Our first public piece of writing will be an autobiographical piece.  Basically, you should focus on one theme, experience, issue, life lesson, or concern that comes from your own life.  You won’t be telling your whole life story, just focusing on one significant question, insight, or event.

Your journal is probably a good source of ideas—what do you find yourself writing about in your journal?  Do you see recurrent themes and ideas? 

Consider:

•    A question that intrigues you
•    An issue or situation or problem that has affected you throughout your life
•    A goal or dream that you’re pursuing
•    An experience that taught you a valuable lesson about life
•    A memorable success or failure
•    A value, belief, or interest that guides you
•    A fear or sadness or problem that inhibits you
•    A unique experience you want to share with others
•    An important choice you’ve made—the road you took and the road not taken

Unlike journal assignments, this piece will be graded on correctness (mechanics, style, grammar, etc.) as well as content.  Don’t worry—I’ll gladly edit your work if you give it to me at least one week before the final draft is due.  This assignment is worth 100 points—50 for content (writing) and 50 for mechanics (editing).

Your piece should be about 4-6 pages in length (though it can be longer if you need more space).  Please type and doublespace your final copy.

Hint for success:  Remember the power of specific detail!  Include details that appeal to the senses:  sight, sound, smell, taste, texture.

When I'm writing, I know I'm doing the thing I was born to do.

~Anne Sexton