Memoir Genre (Middle Years)

Timetabling a routine

Nothing says routine like a timetable. If you see one in a memoir, it’s probably because the writer wants to illustrate how dull, busy or regimented their life was at the time. This snippet takes another approach—showing dedication through a training routine.

Each step of his training is a short phrase, starting with an action.

Take a look.

From ages nine to fourteen, Nintendo was my sole ambition, my prime motivation, and my best friend. I adopted a grueling schedule:

7:30—Wake up and sneak in a game before school.
8:15-3:00—Trudge though school, mumbling, “Boring, boring, boring” while walking the halls.
3:20—Run home, place my bony butt on the living room floor, and indulge for a few hours.
6:30—Mom gets home. Do my homework, rewarding each finished assignment with a few games.
9:30—Climb into bed and discuss game strategy with Daniel. Fall asleep.

Teen Angst? Naaah... (2000)

Teens jumping into the water

Here is an example, using this photo as a starting point. 

For most of my middle school years, free time as a concept was a complete mystery to me. While my friends goofed around on the jetty all afternoon, I had an almost impossible timetable:

6:00—Wake up and wave to Mum as she leaves for work.
6:15—Finish homework and assignments (no time after school).
7:15—Eat, dress and organise myself (and my brother). 
8:15-3:00—Attempt to stay awake through school, avoiding resting my head on anything in case I nod off.
3:20—Walk to the courts for netball practice. 
4:30—Jog to the studio for piano lesson. Watch my friends from the studio window. Feel envious.
5:00—Sprint to dance lessons. Try to keep up.
6:30—Stagger home. Check brother’s homework. If Mum does a double shift, cook dinner.
8:00—Collapse into bed.

Write a timetable, based on your experience, or based on the picture.
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