Writing Tips

Writing your memoir is an exciting and encouraging experience. Not only do you record your experiences for future generations to read, you may also gain insight into your present journey which lights the way to the future. When you write, you learn about yourself. You may finally figure out the reasons for your own behaviors or that of your family members. With the experience comes understanding and acceptance. There are readers waiting for what only you can share!

Let’s begin!

MODULE 1: Creative Nonfiction
Why do we write?
What is creative nonfiction?
How do I start?
Which format should I use?
Should I fictionalize my story?
Do you have a faith story?
What are the elements of great storytelling?

MODULE 2: Definitions
As you embark on this marvelous journey some study of terminology might be beneficial, if for no other reason than to be on the same page as we work together. Since the first version of my website highlighted international voices and the sharing of culture, I’ve kept the definitions intact. And let’s start there, with the term “culture.”

MODULE 3: Choices for Point of View and Verb Tense

1st Person Point of View
What does it mean to write from hindsight?
3rd Person Point of View
3rd Person Point of View: the Continuum

MODULE 4: Crafting

What is craft?
What is a good lead?
Why use short sentences?
What do you mean by sentence variety?
How do I manage the complex sentence? and a parallel one?
What do we mean by “voice?”
Using simile and metaphor
Examples of Similes from Adorning the Dark, Part I

Examples of Metaphor from Adorning the Dark, Part II


MODULE 5: Research & Presenting Evidence

What does it mean to back up observations with research?
Your Backstory
How is your family your first culture?
Would your letters qualify as research?
How to handle foreign words and foods?
Start with the familiar

MODULE 6: The Essay
The word study
Expressing Regret
The Essay of Regret and a sample Finlandia, I Wish
A Recipe for a Delicious Essay and a sample From Cowpoke Bean to Cassoulets
Structure your Essay for readers to Understand the Unfamiliar
the braided essay

Module 7: Elements of Fiction used in creative nonfiction

Set the story in story scenes
What is tone-setting?
characterization
add dialogue

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About Lori

Ever since Lori Younker was a child, she’s been captivated by her international friendships. She is mesmerized by the power of short works to inspire true understanding of the cross-cultural experience and expands her writing skills in creative nonfiction, guiding others to do the same. These days she helps others capture their life history as well as their stories of faith.