The Memoir Engineering System: Make Your First Draft Your Final Draft

by Wendy Dale

If writing a memoir sounds daunting, there is a very simple reason You haven’t yet learned how.

In this groundbreaking book, author Wendy Dale throws out the advice, “Just write” and “Write a crappy first draft,” and instead teaches you a seven-step process for constructing your memoir from the ground up.

She compares writing a book to mastering an instrument, learning to knit, or even building a motor — all of these tasks rely on principles that create a desired result. Learn the principles and they work every time.

Instead of writing by trial and error, follow a step-by-step plan to engineer your memoir. You’ll have fun completing a great book and you’ll do it in a fraction of the time it takes everyone else.

Genres: Writing

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2025

About the author

Wendy Dale is the co-writer of the Emmy-nominated television feature, The New Adventures of Mother Goose. She has worked as a corporate writer, a public relations consultant, a speechwriter, a desktop publisher, an ad copywriter — and there was even a brief stint as a celebrity journalist. Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals has been reviewed by Outside, Playgirl, Time Out New York and Bookpage. It was chosen by USA Today as one of the best travel books of the summer.

Reviews

[Tina Fumo-Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have. I want to draw attention to the subtitle: Make your first draft your final draft. This is unheard and such a deal breaker for me. In self publishing my first book, I hated the months of editing required after beta readers gave me their feedback. Wendy Dale takes the craft of writing (a memoir) and breaks it down into easy to understand steps which make sense. She saves writers months, if not years, of frustrating rewrites. I hear so many people say 'I want to write a book' so put your money where your mouth is. Whether you just want to write a legacy for grandkids or strive for another EatPrayLove author success story, the very first step should be reading this book.

[Lindagail Roy]

I was beginning the process of separating my 'now' verses 'then' timelines from my manuscript when I came across Wendy’s book/class. I have searched the Internet for the secrets of developmental editing only to find bits and pieces, but nothing comprehensive.

Wendy defines the terminology, dismantles the parts and lays a plan out step by step. For anyone who is new to writing memoir, I would recommend this book.

I find my manuscript with 20,000 words too many. This book has given me the gas and a road map to go back in my story to see what exactly can be cut while keeping the whole of my story. Thank you Ms. Wendy.

[Pam Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Something Helpful

I’ve read so many books and taken so many courses on writing over the years that have not helped me get my book finished. Finally, Wendy Dale has written a clear, concise, intelligible and sensible approach to memoir. She explains transitions, scenes, subjective writing and so much more making it super simple to understand. I’m already implementing her ideas with new and clearer direction to finish my memoir that I’ve been working on for years. This is a long overdue book and I highly recommend it.

[Miranda De · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, easy to read and understand. It makes so much sense. I’ve been writing IT specifications for many years, so I understand the importance of structure in writing, but memoir is different. I’ve made several attempts at writing my memoir and knew I needed structure, but couldn’t find what I was looking for until I read this book. Its easy to understand, but it takes practice to get it right. I’m all in and loving it, thanks Wendy!

[Shanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. Wendy Dale’s explanations and examples around how to structure a memoir are the most helpful I’ve seen. I love her analytical approach. The book is helpful but her videos are a great accompaniment to the book and provide additional information. (Find her at Memoirwritingforgenuises.com)I was lucky to be in a masterclass where the method is really brought to life. I highly recommend for anyone thinking of writing a memoir.

[Barbara DaCosta]

Wendy Dale's Memoir Engineering System strikes a nice balance between analytical and the deeply experiential, personal and typically emotion-laden genre of memoir. Full of practical information, this book will help novice and experienced writers alike start their writing projects—whether the goal is a short essay or a full-length book—with a focus on solid structure. Dale's many online videos and courses are a helpful supplement to the book.

[Cherllisha Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A structural approach specific to memoir I havent found anywhere else. Helpful whether you've started or beginning. My reservations disappeared when Wendy Dale made a distinction between formula and structure. She starts by asking readers to write a premise for their memoir. At each step concepts are clearly set out with examples. I'm looking forward with confidence to applying this new knowledge to my manuscript, particularly in relation to scene and transition.

[Dee Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever thought you wanted to write a memoir, this book is for you! I bought it after finishing my memoir. It still was extremely helpful! But if you're starting out, it is a GREAT and must have tool in your writing toolbox. I highly recommend it.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational guide for memoir writers

I loved Wendy's easy to follow steps and have gained a much improved understanding of how to craft scenes and how to link ideas together. I can see how the combination of transitions and scenes makes for far more interesting writing.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but offering a great guide and tips on how to write memoir. The key? Get your structure down and Wendy shows you how to do it along with pitfalls to watch out for along the way.

Well, off to write mine now. I'm ready!

[Lorenzo Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A “Memorable” Guide to Memoir Writing

In this book Wendy Dale breaks down the techniques for writing a good memoir in easy to follow steps. Highly recommend it,

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple and useful advice padded with too-long examples. Most of the advice is structural, which frankly most writers could pay more attention to, anyway. The focus is really on book-length memoirs.