D.+We+Are+From

P1 I am from the tennis courts I grew up on I am from a generation of computers and ipods I am from a land of morals lost by time I am from a place where screams are never heard I am from last Thursday when my grandfather died I am from a family filled with laughter and sarcasm I am from a motorcycle loving dad I am from a father with no interest, more to give to his girlfriend’s kids I am from Portland and moved to Gorham when my parents divorced I am from music, at all hours of the day, pouring from guitars of old cassette tapes I am from the love of the fall season I am from a hard working community I am from a neighborhood where everyone comes together and has a great time I am from knowing the freedom that not many know

P2 I am from the dreams in bed that I woke up from this morning I am from an empty house that’s always cold I am from a house in the go I am from a family always on the go I am from a family who cares about me I am from a family of risk takers I am from a father who was never there I am from a family that likes to drink tea I am from a life that’s had its up and downs I am from a team that doesn’t believe in the word can’t I am from Lacrosse games and weekend tournaments I am from dancing in the living room with the music up as high as it goes I am from a small town I am from a life full of false smiles and laughter I am from a place where I strive to fit in I am from a society that doesn’t approve of me I am from a time when Homophobia could kill I am from a time where people worry about drama more than anything

** The Vignette Collection: ** ** What Themes are in YOUR Life? **

This quarter, we have been reading and analyzing fiction, and have developed an understanding of the literary concept of theme. For this creative writing project, you will experiment with that idea while writing about your own life.

You will write a collection of at least three short (500 word) creative personal voice vignettes. We’ll brainstorm topics first, so that you can think about the themes -- or maybe even symbols -- that you’d like to explore. Examples might be related to things like family, friends, love, home, growing up, an activity, holidays, or school. You might like thinking about a particular object that symbolizes your thoughts about that theme, the way that Cisneros did with things like shoes, clouds, or women sitting by windows.

We will do some brainstorming activities together in class to help generate story ideas, and when you have a draft, we will set grading criteria together. For now, here are the givens:


 * __ Each successful collection will: __**


 * Include three vignettes of about 1-2 typed double spaced pages each
 * Include lots of five senses detail to bring your memories to life
 * Explore a theme, possibly with the help of a common symbol, that you think of as an important part of your life experience and view of the world
 * Demonstrate your own voice as a writer, and your experiences and reflections on the world.
 * Be as free as possible of grammar and spelling errors


 * __ Deadlines: When will we be doing this? __**

__ Friday, November 9: __ Collection concept due: Identify what theme or themes your collection will highlight, and at least three ideas of specific memories or “snapshots” that could illustrate that theme.

__ Tuesday, November 13: __ Rough draft of one vignette

__ Friday, November 16: __ Rough draft of second vignette

__ Monday, November 19: __ Full rough draft of collection due in class

// Note: If you will be absent that day, you need to turn in your project ahead of time or electronically on that day. //
 * __ Tuesday, November 20: Gorgeous Final Drafts due in class! __**