WRITE YOUR MEMOIR! IT’S TRULY A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Non-Certificated Class with Rev. Dr. Mary Mitchell
Thursdays, June 19 to August 21, 2025
1:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Social Hall
$100 to $104 by June 19; $150 to $155 Thereafter (all depending on payment type)
Please Note: We are adding 3.3% on credit card charges to offset the credit card fees imposed on us. Thank you.
We will use the book, Old Friend from Far Away, by Natalie Goldberg for the journey of kick starting the process of writing your memoir. I’ve been reading Natalie’s books on writing for years and this one is exceptional. Here are some thoughts from her introductory pages:
“A memoir is not a chronological pronouncement of the facts of your life. It doesn’t cling to an orderly procession of time and dates. Rather, it encompasses the moment…the moment that mattered.”
“A memoir is structured on the meandering way we remember. It’s an examination of the zigzag nature of how our mind works. For instance, just the thought of Cheerios ricochets back to a broken fence in our backyard one spring morning, then hops over to the first time we stood before a mountain and understood kindness. A smell, a taste―and a whole world flares up. What does our time on this earth add up to?”
Now can you see why this is class is so special?! Natalie recommends an easy-to-write-in notebook and a pen that enables you to write fast. BEFORE EACH CLASS: There are readings and short exercises to complete before each class, including the first class. During class, we will voluntarily share what we’ve written and learn from each other, but keeping personal writings to yourself is respected. During class, we’ll also do some short, five-minute writings that sheE recommends and occasionally she has a test for us as we progress. Questions? Call or email Mary at (530) 347-0996 or revmary49@gmail.com.