SESSION 4: STUDYING THE
DECISIONS OF MEMOIRISTS
Concept: Reading Immersion and Drafting
Memoirs (Phase 2)
TEACHING POINT

Copy in NB:
What is truth? Memoirists determine how much truth
is too much truth as well as what truth will be
expressed.
They identify the honest view, and then they decide
what a reader needs to know to understand the
larger point of the memoir, and what a reader does
not need to know.
Deciding what not to include is as important as what
to include.
TODAY’S QUOTE
Everyone can learn to become
comfortable putting words and
thoughts down on paper.
Writing doesn’t have to be a
struggle.
- Peter Elbow
MEMOIR MODEL: LOOKING FOR A “TRUTH”



Together, let’s read David Sedaris’ “Big Boy” – a
memoir about a bathroom trip
What truth about himself do you think he is
exploring – even though this is a funny episode in
his life? Highlight words or thoughts that show
his “truth”.
How is this model memoir “honest”? What details
make it “honest”?
TURN & TALK - PARTNERS


What is the truth the writer is revealing? Do you
think the writer is honest enough? Too honest?
What sentence seems to be most truthful? What
detail?
YOUR TURN – FREEWRITING FOR MEMOIR

Our goal? Identify a “truth” about ourselves.
First, glue in the “Track a Truth” clip to your NB.
 Step
1: Make a List.
 What is going on with me right now? Is
there anything in the way of my writing
today? Make a list of the distractions
that might slow your writing process.
GUIDED PRACTICE, CONT.
 Step
2. Make a list or freewrite.
What’s on my mind? What might I write
about? If you get nothing, ask what is
this nothing all about?
 Step
3. Make a list or freewrite again.
 What other possibilities for writing
have I left out?
READ, WONDER, PAUSE, JOT TO FIND A
TRUTH…AND WRITE AGAIN

Read your draft.

Ask: Where are there surprises? What additional
truth does this surprising detail suggest?



These are not huge surprises or huge truths. Look for
everyday truths.
Reread the entry pausing to reflect. When you find
a surprising detail, action, or observation, pause and
jot a thought or truth in the margin. Use that
process: Read, pause, jot as if you are talking back to
the text you just wrote.
You know what to do next. Write again. Start with
stating a truth and write to surprise yourself one
more time.
READ, REFLECT, AND DRAFT A MEMOIR
NOW:
 Read your lists and/or freewriting and star
lines/words that seem important. Then review those
starred lines/words and highlight a line or two that
suggests a subject or idea.

Write a sentence on the top of a clean notebook page
stating a simple truth about you.

Identify an event in your life connected to this truth

Tell the story of this event to illustrate what you
know is true about you.

Insert thoughts as they occur.
REFLECTION #4


Date your reflection and answer ONE of the two
reflection questions:
Option 1: Finding Truth


As you tracked surprises today, what truth did you
discover? What details or thoughts reveal that truth?
Have you said all you want to say? Have you said too
much?
Option 2: Memoirist’s Process

How does this process help me find important stories
that matter and understand why they shape who I
am? How is this process challenging?