Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

The secret to writing a good memoir, with Wendy Dale

Jan 23, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Wendy Dale, author of 'The Memoir Engineering System,' dives into the art of memoir writing. She distinguishes memoirs from autobiographies, emphasizing strong narrative structure. Wendy shares tips on crafting vivid scenes and how to create coherence in your story through outlining. She also tackles the emotional hurdles of writing about sensitive topics, advocating for honesty and care in storytelling. Whether you’re writing memoirs or fiction, her insights are invaluable for any writer.

19:35

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Episode guests

Wendy Dale

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Memoirs focus on specific events and narrative connections, unlike autobiographies, making them accessible to anyone who wants to share their story.

Creating a detailed outline is essential for memoir writers as it helps structure the narrative and maintain reader engagement through interconnected events.

Deep dives

Understanding Memoir vs. Autobiography

Memoirs and autobiographies differ significantly in their focus and the type of stories they tell. An autobiography typically requires a well-known individual with an extraordinary life to recount, often leading to an extensive chronological narrative. In contrast, memoirs can be written by anyone, focusing on specific periods or events in a person's life, often without the need for those events to be extraordinary. The essence of a memoir lies in its plot, which connects personal experiences in a way that engages the reader, rather than merely recounting a series of memories.

Intro

2min

Crafting Cohesion in Memoir Writing

8min

Self-Care and the Art of Memoir Writing

6min

Crafting Scenes in Memoir Writing

4min

Navigating Emotional Challenges in Memoir Writing

3min

1050. This week, I talk with Wendy Dale, author of "The Memoir Engineering System," about how to write a compelling memoir. We look at the differences between memoir and autobiography, the importance of plot, and why outlining can save writers years of work. Wendy shares practical tips on crafting scenes, connecting events, and handling sensitive topics while maintaining relationships with the people in your story. It's not just for memoir writing either — I found the tips inspiring and helpful for crafting fiction too.

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