Autobiography, a type of nonfiction, is a collection of stories that are based on the authors own life. While autobiography may not be as reflective as memoir, it must still contain at least a single theme. Just like in an essay, you need to grab the readers attention and explain your theme.
What is Your purpose?
You need to know what you want to say before you begin writing. You are not just recounting events in your life. Your reader can extrapolate a greater meaning from the story. Whats your story about? Do you want to share a tale of perseverance to show that overcoming adversity is the secret to success? Do you believe that love is the greatest of all emotions? Is home the only place that matters? You can then work out how to best illustrate your purpose.
Tell a story
It is best to use a story to demonstrate your purpose. Avoid introducing the philosophy before the story. Jump right into it. The audience will then understand the purpose of your story without you even having to mention it. Show your audience that you want them to understand your purpose. Or, better yet, use a story.
Confide in Your Audience
Storytellers are responsible for providing just enough details to the reader so she can infer about the plot and characters without needing you to repeat everything. It means that you should limit your descriptions to only the most important details and focus on the facts. Narrative puzzles can be solved by readers more efficiently than you might think. You should make reading an interactive experience for the reader.
End with Exigence
If you are telling a story that begins with a family not sticking together, then your introduction should end in such a way as to make the reader want to read the rest to get the full story. You are introducing your story. Youre whetting the appetite of your audience. Theyve seen the results of a selfish family. You can now tell the more satisfying, longer story about what happens when a family comes together.
