ASJA Tip Sheet
January 10, 2005
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
Looking for an expert or a great story idea? Let the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) monthly Tip Sheets help. Each month you will receive a complimentary e-mailed Tip Sheet that offers trends and other story ideas from nationally-recognized book authors and experts who are members of ASJA.
HOW TO USE THE TIP SHEET . . . .
Using the Tip Sheet is simple. Just take a look at the tips from the authors on this month's sheet. If you'd like to build a story around the ideas in the sheet, or think that one of the experts is right for a story you have in the works, contact the expert using the information provided. If you have any questions on the Tip Sheet, please contact Andrea Collier at tipsheet@asja-pr.org, 517-487-1683.
DON'T SEE THE EXPERT YOU NEED IN THIS MONTH'S TIP SHEET?
ASJA has a host of experts available as resources. If what you are looking for is not in the Tip Sheet, check out our member directory at http://www.asja-pr.org/memdb/search.php.
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FITNESS AND HEALTH
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LEAD: RESTORE RECESS -- DON'T RESOLVE TO WORKOUT, VOW TO PLAY
What: Despite good intentions, half the adults who start a new exercise program quit within six months. So this year, meet your fitness goals by turning exercise into child's play. Scratch the resolution to workout. Instead, vow to play actively for 30 minutes. Author and fitness expert Carol Krucoff offers simple strategies to help adults recapture the joy of movement they felt as kids, when recess was their favorite subject. Carol Krucoff, RYT, is a registered yoga teacher, certified personal trainer, karate belt recipient and co-author, with her husband Mitchell Krucoff, MD, of Healing Moves: How to Cure, Relieve and Prevent Common Ailments with Exercise (The Writers' Collective, 2004). Contact: Carol Krucoff, Healingmoves@aol.com, 919-942-8452, www.healingmoves.com.
LEAD: A FITNESS RESOLUTION YOU'LL ACTUALLY KEEP!
What: Promise yourself to exercise for just 15 minutes a day. With a workout this quick and easy, you're bound to succeed. Medical evidence proves that even a quarter-hour of daily physical activity provides significant health benefits, say fitness expert Rick Bradley and medical writer Sarah Wernick, co-authors of Quick Fit: The Complete 15-Minute No-Sweat Workout (Atria, 2004). Rick Bradley is director of the Occupational Health and Fitness Program at the U.S. Department of Transportation; he also presents seminars for Rick's Quick Fit, LLC. Contact: Rick Bradley, 301-251-0538, ricksquickfit@aol.com, www.ricksquickfit.com.
LEAD: TIPS FOR KEEPING FITNESS MOTIVATION STRONG ALL YEAR LONG
What: It's easy to commit to getting in shape in January, but how do you keep your motivation and your fitness program revved up in March or June? Fitness expert, speaker, and author Joan Price has dozens of tips, tricks, and strategies for keeping workout motivation high. Price is the author of The Anytime, Anywhere Exercise Book: 300+ quick and easy exercises you can do whenever you want! Her specialty is helping beginning and lapsed exercisers get lively and make fitness a habit. Contact: Joan Price, 707-874-2285, joan@joanprice.com, www.joanprice.com.
LEAD: WEIGHT GAIN AND THE WAITING GAME
What: How much weight gain during pregnancy is too much? America's 4.2 million expectant moms want to know! Sandy Jones and her daughter, Marcie, co-authors of the blockbuster, Great Expectations: Your-All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth (Barnes & Noble, 2004), are ready to serve up a platter of practical suggestions for healthy weight gain during pregnancy, including three scrumptious snacks for today's busy moms-to-be. Sandy is a psychologist, media veteran and the author of six top-selling parenting titles. Marcie is an editor, reporter and the mother of a three-year-old. Contact: Sandy Jones, JonesBabyExpert@aol.com, 828-884-4442.
LEAD: WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE FOOD SUPPLY?
What: The sixth edition of A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Three Rivers Press/Crown), completely revised and updated, has just been published with news-making revelations about the lack of protection of our food supply. Topics include information about recently discovered resistant strains of bacteria credited to the antibiotics added to animal feed, as well as startling statistics on the amount of money spent on certain additives each year - $41.4 billion - on just flavoring and flavor enhancers. Also revealed are the weakening of the protections against known cancer-causing additives and the new sodas containing medicines. Contact: Ruth Winter, ruth@brainbody.com, 973-376-8385.
