Once an incident is chosen, the writer should keep three principles in mind.
***Remember to involve readers in the story. It is much more interesting to actually recreate an incident for readers than to simply tell about it.
***Find a generalization which the story supports. This is the only way the writer's personal experience will take on meaning for readers. This generalization does not have to encompass humanity as a whole; it can concern the writer, men, women, or children of various ages and backgrounds.
***Remember that although the main component of a narrative is the story, details must be carefully selected to support, explain, and enhance the story.