What is a memoir? • biography or historical account: a biography or an account of historical events, especially one written from personal knowledge
Legend has it… • Ernest Hemingway was challenged to write a whole novel in six words. • His version? • For sale: Baby shoes; never worn. • Take out a sheet of paper, please and write what you think this story is about…
• Never really finished anything, except cake. • Carletta Perkins
• Not quite what I was planning. • Summer Grimes
• I managed not to destroy anything. • Tucker Frazier
6 word memoirs have become so popular lately that there is a website dedicated to them. Several books have been published, including one written entirely by teens called I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets.
Eventually, I’ll make my own breakfast. –Sam Z.
• You’re the parent, act like one. –Anais V.
• I only tell truth in journals. –Rachel W.
• Money’s tight; thankfully imagination is free. –Vanessa E.
• They screamed “nobody. ” I believed them. –Andrew C.
• Can’t stop taking pictures of myself. – Kacey K.
• Aspiration: colonize Mars. You’re not invited. –Jordan H.
• I resent people who ignore grammar. – Molly S.
• I never got my Hogwarts letter. –Deanna H.
• Googled what he called me. Ouch. –Emily L.
• Me plus brother equals total disaster. – Zachary M.
• Lost myself for popular kids’ approval. – Kimberly G.
• Coach ignored me. He’ll regret it. –Maeve M.
• Can I be fourteen forever, please? –Emily B.
• I’m thankful I’m not messed up. –Kieran D.
• Tired of being the smart kid. –Danielle B.
• Love: not enough, All there is. -Katie B.
Memoir Don’ts • I like to play football alot. • Joe Schmoe
Write your life… • • Must be 6 words(not five, not seven) Must be self-reflective Must be colorful/neat NO PENCIL – typed or pen • On the back, attach 2 -3 sentences explaining what your memoir means.