Overview:
In
his essay “Being Brians,” Brian Doyle writes, “To write creative non-fiction is
really only to write stories; and stories all begin with paying attention and
listening and asking questions; […] and after you pour it all down you feel for
the bones of the story, and make it lean and taut and clean;” He goes on to say
that “it is, to me anyway, small true odd interesting unusual voice-laden funny
poignant detailed musical sweet sad stories.” Sometimes the parts of our lives
that seem the most mundane are where we find richness. A drive with your dad, a
time when you saw someone gut a fish, or when you saw a couple fighting in a
restaurant: these are all examples of seemingly normal situations that might
make for great stories. For this assignment, I want you to think deeply about
the events in your life, and I want you to write an essay where you tell a
story about something true.
One
of the greatest things about personal essays is that we are able to bring
people and situations together on a page in such a way that we sometimes begin
to understand them, and ourselves, a little better. For instance, in his
personal narrative on Dee Dee Ramone, Neil Ortenberg reflects on his personal
and professional relationship with the singer by retelling some of their last
conversations. During those meetings with Ramone, Ortenberg most likely didn’t
realize that those moments would be significant to him; maybe he didn’t even
realize the significance those moments had on their relationship until be began
writing about them.
In
the introduction to her book Grace
Eventually, Anne Lamott writes, “There is not much truth being told in the
world.” So, remember to tell the truth. Don’t be afraid to let your reader know
you and the subject of your writing. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not.
Purpose: To produce a true story
about one event in your life that significantly shaped you. While this essay
should focus on one event, feel free to use limited background information to
lead up to the event.
Audience: Your audience is your
instructor and your peers.
Length: Your first draft should
be 1-2 pages. Your final draft should be 3-5 pages.
Due Dates:
Have
two topics for topic proposal by September 3.
First draft by September 5
Final Draft by September 10
Note:
Your narrative must have all the elements of a story: plot, setting,
characters, and dialogue.
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