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Writing Lessons from Your Life in Memoir from Jump Start Your Memoir, a course with Deborah Wilbrink

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3. STYLE COMPARISON Theme, Organization, & Titling Instruction Style Read Around in Groups Style & Theme Discussion Partnered Oral Memory with theme prompt Brainstorm Themes Pre-write, Write & Share Technique: Organization Graphic Organizers Optional Homework

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YOUR STORY: ELEMENTS Setting: Where and When? Character: Dialog and Action Plot Conflict Moral Theme Plus Topics, Voice, Organization, Titles, and Resources

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Theme: the Subject a recurring or identifying quality or idea Life 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.

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Organizing Your Memoir Chronological: Key events in order from birth to present Flashback: 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.

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FINDING THEME Grouped Quick Read-Around Select a Book & Examine It for 5 minutes. Then complete the form: Title, author Theme 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? Share your thoughts from the form Form Groups and Choose a Book

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Exploring Theme, Organization, and Titles Title, author Theme 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?

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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?

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Partnered Oral Memory with Themes Partnered Oral Memory Draw a prompt and discuss LONGEST HAIR GOES FIRST

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

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Themes Choose one of your stories. What themes does it bring to mind? List at least 2 themes from the story. Example Choose one theme to use in another story. Start your new story, using the common theme.

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Sharing Procedures Volunteers Share. If necessary, we will take turns. Comments welcomed after each share. Constructive, positive comments only.

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OPTIONAL HOMEWORK Try on Some Titles for Your Memoir, Chapters, or Vignettes What theme is emerging for your memoir?

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Writing from Your Life 5 NEXT CLASS is Wednesday PARK HERE See you then! Instructor: Deborah Wilbrink

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Writing from Your Life 6 Jump Start Your Memoir with the Osher Life Long Learning Institute Instructor: Deborah Wilbrink

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YOUR STORY: ELEMENTS Setting: Where and When? Character: Dialog and Action Plot Conflict Moral (Lessons in Life) Theme Plus Topics, Voice, Style, Titles, and Resources

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STYLE : a distinctive and identifiable way of expression; a way of doing something.. Voice first person I I should sound like the person telling/writing Tone indicates the attitude or view of the writer Following & not following rules Ones cultural and educational setting vocabulary & grammar Choice Editing Proofreading

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Famous & Everyday Examples Technique: How does the author convey the life lesson? Tell it if so, where? Show it how? Characters state it The reader draws a conclusion

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Oral Topic Generation Using Writing Prompts: Proverbs, Aphorisms and Morals Choose 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.

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What are some Lessons learned in Life? (advice, morals, proverbs, aphorisms) BRAINSTORM

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Lessons in Life List 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

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Sharing Procedures Volunteers Share. If necessary, we will take turns. Comments welcomed after each share. Constructive, positive comments only.

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OPTIONAL HOMEWORK Think 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?

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Topic Generation Sensory Input Photos and Objects Lists of Questions Writing Prompts Exercise: 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.

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