"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing."
--Benjamin Franklin
Everyone has something worth writing about. Personal narrative writing allows me to gain a deeper understanding of my students and allows them to express themselves better. Everyone has beautifully unique experiences that can be expressed in countless ways possible.
There is one big difference between formal academic writing and writing a personal narrative
YOU CAN USE “I” in this type of essay.
Step 1 - Choose a Hook!
There are several hooks that can be used to capture the readers attention. A few are listed below.
Prompt a question or reaction that is then immediately resolved is great.
Here's an example from YouTuber and author Alexa Donne.
“Today half the seniors of Claflin Academy will die. On the inside that is.”
2. Hints at the voice or mood of the text.
“It was late afternoon on the very last Wednesday of August when I realized Disney had been lying to me about happy ever afters.”
3. Demonstrates a strong sense of character building.
“He didn’t want me to die for him, dying is easy, so instead he said, “Live for me.”
4. World building.
“The evening air smelled pleasantly of a fresh grave.”
5. Themes
“The moment I thought enough, we were 35,000 feet high with a false sense of peace.”
6. Impactful Dialogue.
"It wasn't me I swear!" she screamed while being dangled over the edge of the mountain.
Step 2 - Use at least 3-4 literary devices in your essay!
Here are some suggestions to enhance and refine your narrative:
Engage the Senses by using LITERARY DEVICES. Think of these devices as the paints of your work. You will create images and emotions using these ‘paints.’
Imagery/descriptive language: Appeal to one of your 5 senses. Describe things you can see, feel, smell, hear, or taste. This can make your narrative more immersive.
Simile: A comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as" (e.g., as brave as a lion).
Metaphor: A direct comparison between two, unlike things without using "like" or "as" (e.g., time is a thief).
Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human entities (e.g., the wind whispered through the trees).
Symbolism: Using an object or action to represent something beyond its literal meaning (e.g., a rose symbolizing love).
Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words (e.g., she sells seashells by the seashore)
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words (e.g., hear the mellow wedding bells).
Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds, especially at the end of words (e.g., the rock clocked).
Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality.
Foreshadowing: Providing hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.
Hyperbole: Exaggerating for emphasis or effect (e.g., I've told you a million times).
Understatement: Deliberately downplaying the significance of something.
Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate the sound they represent (e.g., buzz, hiss).
Allusion: A reference to a person, place, event, or work of art that is not explained but is expected to be recognized.
Repetition: The repeated use of words or phrases for emphasis.
Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.
Epiphany: A moment of sudden realization or insight.
Oxymoron: A combination of contradictory or opposite words (e.g., deafening silence)
Juxtaposition: Placing two things (usually contrasting) next to each other for emphasis.
Allegory: A narrative or story with a hidden meaning, often moral or political.
These are just a few examples, and writers use many more literary devices to add depth and complexity to their work. If you would like to know what other options there may be, I would be happy to provide you with other resources!
Step 3 - Language use and variety
Show, Don't Tell:
Instead of stating that the area is "very touristy," consider describing the hustle and bustle, the chatter of people, and the excitement in the air. Show the reader why it's touristy.
Character Development:
Introduce a bit more about yourself and your friend(s) or family. What emotions did you feel? Adding personal reflections or internal thoughts can deepen the connection with the reader.
Organize and Pace:
Consider restructuring some sentences to create a smoother flow. For instance, combine sentences for better readability.
Dialogue:
If applicable, include snippets of conversation between you and your friend/family. This can add a dynamic element to your narrative and provide insights into your thoughts and feelings.
Pacing with Descriptions:
Break down longer sentences into shorter ones to create a varied rhythm. This can help maintain the reader's interest and create a more dynamic reading experience.
Conclusion:
Consider expanding on the aftermath of the climax. How did it change the atmosphere? What were your final thoughts as you left the site or situation?
Step 4 - Check! Is it a story? Or just a list of actions?
Last but not least, ensure your story has a clear climax and conflict.
The introduction should directly or indirectly describe your setting and characters.
The "conflict" in a story typically consists of
human(s) vs. human(s)
human(s) vs. society
human(s) vs. nature
human vs. self
Without some form of conflict, no interest will draw the reader in.
The story's climax is typically the most exciting part; this is the point where the main character either succeeds or fails.
And, of course, our resolutions are where the reader learns of the actions of the main character(s) and feelings in-depth and how the story ends as a result of the climax.
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