Memoir:
* Specific theme or event: Focuses on a particular time, experience, relationship, or challenge in the author's life.
* Subjective and emotional: Emphasizes the author's personal feelings, thoughts, and insights about the experience.
* Narrative structure: Often uses a thematic or chronological structure, but can also be more fragmented or episodic.
Autobiography:
* Entire life story: Covers the author's entire life, from childhood to the present.
* Objective and factual: Aims to provide an accurate and comprehensive account of the author's life.
* Chronological structure: Typically follows a chronological order, with events presented in the order they happened.
Here's a breakdown of the key features of a memoir:
* Personal narrative: The story revolves around the author's own experiences and perspectives.
* Reflective and introspective: The author explores their emotions, thoughts, and lessons learned.
* Compelling story: The memoir should engage the reader with a compelling narrative and relatable themes.
* Theme or focus: It explores a specific aspect of the author's life, such as a relationship, a travel experience, a period of personal growth, or a significant event.
* Emotional resonance: Memoirs aim to connect with readers on an emotional level, often evoking feelings of empathy, inspiration, or understanding.
Ultimately, a memoir is a journey of self-discovery, shared with the reader through the lens of the author's personal experience.