It’s one of my new writing interests, and something I’ve almost always been fascinated by (my uncle once told me I was born a genealogist) — I’m planning to start writing personal and family histories for people, in order to help preserve some of the great stories people carry around with them.

Recently I joined the Association of Personal Historians, which has just launched an anthology of 49 true stories out into the world. From the My Words Are Gonna Linger press release:

New anthology captures stories from real life, told in the authentic voices of the storyteller

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. Read more.

I have been hearing about this book and I’m eager to get my own copy. I thought I’d let you know about it, too.