G9+Autobiostoria

 ** The FINAL G9 2010 English Writing Project: **** Story of Myself: **  ** A narrated life **   ** G9 English 2010 **

 For our final writing project, you will be writing a chapter book about yourself. In a sense, it is your auto-bio-storia. However, our focus will be on narrative writing, or story writing, similar to Craig Alan Johnson’s __Wave Watcher__, which is a collection of vignettes, short stories taken from the author’s life, with a narrative story line that runs through. Please note: this assignment should not be your G7 Family Album Part II, or your G7 Family Album translated. It is meant to be a collection of narratives, not descriptions.  ** Time, Grading, and Format **  This assignment will last 9 weeks: 8 weeks of planning, writing, revising, and editing, followed by one week of publishing. We will be working on this project in class, but you will also have to put in a good deal of effort at your home.  The final due date for this project is **Monday, November 22nd, 2010.** Projects handed in after this date will lose 50% in value for every day they are not handed in.  Your grade for this project will consist of how well you spend your time in class as a writer, reviser, and editor, as well as how punctually you complete each assignment. Your writing will also be assessed for the Six Traits: Ideas, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Flow, Voice, and Conventions. In addition to in-class editing, you should also use your word processing programs’ grammar and spell check. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure your English conventions are as error free as possible.  You may design the cover as you would like. However, each chapter of your self-story must be typed in Arial or Times New Roman font, 12-14 point size, with 1.5-2x spacing between the lines. Chapter titles may be up to 24 pt. font, but must NOT be WordArt.  ** Contents **  Your self-story, in addition to having at least eight chapters, should also have the following: **  ** ** A Cover-- ** Your cover should include your selected title, your name, and an illus­tration appropriate to your book. For illustrations, consider a word pattern, graphic de­sign, collage, original drawings, photographs, magazine pictures, quotations, etc. Use rubber cement or a glue stick to mount items, and be sure that your cover design hides price tags and brand names. Please note: this is the only space where photographs may be used in your entire self-story. **  ** ** A Title Page-- **Select a word or phrase particularly meaningful for you to serve as your title. Browse through a thesaurus, listen to music you love, think of special people and places and interests, and then submit several possible titles. “A Book about Me” or “My Autobiography” are poor titles because they are vague and impersonal. For example, think of how important “Wave Watcher” was to the narrative of Ray and Louie’s life in Craig Alan Johnson’s book. **  **** A DEDICATION ** —You should choose one or two people (maximum) to whom you would like to dedicate your book. You may also choose to include a special quote that has significance to you and to the person to whom you are dedicating the book. **  ** ** A Table of Contents-- **List the assignment number and title of all assignments in your autobiography. Title each contents page. **  ** ** An acknowledgements page (optional)-- **This is a space to personally thank those people who have been special influences throughout your life, and/or who have helped you complete this book. These may include family members or classmates or friends who helped you revise or edit your writing.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 49.0pt 244.0pt 266.35pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt 792.0pt; text-align: center;"> Specific Assignments <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Each week, you will be asked to complete one chapter, or one story, about your life. These will be due on Mondays for Omega and Delta, Tuesdays for Alpha. Each story should be 2-3 pages long. You will be assessed on punctuality as well as content. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> ** What to Write **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> You should choose **8 subjects** from the following list of possible story ideas. Please remember that you are writing narratives, or stories, rather than descriptions. Obviously, some of your writing will be describing the people, places, and things in your story, but the focus should be on the story, always. If you have another idea for a chapter, please come and see me, and if we both agree it will work, you may choose your own instead. In the same way that Craig Alan Johnson gives his chapter titles unique names based on the objects, people, and references in his chapters, so too should your chapter title be original.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Birth/A Sibling’s Birth ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** How My Parents/Grandparents Met ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Relationship with (whomever). ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Room **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Favorite Thing/Object **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My House/Apartment/Vacation House **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Neighborhood ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Favorite Place ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** A Special Piece of Furniture **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Our Holiday **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** A Special Vacation/A Trip **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** A Family Joke **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** A Family Legend ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Personal/Family Rituals/Chores/Jobs? ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** The Happiest Day of My Life **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** The Scariest Day of My Life **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** The Saddest Day of My Life **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** An Achievement I’m Proud Of ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** The Best Lesson I Ever Learned ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** A Lesson I Learned after it was too Late **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** The Best Day of School **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** The Worst Day of School ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Best Friend ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Favorite Hobby **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** My Special Talent **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** How I got into…(favorite activity) ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> // P.S. Don’t forget your pets, if you have them! // <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> Can you/should you combine some/any of the above chapter ideas into one? Sure!

