Memoir is a story from a writer's memory told in first person using "I". It focuses on events and characters rather than narration. The point emerges from what happened rather than reaction to events. Memoir allows one to understand who they used to be and how that influences who they are. Effective memoir uses simplicity and strips sentences to their essential components to engage short attention spans. Six-word memoirs express profound ideas concisely through careful word choice. Students are tasked with writing three six-word memoirs and pairing each with an image.

1. Memoir

2. MemoirA story retrieved from the writer’s memoryStars the writer as protagonistWritten in first personUses “I” to remember and comment on the eventsPlaces emphasis on the storyThe “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 RichmanSee handout.

5. Techniques

6. Simplicity “Clutter is the disease of American writing.” - William ZinsserAmericans 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 MemoirsWhat are they?Six-Word Memoirs by TeensWhy write them? Economy of wordsWord choiceNPR examples; booksYour 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. HomeworkPlease bring in five pictures that tell the history of your life so far. These should be defining moments.