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The Memoir Engineering System: Make Your First Draft Your Final Draft
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.
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.
- GenresWriting
Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2025
20 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Dale
3Ìýbooks22ÌýfollowersWendy 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 â€� 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.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 16, 2025
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.
January 13, 2025
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.
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.
January 21, 2025
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!
February 2, 2025
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.
March 18, 2025
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.
February 18, 2025
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,
In this book Wendy Dale breaks down the techniques for writing a good memoir in easy to follow steps. Highly recommend it,
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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