Will Your Words Linger?

Here is the Press Release for a wonderful new book from the Association of Personal Historians (APH):

TAMPA, FLA February 12, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — The passion for sharing personal stories is not only the most powerful way to pass on the experiences, wisdom and voices of one generation to the next—it's an expression of a deep human need to shout to the future, "Do not forget me! I was here!"

A new anthology, My Words Are Gonna Linger: The Art of Personal History, celebrates the preservation of stories to ensure that our eyewitness accounts of history endure. Available February 1 from Personal History Press, the publishing arm of the Association of Personal Historians, the book differs from other anthologies by providing insight into the memoir-writing process and practical tips on how to start writing your own or someone else's life story.

This rich collection of forty-nine true stories—gathered or written by members of the Association of Personal Historians Inc.—breathes life into history, places, and cultural differences. My Words Are Gonna Linger shows how personal history can convert experience into wisdom and growth for both the storyteller and those who listen. In the foreword, best-selling author Rick Bragg (All Over but the Shoutin', Ava's Man and The Prince of Frog Town) shares a riveting tale passed down in his family.

My Words Are Gonna Linger explores and explains various ways of presenting life stories, including thematic memoirs, linear autobiographies, and reminiscence about food and possessions. Legacy letters and ethical wills show how personal values and beliefs can be passed to future generations.

"Each story in My Words Are Gonna Linger shares a unique insight," says anthology editor Paula Stallings Yost. "When we realize the challenges others endured, we discover new strength within ourselves. We learn that contentment and wisdom come as much from our small daily achievements as from grand deeds."

To order: www.personalhistorians.org/anthology.php
Or e-mail storemanager@personalhistorians.org

Association of Personal Historians Inc.
The Association of Personal Historians is a nonprofit international trade association whose members preserve memoirs, life stories and community histories in an ever-increasing number of formats.

Press Contact:
Paula Stahel, APH President
president@personalhistorians.org

813-251-8187
Paula Yost, Anthology Editor
eventsmanager@personalhistorians.org

903-383-2126
Pat McNees, Anthology Editor
vicepresident@personalhistorians.org

301-897-8557