Often we think that neighborhoods only exist in urban or city areas.  But a neighborhood is really just the area you live in.  Some neighborhoods in the country take up several square miles.  Some city neighborhoods include only the houses next door and directly across the street.

As a way to help you think about some places and events to focus on for your memoir, you will draw a map of a neighborhood—either the one you live in now, or a neighborhood you remember fondly. It could be your grandmother's neighborhood. Or it could be a neighborhood you used to live in.  Or it could be a neighborhood you visited each summer while on vacation.

Make your map as accurate as you can recall and include details that are important to you. If you played on a large rock, make sure the rock is in your map.  If you played in a creek that ran near your house, make sure the creek is there.  Also, make sure you label the important places on your map.

Your map should
· be in color
· include important places
· be as accurate as you can recall
· include labels of the places
· be neat
 

Baby Steps and Thoughtshots
Memoir Overview
Graphing Your Life
Writing the Lead