Memoir: Detailed Outline

The Format of a Detailed Outline for Your Memoir 

Starshine Supernova

Ms. Hatfield

English II, 5^th Period

2 November 2015

Title: 

Title

           Main Idea:

           Theme: 

I.           Basic Situation 

a.      Grabber/Hook

b.      Setting/Background Information

c.       Thesis Statement

II.           Rising Action Paragraphs: You should have several body paragraphs that should include the elements of a plot like a few pieces of rising action, the climax, and falling action). Transitions will be extremely important. Below is a video to help you with transitions. 

a.      Topic Sentence

b.      Supporting Details/Actions/Dialogue

c.       Supporting Details/Actions/Dialogue

d.      Supporting Details/Actions/Dialogue

This is to help you with your transitions. 

III.               Conclusion (Tie up any loose ends, explain the resolution, and discuss the lesson learned/moral)

a.      Falling Action

b.      Resolution

c.       Lesson/Moral

Example Detailed Outline for Your Memoir

Title: If I Could Only Thank You for One Thing

Main Idea: The main idea of my memoir is surviving my grandmother’s illness and death.

Theme: Lessons of love never fade.

I.                                 Introduction

a.      Grabber/Hook: "You’re gonna have-ta come down from that tree some time," she said as she waved a switch in my direction.   

b.       Setting/Background Information:

                                                               i.      Hattiesburg, Ms.

                                                             ii.      Description of Grandma and our relationship

1.       Childhood Relationship

2.       Transition into an Adult Relationship 

c.       Thesis Statement: My grandma rarely got sick; when she did, she treated it with a mixture drugstore medicine and “old timey” remedies. She hated going to the doctor and would try every ounce of Charlatan’s snake oil before she would resign herself to an actual physician’s visit. She had just been dancing at the V.F.W. the Friday before, so certainly it wasn’t a big deal in her mind. She was insistent with every conversation that it was a "nasty virus" that was ailing her. 

II.                  Body Paragraph - Rising Action #1 

a.      Topic Sentence - Thanksgiving was the first opportunity to make the eight hour drive to see my grandmother. I was not prepared for what I saw when I walked through the same door that I had walked through my whole life. 

b.      Supporting Details/Actions - Describe her physical appearance

c.     Supporting Details/Actions - Describe my feelings

d.     Supporting Details/Actions - The Moment of Massive Denial 

III.                    Body Paragraph - Rising Action #2

a.      Topic Sentence - After dismissing my aunt, I started to take care of my grandmother. It was within minutes that I realized that I could not save her; in fact, something was incredibly wrong. 

b.      Supporting Details/Actions - The Accusation of Attempted Murder

c.       Supporting Details/Actions - Hospital E.R. 

d.      Supporting Details/Actions - Escaping to Walmart 

IV.              Body Paragraph - Climax 

a.      Topic Sentence - As I drove to the hospital, I rehearsed what I was going to say for my last goodbye to my grandmother. 

b.      Supporting Details/Actions - Advice from a Friend. 

c.       Supporting Details/Actions - The Conversation 

d.      Supporting Details/Actions - Her Final Padded Touch 

V.                Conclusion - 

a.      Falling Action - As I drove home, I grieved relentlessly because I knew that I would never my grandmother again, I would never feel her hands again. 

b.      Resolution - She died on January 2, 2011. 

c.       Lesson/Moral - Look for lessons of love in all moments of adversity. 

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? 

Memoir Project: 6 Word Memoirs and The Soundtrack of Your Life

WARNING! THIS BLOG IS NOT COMPLETE!

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music. Billy Joel

Writing a memoir comes easily for some, but is a struggle for others. One of the hardest things is revealing stories about yourself. However, life is about reflection, exploring, and sharing. The final written piece will not be shared with your classmates because I respect your right to privacy. Your story does not have to be deeply personal, but often times, those are things that we need to process the most.

This project will involve several activities. Some will be in class, but most will be out of class. 

It is highly important that you prioritize your time. 

Day 1: 6 Word Memoir

This in-class activity was inspired by supposed Hemingway's challenge to write a six word story. The story was, "For Sale: Baby Shoes. Never Worn."

To better help understand the process, we watched  "Tips for Writing a 6 Word Memoir" while pausing to complete each activity. There are some really interesting videos, books, and websites dedicated to The 6 Word Memoir that I strongly recommend. The concept is easy, but can be challenging; plus, they are often intriguing because so little is said.

Day 2: The Soundtrack of My Life inspired by Littunes

Step One: 

• List eight major events that have happened in your life.

1. Meeting My Childhood Best Friend

2. Sisters' Birth

3. Group Home

4. Son's Birth

5. College Graduation

6. Divorce

7. Grandma's Death

8. Remarrying 

Step Two: 

• Choose a song that represents each event. 
• The lyrics must match the theme/emotion of the event and MUST BE ACADEMICALLY APPROPRIATE (edit them if you have to do so). You can use www.songfacts.com to help you search for songs by subject. 
• A brief explanation of each connection will need to be provided with samples of the lyrics or video clips. 

1. Meeting My Childhood Best Friend

"Count on Me" by Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans

I met my best friend when I was 9 years old and we are as close as ever 25 years later. Angie and I have been with each other through the unimaginable, both good and bad. Time has never changed our relationship and never will. 

