aphorisms)BRAINSTORM

Dont try to classify, but they may be:MoralProverbAphorism or quote

20Lessons in LifeList 3 short lessons in life or pieces of advice that you would like others to know. Choose 1.Write about how you learned that lesson. Or give an example of it from someones experience whom you know.

BRAINSTORM

Optional: Use graphic organizer.21Sharing ProceduresVolunteers Share.If necessary, we will take turns.

Comments welcomed after each share.Constructive, positive comments only.

OPTIONAL HOMEWORKThink about a higher purpose for your work. How can your memoir be helpful to others?

What are some of the natural lessons of life that your memoir could teach?

Topic GenerationSensory InputPhotos and ObjectsLists of QuestionsWriting PromptsExercise: Choose a PLOT prompt from the bag. What story does it bring to mind for your memoir? If you have time, make some notes, outline with plot, or begin your story.

24Writing from Your Life 4Wednesday AUGUST 7PARK HERESee you then!Instructor: Deborah Wilbrink

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