- It is the complete story of how one
came to Amma, that is how one became Her child and the impact
She has had on one's life over the years.
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- It is written in a conversational and
natural style and feels like the writer is speaking on the
page.
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- It proceeds in a chronological
manner.
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- It states the month, year and place
(and date if available) in the opening paragraph, either of the first
meeting with Amma or of any other significant event the writer chooses to
begin with, such as the first time one heard about Amma.
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- It includes a brief description of
one's spiritual
background and one's approximate age before meeting Amma in
the opening paragraph(s).
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- It describes the first meeting with
Amma in great detail (thoughts upon entering the hall, upon seeing
Amma for the very first time, about other things such as the music,
the number of people, Amma's talk, other conversations, if any, and so
forth...)
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- It describes honestly and with feeling,
the first darshan, that is the first hug from Amma.
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- It briefly describes the next
few meetings with Amma if they occurred over the next few days or
weeks.
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- It briefly describes family members' or
friends' experiences if they met Amma at the same time.
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- It states in a few paragraphs after the
first darshan, the journey with Amma over the years.
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- It not only is a narrative of things seen
and heard, but an honest sharing of feelings, fears, emotions, etc.
that come from the depths of the writer's heart...readers state again
and again that this is what touches them and makes the story
memorable...
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- It briefly states the learning that
has come from being Amma's child...that is how Amma's love has helped
one become a better individual...this is perhaps one of the most important
elements in the story and also a good way to end.
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- It has mostly short paragraphs.
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- It is mostly between 1000-2000 words...although
there is no strict word limit.
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- It uses dialog for conversations,
if there is room to build that in the story. Use of dialog is a
great way to make the reader feel as if he or she is present, as if
the story is happening right then.
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- It is proof-read by a family
member or friend...it is usually easier for another person to notice
any 'gaps' or 'holes' in the story...
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