2. Sisters' Birth

"I Hope You Dance" by Leeann Womack

At the time of my first sister's birth, I wasn't exactly thrilled. I always loved her, but I had been an only child for 10 years. Of course, she and my other sisters have been a source of unconditional love and pride for me. When I reflect on my dreams for them, this is the song that sings from my heart. 

3. Group Homes

"Desperately Wanting" by Better than Ezra 

It is no secret that I was a wayward and deviant teen who put herself in dangerous situations. Having to spend time in group homes was traumatic; upon reflection, those places probably saved my life and kept me safe enough from my wreckless behavior that I was able to eventually achieve my dreams of becoming a mother, a teacher, and a wife. "Desperately Wanting" by Better than Ezra still transports me to that time and those places, despite the fact that my attitude towards the reason for my placements has changed as an adult. 

4. Son's Birth

"Godspeed" by The Dixie Chics

"Godspeed" by The Dixie Chics is my song for my son. He came into the world and I was forever changed. The love a mother has for her child is like no other. Godspeed is meant to wish someone a prosperous journy and all I want for my rugged and creative little boy is to find his happiness in the world. I have been singing this to him 

5. College Graduation

"Survivor" by Destiny's Child

There were many people that did not believe that I would be able to overcome the obstacles that I faced (and sometimes created) during my teen years and early twenties. It took me A LONG TIME to finish college, but I was determined to become a teacher. I knew that I was going to make, even when other's didn't think that I could. I sang this song in my head while I walked across stage to get my diploma. Truth Bomb - Haters last your whole life, so let their negativity push you to greatness and leave them in the dust. 

6. Divorce

"Ex-Factor" by Lauryn Hill

No one gets married with the plans of getting divorced one day. Most divorces aren't because of lack of love, but rather other prideful and stressful adult junk that just can't get worked out. Divorce hit me really hard and I would spend a lot of time listening to Lauryn Hill's entire album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. 

This is an example of how a song may not represent the entire situation, but the tone and emotions with a few key lines can be tied to a moment to create a musical memoir. 

On a positive note, my ex and I both found the loves of our lives and are happy beyond belief with our spouses. Still, this song reminds me of the pain and confusion that comes with a failing marriage.

7. The Passing of My Grandmothers 

"The Old Rugged Cross" by Brad Paisley 

and 

"When I Get Where I'm Going" by Brad Paisley feating Dolly Parton

My Grandma Hammond passed away on January 4, 1997. She had been sick on some level most of my life, but it still felt sudden. She spoiled us grandkids perfectly rotten and we had a very special bond because I was the only girl for a long time. She would take my cousin Shane and me to the zoo and then to the grocery store; she wanted to see my Papaw and we wanted a chocolate bar. I seemed to have inherited her flair for the dramatic and gift of gab. This is old hymn is her song because it was her favorite. 

My Grandma Ann passed away on January 2, 2011. Unlike my maternal grandmother, my Grandma Ann was always working and was highly independent. She was the rock of my life. It was nine weeks between her diagnosis of stage 4 cancer and her death. I was not prepared to lose my most trustest confidant and my biggest fan. I still have her number in my phone and still forget that I can't just call her to get advice, to gossip, to get a recipe, a pep talk, a butt-chewing, or gardening advice.

8. Remarrying 

"You Are the Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne

And then.....I met the love of my life and he decided to make me his wife. Although, I did not make it easy and tried my hardest to avoid a relationship with him. I had a ton of excuses, but there was a draw and I felt like I had found my metaphorical home (you know, a place of safety, nurturing, warmth, and all that other sappy stuff). To hear him tell it, he says that I was "the answer to his prayers" and "God's gift" to him. Newlyweds are SOOOOO mushy.

Day 3: PowerPoint 

After compiling your life events and choosing the appropriate songs to create a soundtrack, begin to create a powerpoint presentation (for the purpose of privacy).  

You may include pictures, videos, samples of lyrics if they are appropriate. 

Multimedia Project : The Soundtrack of My Life Teacher Name: Jaimie Hatfield Student Name:     ________________________________________

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Attractiveness	Makes excellent use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance the presentation.	Makes good use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance to presentation.	Makes use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. but occasionally these detract from the presentation content.	Use of font, color, graphics, effects etc. but these often distract from the presentaion content.
Requirements	All requirements are met and exceeded. You must have 8 events with brief descriptions and an explained musical connection.	All requirements are met. You must have 8 events with brief descriptions and a musical connection.	One requirement was not completely met. You must have 8 events with brief descriptions and/or a musical connection.	More than one requirement was not completely met.
Mechanics	No misspellings or grammatical errors.	Three or fewer misspellings and/or mechanical errors.	Four misspellings and/or grammatical errors.	More than 4 errors in spelling or grammar.
Content	Covers topic in-depth with details and examples. Subject knowledge is excellent.	Includes essential knowledge about the topic. Subject knowledge appears to be good.	Includes essential information about the topic but there are 1-2 factual errors.	Content is minimal OR there are several factual errors.
Organization	Content is well organized using headings or bulleted lists to group related material.	Uses headings or bulleted lists to organize, but the overall organization of topics appears flawed.	Content is logically organized for the most part.	There was no clear or logical organizational structure, just lots of facts.
Originality	Product shows a large amount of original thought. Ideas are creative and inventive.	Product shows some original thought. Work shows new ideas and insights.	Uses other people\'s ideas (giving them credit), but there is little evidence of original thinking.	Uses other people\'s ideas, but does not give them credit.