Breath & Shadows Productions was established by Paula Stahel in 1998, to help individuals and families capture their life stories as legacies for the future. In 1999, I joined the Association of Personal Historians, Inc., a non-profit organization which is spearheading professional development and standards for those engaged in this emerging field. For six years I served on the APH Inc. Board of Directors, including two terms as Secretary, and remain active as a volunteer.

Breath & Shadows Productions has published numerous legacy projects, including:

• A healing journal of correspondence by a woman going through divorce, reflecting the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual growth of her journey to independence from an abusive marriage.
• Autobiographies ranging from self-written works to those based on in-depth interviews and research.
• Memory books for milestone celebrations.
• Family legacy cookbooks.
• Children’s storybooks designed to pass down lessons from a family elder.

I also conduct seminars and teach workshops on life-writing and creating family legacy cookbooks. My products include life-story workbooks, oral history kits, ethical will workbooks, and legacy cookbook workbooks for those who prefer the “do-it-yourself” approach.

For more than 20 years, I have been a successful independent writer based in Tampa, Fla. My most recent published work is The Wonder Years: My Life & Times with Stevie Wonder, the memoir of Ted Hull, who was the young musical genius’ private tutor and manager during the early days of Motown. I’ve also co-authored, collaborated on and ghosted a wide range of books. As an editor, I’ve worked with other writers to help them achieve publication of their fiction and non-fiction.

Over the years, my writing has appeared in too many publications to list. I also have extensive experience writing corporate marketing materials, speeches and presentations, and scripting and producing audio and video programs. My writing and production have earned several awards.

Prior to striking out as an independent writer in 1983, I was managing editor of a state scientific journal, associate editor and writer for two city magazines, and a staff writer at The Tampa Tribune.

A native of Michigan, I attended Michigan State University, and have made Tampa my home since 1980.

“Paula, I’ll try to write later to tell you how much I appreciate [The Life of Stanley E. Willson]. It is a wonderful legacy. I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life.” —Dorothy W., Holland MI

Links & Resources

The Legacy Guide: Capturing the Facts, Memories, and Meaning of Your Life — The perfect companion to recording your life or that of a loved one.