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> Do I want you to think of other ideas? Absolutely! <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> ** Extra Add-Ins ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> Each chapter should be 2-3 pages long. Again, you’ll be focusing on telling a story, rather than describing. But, sometimes it’s not easy to fill up those pages with a story that takes just a couple of paragraphs. What should you do? What did Craig Alan Johnson do? DIGRESS!

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> Add in interesting ideas and thoughts of your own. Interrupt stories with fun details, or interrupt stories with other stories! Just make sure your digressions are meaningful and contextual. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> Here are a few ideas to help you fill up those pages: <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** What’s in a Name?: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Names are an integral part of who we are. They shape our sense of who we are. Explore your feelings about “the unity between [your]self and [your] name.” Does your name have symbolic meaning? Is it ethnic or historic or literary? Did your parents consider other names? In short, how do you //live// with your name? <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Personal Alphabet: ** Browse through a dictionary or thesaurus, looking for adjectives to describe yourself. Know the meaning of the words you select and be able to explain how each word you’ve chosen fits you.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** The Examined Life: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Divide a sheet of paper in half. On one side, list the best things about yourself. On the other side, list your greatest faults. Your good side must be at least as long as your bad side! Note that, like everyone else in the world, you have a combination of traits. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Likes / Dislikes List: ** Make ** two ** columns, one titled “Likes,” the other “Dislikes,” and list from ** ten ** to ** fifteen ** specific items in each column. Avoid naming specific classmates and teachers by generalizing. For example, “that mean teacher who’s making me write an autobiography,” not my name! Use your lists to help you brainstorm.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Color Your World: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Although you can’t use crayons, use color(s) themselves as part of your writing. You could write about the things you associate with a specific color, such as all the blues there are! Or write an explanation of the colors you associate with different emotions. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Symbolic Recipe: ** Write a symbolic recipe for yourself. This means your ingredients are not blood, muscle, bone, and a lock of hair, but abstract qualities and personality traits (like patience, friendliness, humor). What is really necessary to create you. Follow standard recipe format: a list of ingredients and exact measurements, followed by a paragraph of instructions, advice about the proper sequence of the steps, and any tips or warnings.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Unfinished Sentences: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Complete each of the following sentences by expanding them into short paragraphs. As always, be specific. 1. I usually worry about… 6. I feel frustrated when… <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 2. I feel angry when… 7. I feel depressed when… <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 3. I’m moody when… 8. I am comfortable when… <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 4. I’m happiest when… 9. I feel nervous when… <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 5. I feel confident when… 10. I feel sentimental when… <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Metaphorical Definitions: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> This kind of definition helps make abstract words easier to under-stand by giving a specific concrete example. A famous metaphorical definition is “Happiness is a warm puppy.” For you, happiness may be something very different — a raise in your allowance, a banana split, a room of your own. Write metaphorical definitions of different abstract nouns. Your concrete example must be something specific that you can sense — taste, touch, smell, see, or hear. Your definitions should follow the format below: <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> ** Metaphorical Definition = Abstract Noun + **** IS + Concrete Example  ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Personal Metaphors: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Make a list of metaphorical comparisons. Think, “If I were an animal, what kind of animal would I be?” For each item, write the general ** label ** and then your specific comparison. In your chapter, be able to explain your choices. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 1. Animal 11. Musical Instrument <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 2. Car 12. Geometric Shape <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 3. Article of Clothing 13. Piece of Furniture <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 4. Day of the Week 14. Song <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 5. Food 15. Season of the Year <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 6. Color 16. Television Character <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 7. Movie 17. Cartoon or Comic Character <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 8. Fragrance 18. Appliance or Machinery <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 9. Type of Building 19. Natural Phenomenon <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> 10. Plant 20. Word <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Metamorphosis: ** Make a list of objects, places, ideas that could stand for your younger self, symbols for the way you used to be. Then make a contrasting list that could stand for your current self, symbols that represent the way you are now. Sort of an “I used to be…but now I am…” kind of chart. Use these contrasting ** lists ** to write about your transformation.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** These Words Belong to Me: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Make a list of words which have special power and magic. Think of common words with uncommon meanings, or even strange new words which allow you to think a new kind of thought. Think of Craig Alan Johnson’s “prettiful” or “grand”. For each word you choose, explain why this particular word belongs to you. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** In Other Words: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Try expressing yourself through someone else’s words. Choose quotations which represent your thought on several aspects of life – not only love, but also faith, success, integrity, character, friendship, etc. Make sure you allude to the quoted person correctly. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** One Medium Suitcase: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> Imagine that you are leaving home forever, and you can only take what will fit in one medium-sized suitcase with you. Specifically, what will you take with you and why? Explain. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** As Time Goes Bye-Bye: //Carpe diem// ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> (or, Seize the day!) or **The Bucket List**. Before time passes you by, what things do you want to do? What one thing do you most want to do by the time you are thirty-five? Why? What have you already said good-bye to – people, places, ideas, stages in your life, hopes, dreams, sorrows? Reflect on those good-byes and/or grand plans. Make a list with short explanations, or concentrate on explaining one specific goal or farewell in depth. <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> ** How to Make Your Writing Better – Writing Tips **

