“A Christmas Memory”​​ Creative Writing Assignment

After reading “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote, ​you should complete the
prompt below. Your story should be about 2 pages, typed in MLA format (Times
New Roman, size 12, double-spaced, standard heading).

“To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it’s about, but the inner music
that words make.”-Truman Capote

Directions:​​ Write a short story or personal essay about a holiday celebration or

experience that was important to you as a child.​Your story may be true, like Capote’s, or
fictional.​ Use dialogue, descriptive details, and rich sensory images to describe this
childhood experience. Include numerous types of figurative language like metaphors
and similes, and make sure they are original and vivid, not clichéd. Include a detailed
description of a person you care about. Also consider describing the process of making
something, as Capote did with the fruitcake, kites, and decorations. As Capote did,
make “inner music” with your words, and focus on creating an image in your reader’s
mind, not just listing the events of the story.
 Name:__________________ Due:_________________

“A Christmas Memory“

Creative Writing Rubric/Checklist

1. Use figurative language. _____/5

2. Appeal to all of the senses ____/20

3. Create dialogue/ quote some characters to show what they _____/10

sound like and their personality.

4. Show readers histories or traits of characters that don’t necessarily

come directly from this story. _____/5

5. Use specific details and thoughts about those details, especially

in describing the setting. _____/10

6. Use strong action verbs and avoid “is” and “are” and “was” _____/ 10
(Avoid “There is”)

7. Tell what ends up happening to some of the characters years after _____/5
this event occurs, or what had happened to them years before the event.

8. Include a personal childhood treasure/ creative process

that is described in detail. (Consider Capote’s coin purse, _____/10
tree ornaments, fruit cakes, and kites)

9. Focus on creating an image in the reader’s mind _____/10

rather than listing off events in a story?

10. Grammar and Syntax _____/15

11. On a nice sheet of unlined paper, such as printer paper, BONUS​​/15

draw a scene from your personal narrative.
The scene can be in color or a nicely shaded pencil drawing.

Comments Total:___________