Why do so many memoir manuscripts fail to engage readers, even when the writer has lived through extraordinary experiences? What's the hidden code that separates a chronological account of events from a compelling memoir that readers can't put down? How do you know when you're ready to write about trauma, and where's the ethical line between truth and storytelling? With Wendy Dale



In the intro, Amazon Kindle Translate, and the Writing Storybundle.






Today's show is sponsored by Draft2Digital, self-publishing with support, where you can get free formatting, free distribution to multiple stores, and a host of other benefits. Just go to www.draft2digital.com to get started.



This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn 






Wendy Dale is a memoir author and teacher, as well as a screenwriter. Today we are talking about The Memoir Engineering System: Make Your First Draft Your Final Draft.



You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. 



Show Notes




* Why memoir is about connected events, not chronological storytelling—and how to transform random experiences into compelling plot



* The difference between scenes and transitions, and why structure matters in every sentence of your book



* How to write about trauma and family without crossing ethical lines or damaging relationships



* Why character arc is actually the easiest part of memoir writing (and what's really difficult)



* The truth about dialogue, memory, and where to draw the line on fabrication — plus reflections on The Salt Path controversy



* Whether you can make money from memoir and why marketing matters as much as writing




You can find Wendy at GeniusMemoirWriting.com.



Transcript of interview with Wendy Dale



Joanna: Wendy Dale is a memoir author and teacher, as well as a screenwriter. Today we are talking about The Memoir Engineering System: Make Your First Draft Your Final Draft. So welcome to the show, Wendy.



Wendy: Thank you so much for inviting me, Joanna. It's exciting to talk about this topic.



Joanna: First up—



Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing and publishing.