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> The reason __Wave Watcher__ works so well as a novel is that in addition to all of the vignettes, there are also great writing techniques. Also, Craig Alan Johnson uses //symbols// and //allusions// well.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Symbols: ** As we’ve read so far, waves and candles are symbols in Craig Alan Johnson’s work about human life. Are there any symbolic things in your life: either manmade or natural objects or phenomena that have a special significance? If so, how can you incorporate them into your writing? If not, can you think of any as you brainstorm for any of your chapters?

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Allusions: ** Craig Alan Johnson frequently alludes to, or refers to, other stories that he knows. He does this sometimes by adding quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Sometimes, as in Hamlet or Of Mice and Men, he explains the allusion explicitly. Other times, he just mentions famous people, historical events, or books in one line. In your writing, try to incorporate the people, historical events, and books/works of art that have had an impact on your life. Remember, these all have to be //public// knowledge: just saying your Aunt Joan was important to you is not an allusion (although you are certainly free to write about family members). For example, in my life we have Harry Potter Christmas. I also might write about how Muhammad Ali inspired me to lose weight, etc.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Sensory Experiences: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> The five senses allow us to perceive whatever is tangible, or concrete. A sensory experience is something we can taste, touch, smell, see, or hear. When you are describing something, make sure you describe it in such a way that we can sense it, rather than just see it.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Write ‘Small’: ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> The trick to writing a great vignette is to write using specific visuals and sensory details. You should try to create a snapshot that the reader can picture in their mind.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Create Your Characters ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> : Dialogue, gestures, and detail make your characters very relatable to the reader. Writing dialogue can be difficult in terms of punctuation, but just use any English book to help you figure it out. Without dialogue, many of your character interactions will have a lot less meaning.

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;">** Invigorate Your Verbs ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> : Choose strong verbs to show movement within your sentences. Even when using linking verbs, can you avoid using the verb ‘to be’ as much as possible?

