Voices of Experience ... compiled and edited by Linda Jump

PALM BAY—Twenty-seven local authors have combined to write “Voices of Experience, A Compilation of Life Stories.” The 114-page book includes 56 stories that were written in Writing Your Life classes sponsored by The Shepherd’s Center of South Brevard.  The memoir-style experiences range from unusual births, integration, and humorous incidents to wars, lies, betrayals, and failures. The book is published by Terra Sancta Press of Melbourne.

“Voices of Experience” features life stories by Lynn Keating Ash, Adalia M. Baisa, Sandra Maguire Barmen, Lee and Barbara Bockelman, Gary Christensen, Maureen H. Corton, Ursula H. Durant, Henry L. and Caldoria E. Gibson, Viola Forrester, Elaine S. Heine, Gloria Jones, Linda Jump, Vivian Kosovan, Novella Lengel, Peggy Lindner, Patricia A. and Paul Lucas, Mary Anne McMillen, Maxine Mellerup, Judith A. Mitchell, Maureen E. Murdock, James C. Phillips, Yolanda Schofield, Donald J. Stepnicka and Connie Ulrich.

Vignettes were selected, compiled and edited by Linda Jump, who co-teaches the classes with Caldoria Gibson.  “These stories will bring back memories of your own life and suggest ways to adapt to cultural and institutional changes. We hope they will also inspire you to begin writing your own memoir,” Jump said.

Jump, author of three other books, was an Ottaway and Gannett newspaper reporter and photojournalist who wrote for FLORIDA TODAY and FLORIDATODAY.COM. Her stories and photographs have appeared in USA TODAY; more than a dozen magazines, including Reader’s Digest, and Physician’s Management;, as well as U.S. newspapers and on-line news sources.  Her other books include a children’s book, “Ethan Egret’s Family Album;” her textbook, “From Memories to Memoir Using the Jump Start Method;” and a book of church humor, “Lighting of the Acolyte.”

The cost of the book is $14.15, not including tax and is available through Amazon, Terra Sancta Press, www.terrasanctapress.com, www.lindajump.com or books4you@cfl.rr.com.