-
Step 1
Consider your audience. You might be writing a personal narrative, but it is likely you intend for someone else to read it at some point. If you are writing it for a class, generally your audience is your teacher or your classmates. If this is for publishing in a magazine or online, you want to address a broader audience. Keep your audience in mind when developing your narrative, but do not feel so constricted to appeal to everyone that you lose your personal voice.
-
Step 2
Decide on a subject. Depending on your intent for your narrative, your story can be true or false. All that really matters is that you tell a personal story that appeals to your own emotions. The more honest you can be (or the more developed your narrator's voice is), the more people will relate to and feel engaged by your narrative. No subject is too broad or too mundane, but be sure that a personal voice and story arc comes through.
-
Step 3
Brainstorm ideas for developing your story. If you are writing your narrative on something that actually happened to you, you will probably want to outline the events that make up your story. Write them in a chronological timeline even if you don't plan to present your narrative in a linear format. Use all of your senses: sight, smell, touch, hear and taste to give your narrative details that will hook your reader. Use imagery whenever possible so your reader can better visualize your story.
-
Step 4
Start writing. The only way to get a narrative in motion is to sit down and actually start writing. You can choose to follow a stream of consciousness at first; you might be surprised at the freedom this gives you to fully express yourself. Just beware of being too tangential; stay on focus so that your reader can follow your story. You can always reorganize your thoughts as you go along.
-
Step 5
Use literary functions and include many details. Don't be afraid to use similes, metaphors, alliteration---anything that will add power and personality to your story. Include lots of sensory details that will further engage your reader. Be sure your narrative has some sense of plot structure, with an introduction, a conflict, a climax and a conclusion at least.
-
Step 6
Edit and revise as necessary. It is doubtful your narrative is a masterpiece the first go through. So edit and revise to make sure each word of your narrative is powerful and productive. Read it aloud to be sure it makes sense to you and your future reader.
