1. Be focused. The event you narrate should take place in no more than one day, preferably in no more than one hour. If you find that what you are writing about takes place over a longer span of time, you aren't focused enough.

2. Have a point. If you learned something, what did you learn? If you changed your mind about something, how, specifically, did your mind change?

3. Incorporate some kind of conflict. It can be a conflict between people, within a person, or between a person and an environment. Know what the conflict of your narrative is and develop it.

4. Use a little dialogue. Don't use a lot. Look at the readings for examples. Remember, a little dialogue takes us closer to the action, heightens our interest.

5. Use lots of specific details. Avoid saying things we already know. Avoid generalities. Remember: the reader wasn't there and can only visualize what happened from your words, so be specific.