ERNEST HEMINGWAY For sale Baby shoes never worn

ERNEST HEMINGWAY “For sale: Baby shoes, never worn. ”

SIX-WORD MEMOIR is born!

Smith College’s challenge to its graduates: Create a memoir about your life (grammar doesn’t count) using just 6 words. n The result…………………

MEMOIR- what does it mean? • Description of an actual event/memory. • Usually focuses on a specific time in someone’s life, not his/her entire life. • Can be a way that you like to live your life- an inspirational message.

SIX-WORD MEMOIR SITE n n n “ 29 years old, still playing Lego. ” “Football, eat, sleep: Repeat step one. ” “My life is a perpetual Monday. ” “Been loved. Been hated. Been ME!” “Cursed with cancer. Blessed with friends. ” “Oscar the Grouch became Elmo-finally!”

From the Mouths of Teens: n I‘m still scared of a B+. n Sometimes I secretly watch Hannah Montana. n I haven’t cried in seven years. n I gave my heart and soul. n My diary is read by everyone. n I’m shy, but not on paper.

n n n I gave my heart and soul. Superpowers would make things easier. I don’t rock; Guitar Hero lies. Thirteenth birthday, no word from Dad. I still read children’s fiction books.

n n n Can I be eleven forever, please? My single mom raised me well. Show your bravery, wear silver spandex. I giggle to cover all emotions. School. Soccer. Sweat. Rinse. Homework. Repeat.

Why just 6 words? n Precision in language: Every word you choose you must feel attached to, that it is there for a reason. Each word must serve a purpose. The result of the six word memoir is a line that BEST expresses who you are right now. Remember, clarity of thought. So, you must be specific!

My 18 -month old child……

n“Mo ‘nack peas. I walk now. ” Anyone with language can master this skill.

The Writing Process…. . 1. 2. Focus on words that represent who you are. (Search for strong nouns and verbs. ) Just write! Use the chart and spend time playing with words. Avoid being random; use a verb to tie it together.