Memoir: Simple Outline

Why are we even writing a memoir, Ms. Hatfield?

This filmmaker explains the value of a narrative perfectly. 

To help you get started and stay on track review the article How to Write a Memoir: Your Story in Six Steps.

The next part of the process will pre-writing. You will need to develop a simple outline. After that, you will develop a detailed outline. The format with suggestions are provided below, as well as an example. The examples are from my memoir about the death of my grandmother.

STEP ONE

The Format of a Simple Outline for Your Memoir 

Starshine Supernova

Ms. Hatfield

English II, 5^th Period

2 November 2015

Title

Main Idea:  Write your main idea. This should be one sentence that summarizes 

the plot of  your memoir.

Theme: Try to determine what your arching theme will be. 

I.                    Basic Situation

II.                  Rising Action (may be multiple paragraphs)

III.                Climax

IV.                Conclusion

 V.        Resolution: Lesson/Moral Learned or How You Were Impacted

Example Simple Outline for Your Memoir

Note: Because the outlines are also being used as a brainstorming tool, your outline may have slight variations from the outlines requires for more formal types of writing. 

My Granmother and My Son

Starshine Supernova

Ms. Hatfield

English II, 5^th Period

2 November 2015

Simple Outline Example 

Main Idea: My Grandma’s Cancer

Theme: Lessons of Love Never Fade

I.                   Basic Situation: Grandma got cancer.

II.                  Rising Action #1: The Call

III.                Rising Action #2: The Trip

IV.                Rising Action #3: The E.R.

V.                 Climax: Last Goodbye

VI.                Falling Action: Leaving

VII.              Conclusion: Grieving

VIII.             Resolution: Where I am now with this event? What 

                    did I learn? 

Are you still stuck?