On Writing Memoir with Structure and Purpose

In this episode of Talking Book Publishing, hosts Kathleen and Adanna sit down with memoir expert Wendy Dale to explore the art and architecture of writing memoirs. Wendy introduces her transformative approach to storytelling through her "Memoir Engineering System," which emphasizes writing with structure and clarity from the very first draft. Listeners will discover the essential difference between scenes and transitions and how mastering these two components can dramatically improve their storytelling. Wendy shares how emotional truth, rather than a chronological list of life events, makes a memoir compelling. She provides practical insights into the importance of outlining, crafting meaningful scenes, and integrating transitions that emotionally connect moments. With her signature humor and candor, Wendy makes a case for turning your life experiences into a page-turning narrative while staying true to your voice—whether deeply emotional, humorous, or somewhere in between. We’d like to hear from you. If you have topics or speakers you’d like us to interview, please email us at podcast@talkingbookpublishing.today and join the conversation in the comments on our Instagram @writerspubsnet.