Now that you've completed your prewriting and have a clearer sense of your story's shape and significance, it's time to start putting words on the page. Drafting a narrative essay is different from other kinds of writing—you're not just conveying information, you're crafting an experience for your reader. Think of yourself as both storyteller and guide, leading your audience through the moments that mattered to you.
The key to effective narrative drafting is to focus on scenes rather than summary. Instead of telling readers what happened, you want to recreate specific moments so vividly that readers feel like they're experiencing them alongside you. We'll start by working on your opening scene, then build from there.
Your task: Write the opening 150-200 words of your personal narrative essay.
What to focus on:
Hook your reader - Start with a vivid moment, dialogue, sensory detail, or intriguing statement
Set the scene - Give readers a clear sense of where and when your story takes place
Hint at significance - Suggest (don't tell outright) why this moment matters
Two approaches to try:
Option A: Start at the beginning Open with the first important moment of your story, using concrete details to pull readers in.
Option B: Start in the middle Begin with a compelling moment from the heart of your experience, then you can fill in background later.
What NOT to worry about yet:
Having a perfect introduction
Explaining everything upfront
Connecting to your thesis explicitly
What TO focus on:
Making readers want to keep reading
Using specific, vivid details
Showing rather than telling
Come to class ready to:
Share your opening with a partner
Discuss which approach (A or B) you chose and why
Get feedback on what's working and what could be stronger
Remember: This is a draft. The goal is to get started, not to get it perfect.
After you've crafted a strong first passage, continue building your narrative by developing the other key scenes you identified in your prewriting. Remember to:
Show through scenes - Focus on specific moments with concrete details rather than summarizing what happened
Use dialogue effectively - Include conversations that reveal character and move your story forward
Connect your scenes - Use transitions that help readers follow your story's progression
Build toward insight - Let your reflection emerge naturally from the story rather than forcing it
Before your conference:
Complete a full draft of your narrative essay
Read through your draft and note places where you feel stuck or uncertain
Prepare specific questions about areas where you'd like feedback
Be ready to discuss what you've discovered about your story's deeper significance
Remember: Your first draft is about getting your story down on paper. We'll work together in conference to strengthen and refine what you've written.