<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt; text-align: center;"> ** The Narrative Thread ** <span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 27.0pt 54.0pt 81.0pt 234.0pt 261.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt 684.0pt 720.0pt 756.0pt;"> One of the reasons __Wave Watcher__ is such a successful book is that there is, even with all of the vignettes about the family’s life, there is still the one story in the present tense, about Ray writing in his journal one night because he can’t sleep. YOUR auto-bio-storia will become much more powerful if you have a similar narrative thread throughout your chapters. Of course, any good narrative requires a conflict, or at least contrary ideas. If you feel that there are no contrary ideas within your life story, that’s ok. Your narrative still could center around a key moment or event, which had either a positive or negative impact in your life. <span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 2pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 58.0pt 72.0pt 120.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt; text-align: center;"> There are three options for writing your auto-bio-storia. <span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 2pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 58.0pt 72.0pt 120.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt;">__** Option 1: Unconnected Vignettes **__ <span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 2pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 58.0pt 72.0pt 120.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt;"> This option is for those of you who STILL don’t feel like you can create a narrative thread to your stories/chapters. You may simply write eight unconnected chapters. All of your stories should be written in the first person. You should still try and center your story around the moment you feel is key to your life.

<span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 2pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 58.0pt 72.0pt 120.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt;">** Option 2: The Auto-Narrative ** <span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 2pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 58.0pt 72.0pt 120.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt;"> This option is the most similar to Wave Watcher__. You will write eight chapters, but you will have a story that connects throughout. Some choices for this option might include: pretending (like Ray) that you are up all night writing in a journal; pretending it’s your birthday and reflect on your past before you make a wish to blow out the candles; pretending you are giving a speech accepting a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award; pretending you are sitting around a campfire talking about philosophy; the list is endless. You decide. What’s important is that, like Ray’s journal, you occasionally flash between the stories you are reminiscing about in the past, and the present experience of what is going on //as you are remembering the stories//. To choose this option, you may wish to include, in addition to your eight chapters, to write a Prologue (like Just a Beginning) and an Epilogue.

<span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 2pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 58.0pt 72.0pt 120.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt;">** Option 3: The Multi-Perspective Narrative ** <span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 2pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 58.0pt 72.0pt 120.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt;"> This option is the most challenging. You should choose this option if you know you have a strong command of voice. In this option, you will be writing not just from your perspective, but from the perspective of others. You are going to still be writing stories about //your// life and //your// relationships, but you will be telling the stories from other points of view. You perhaps may be again at your birthday party, and people are telling stories about you; or you may be on reality TV, and others are reuniting with you, like the old TV show, “This Is Your Life!” (look it up); or you may pretend that you are dead, and people in your family are telling stories about you; etc. In addition to strong voice, you also must be quite creative in how you change voices between the stories you are telling and the present situation //as your characters are remembering the stories//. To choose this option, you may wish to include, in addition to your eight chapters, to write a Prologue (like Just a Beginning) and an Epilogue.

<span style="display: block; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 2pt; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 36.0pt 58.0pt 72.0pt 120.0pt 144.0pt 180.0pt 216.0pt 252.0pt 288.0pt 324.0pt 360.0pt 396.0pt 432.0pt 468.0pt 504.0pt 540.0pt 576.0pt 612.0pt 648.0pt; text-align: center;"> ** Things to Keep in Mind **

Choose the focus of your autobiography and the events in your life you will write about. Outline those events in the order they'll appear. The mundane events that come with living are there for all of us and important only to those who live them. Keep your story interesting by only including what is unique to your story. Plot your autobiography creatively. Order the events as if you're telling a story. Forget about chronological order. Think about a beginning, middle and end. Keep it colorful. Don't just stick to the facts. Engage your reader with writing that draws them in and makes them feel as if you're telling them a story. Don't make up events in your life, but a little creative license can go a long way. This can often be achieved by combining events in your life to make them more interesting or to better pace the telling of your story. Treat the people in your autobiography as characters in a novel. Find the traits about them that made you love them and show those traits to your readers. The basic techniques of literary nonfiction include dialogue, specific language, and scene-by-scene construction of storytelling. To engage readers, a story must have significance. That is the sense, or the meaning, that you bring to the events of your story. Don’t just tell stories to tell stories: tell stories because you want to say something. Wake up your narrator! Write as YOU speak, straightforward and honest. If you have to invent details, make them believable. Tell your reader your attitude toward what you are writing.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">Good Luck! Have Fun!