Why Your Memoir Isn't Working and How to Fix It with Wendy Dale

Happy 2025! We're back with a great episode about memoir writing and how to make your memoir more enjoyable to read and to write.

Yes, it's possible. In this episode of Writing for Immortality, Barbara sits down with Wendy Dale, author of Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals and former Media Bistro memoir writing instructor. After teaching hundreds of writers how to structure their life stories, Wendy knows exactly where most memoirs go wrong and how to fix them. In her new book, The Memoir Engineering System (available January 11, reserve your copy at the link below) she breaks down common mistakes writers make with story structure.

She shares a practical framework that transforms scattered life events into narrative that works. From her own failed childhood memoir to her successful published work, Wendy brings both humor and hard-won wisdom to the craft. If you've ever wondered how to transform your life experiences into a book that keeps readers turning pages, this episode is for you.

The Memoir Engineering System: https://www.amazon.com/Memoir-Engineering-System-First-Draft-ebook/dp/B0DQ9MPFSP

Wendy's YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/LXKxNUP5fqA?feature=shared

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Memoir Writing with Wendy Dale

05:00 The Importance of Structure in Memoir

09:25 Common Mistakes in Memoir Writing

12:39 The Role of Subjectivity in Memoir

16:55 Understanding the System vs. Formula in Writing

18:28 Show, Don't Tell: A Misunderstood Principle

21:50 The Misinterpretation of 'Show, Don't Tell'

24:39 Understanding Theme vs. Structure in Writing

27:44 The Seven Steps to Memoir Writing

31:12 The Importance of Outlining in Writing

34:25 Overcoming Writer's Block and Motivation Issues

38:18 The Role of AI in Memoir Writing