We’ve been working on writing memoirs in ELA for the past few weeks. Here is an update on what I’ve accomplished/learned at each stage of the writing process.

 

The part of the writing process that has been the most comfortable for me has always been drafting the memoir because if I have an idea I had an idea I know what to say.

 

The part of the writing process that has been the most challenging for me has always been generating ideas because the first time I had a good idea and just stuck with it. It is hard to think of more ideas when you’re set on one in particular. 

Immersion

 

I’ve learned the characteristics of a memoir include: the whole writing process and emotional writing, 

 

I think the characteristic I really want to focus on in my writing is generating ideas because I’m not very good at it.

 

My favorite memoir mentor text was My Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother because the author is like my little sister.  Her writing was very realistic. The dialogue between the brother and sister are exactly how siblings actually act. 

 

Generating Ideas/Selecting

 

 

 

Why do you want to share this idea/story with others?

It was the perfect Shabbat everything is in place.

What emotions do you want your reader to feel as they read your memoir?

special

Drafting

 

Here is my first draft:

(insert a picture from writer’s notebook)

 

One thing I think I did really well is being specific because I Gev. Kimmel told me about giving something without a personality a personality.

 

As I head into editing and revising, one thing I want to focus on is making my writing meaningful because there’s not much emotion.

 

Stay tuned for another post soon as I work on revising my first draft. If you have any SHE (specific, helpful, empathetic) feedback, please leave it as a comment!