Healdsburg, CA May 26, 2010—Mary Lynn Archibald, long-time local resident, author, and three-time award winner for her second book, Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, No Horse and No Clue, will teach a series of two classes in The Art of Memoir, June 7th and 14th, at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, 130 Plaza Street, Healdsburg.

Mary Lynn is a passionate believer in the personal essay and memoir form. “People nowadays are truly wanting to share their own history, and learning how to write memoir and personal essay is a wonderful way to do it. It’s your legacy to the future.”

Archibald has been teaching autobiography and memoir for the past twenty years, and is now at work on her third memoir, a contrast between small town life in Soquel, California and life in the big, bad city of San Francisco, where she learned the ropes as a chorus girl, fashion model, restaurant hostess, sales clerk and switchboard operator.

The popular author speaks about and reads from her work often in and around Healdsburg, and was recently the honored guest speaker at the Cloverdale Senior Center’s annual literary luncheon, on the subjects of the importance of memoir, and her book, Accidental Cowgirl. Says reviewer Alice Berger: “Rarely do I find a book so enjoyable that I savor it in small nibbles, like fine chocolate. Accidental Cowgirl is such a book.”

Signups began May 17th at the Center, or call 707.431.1970. Space is limited to ten students, so sign up early, as classes fill quickly. Cost for each class is $45, and Session 2 is a continuation of Session 1.

Students will learn:
• How to tell the truth without making enemies, and why you must do so
• How to organize the memoir using brain-friendly techniques
• How to use photos and memorabilia to enhance your story
• How to unleash your creativity on demand
• How to use the tools of fiction in your nonfiction story, and much more

For more information or to sign up for the classes, drop by the Center, call or e-mail
info@healdsburgcenterforthearts.com.