A memoir is a type of true story in which an author describes an event or experience from their own life, and tries to explain what made it so important.

In this exercise you can practice writing a memoir by thinking about a prized possession. That’s an object you’d be very sad to break, wreck, or lose. Something that might reveal a little bit about who you are and what you care about.

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Start in whichever box feels easiest—that includes the spot in the middle where you can draw your prized possession. The goal is just to get your thoughts down.

When you’re done, use this worksheet to tell a story about your prized possession. A mini-memoir!