What draws you to the subject? What is your role in it? Who else is involved, if anyone? What structure works best as a framework for the piece – a list, a chronology, a definition, a structured argument, a narrative, the interview form, something else?

Descriptive narrative on sibling bond

Writing Project One: Defining an Idea Using Narrative and Description.

This writing project can be classified as an essay of creative nonfiction. At college level, this essay builds on skills you may have used to write a personal essay in high school, but this essay focuses on defining an idea through the use of narrative and description.

Students are encouraged to draw upon their life experiences for creative material and ideas for content. Journaling to generate ideas can be helpful. The concept, voice, and style of the piece may surface in one form or another as work on journal material progresses.

Your idea might concern a problem or issue or an interest. Do not feel obligated to work chronologically. Initial paragraphs, even the first few pages, may simply be warm-ups.

As you begin working on this project, consider the basic elements.

What draws you to the subject? What is your role in it? Who else is involved, if anyone? What structure works best as a framework for the piece – a list, a chronology, a definition, a structured argument, a narrative, the interview form, something else?

Does the use of narrative involve several narratives or focus on different aspects of one narrative? What meaning does the story have? Meaning points to the idea you are trying to explain.

What is the essential notion you wish to impart to the reader? What emotion? Respond to these questions in your journal or notebook as you develop your idea.