Engineering Your Memoir: Writing with Structure and Emotion with Wendy Dale {ep. 203}
January 22, 2026
Memoir coach Wendy Dale joins Alexa to share her revolutionary six-step Memoir Engineering System. Learn how to build memoirs with structure, plot, and emotional resonance—no more trial and error. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your life story into a page-turner, this episode is for you.
Summary
In this episode, Alexa Bigwarfe chats with memoir expert and author Wendy Dale, founder of Memoir Writing for Geniuses and creator of The Memoir Engineering System. Wendy shares how to skip years of trial-and-error by understanding the principles of storytelling—crafting memoirs that read like novels, with structure, purpose, and emotional depth.
In this episode, Alexa and Wendy discuss
- How Wendy’s own memoir journey inspired her to teach memoir structure
- The difference between scenes and transitions—and how both drive plot
- Why memoirs must have plot, not just memories or life events
- How to make your reader feel your story rather than simply see it
- The myth of “show, don’t tell” and how to balance emotion and detail
- Why remembering less can actually help your memoir
- Practical steps to start structuring your memoir from day one
- How to avoid turning a memoir into an autobiography
Speaker Bio
Wendy Dale is the founder of Memoir Writing for Geniuses and author of Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals and The Memoir Engineering System. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Wendy helps writers craft compelling memoirs using story structure principles rather than trial and error. Learn more at geniusmemoirwriting.com.
Resources & Links
- Wendy Dale’s website: https://geniusmemoirwriting.com
- Free memoir class: https://freememoirclass.com
- Book: The Memoir Engineering System (available on Amazon)
- Alexa Bigwarfe: https://writepublishsell.com
Publishing and book marketing advice.