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MONEY AND FINANCE
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LEAD: NO MORE MONEY FIGHTS IN 2005: COUPLES LEARN TO KEEP THEIR MONEY RESOLUTIONS
What: A new paperback by Christine Larson and financial planner Mary Claire Allvine, The Seven Most Important Money Decisions You'll Ever Make (Rodale Books), teaches couples to stop fighting about money by treating their finances like a business. The authors interviewed dozens of couples around the country about how they stopped fighting and learned to make great money decisions. Contact: Christine Larson, 916-443-1173, cmlarson@cmlarson.com, or Mary Claire Allvine, 404/874-6190, maryclaire@the-family-cfo.com, www.the-family-cfo.com.
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FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS
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LEAD: 10 TIPS FOR STRESSED-OUT MOMS
What: It's the middle of winter. You never know when you're going to wake up to a snow day or a sick grade-schooler. Yet you still have places to go, things to do and people to see. Jennifer Lawler, author of Dojo Wisdom for Mothers: 100 Simple Ways to Become a Calmer, Happier, More Loving Parent (Penguin Compass), offers 10 survival tips for mothers about to lose it. And not one of them requires margarita mix. Jennifer Lawler writes about parenting, martial arts and personal growth and is the author of more than 20 books and numerous magazine articles. Contact: Jennifer Lawler, jennifer@jenniferlawler.com, 218-245-1973.
LEAD: START 2005 WITHOUT A JERK!
What: Women often make men their whole lives. Now many are learning, "He's not that into you." So what does a girl do? In All Men are Jerks until Proven Otherwise, author Daylle Deanna Schwartz says, "If you want a man, get a life." She believes one woman's jerk can be another's treasure and teaches women how to develop autonomy and the strength to leave when a relationship isn't working. Contact: Daylle Deanna Schwartz, revenge@erols.com, 212-688-3504, www.daylle.com.
LEAD: TOP 10 GREAT QUALITIES TO ENHANCE SEXUAL INTIMACY IN YOUR MARRIAGE
What: It's not gadgets and gimmicks that create and sustain true intimacy in a couple's sex life. It's conscious use of great character qualities like acceptance, cooperation, creativity, enthusiasm, equality, faithfulness, patience, and more. Diane Sollee, founder and director of smartmarriages.com, says Susanne M. Alexander's What's Character Got To Do With It? Enhancing Sëxual Intimacy in Your Marriage is an "instantly helpful perspective on sexual intimacy." Alexander is also coauthor of Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage. Contact: Susanne M. Alexander, 216-383-9943, cell 216-469-9441, Susanne@marriagetransformation.com, www.marriagetransformation.com.
LEAD: EVERYONE'S ENGAGED!
What: Did you know that one-third of the 2.3 million wedding proposals that occur annually happen during December? That means that come January, hundreds of thousands of women will have weddings (their own) on their brain. Leah Ingram, author of the two new books, Plan Your Wedding in No Time and Buying & Selling Your Way to a Fabulous Wedding With eBay, can offer time-saving and money-saving tips for planning a wedding. Contact: Leah Ingram, leah.ingram@comcast.net, 215-862-8256, www.weddingink.com.
LEAD: YOU POPPED THE QUESTION . . . NOW WHAT? A NEW GUIDE FOR GROOMS-TO-BE
What: It's a whole new world for today's groom-to-be. No longer does the groom just show up on time for the wedding . . . he's a full planning partner with his bride (and sometimes with parents). Even better, he often competes with his other engaged buddies. Sharon Naylor, author of 23 wedding books, including The Groom's Guide (Kensington, 2004) and 1000 Best Secrets For Your Perfect Wedding (Sourcebooks, 2004), provides advice and top 10 lists for today's groom-to-be: ways to surprise his bride, impress the in-laws, the top groom planning tasks, what grooms register for, gifts for groomsmen, and more. Contact: Sharon Naylor, slnaylor@optonline.net, www.sharonnaylor.net.
LEAD: EXPLORING SEXUAL DREAMS
What: Self's January Issue contains an article featuring Dr. Gillian Holloway's research into the meaning of sexual dreams. Holloway is the author of two highly regarded books on finding meaning in dreams, and has been interviewed on ABC's 20/20 as well as hundreds of radio programs across the United States and Canada. She can help your audience/readers explore dreams in proactive, positive ways without shame or confusion. Contact: Gillian Holloway teaches at Marylhurst University, and had a private practice devoted to dream education. Contact her at gholloway@lifetreks.com or at (360) 883-0046.
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ELECTRONICS AND GADGETS
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LEAD: AVOID THE POST HOLIDAY TIVO BLUES
What: You got a TiVo for the holidays, but don't know how to use it. How to Do Everything with Your TiVo (McGraw-Hill, 2004) teaches new and experienced users how to use the basic, intermediate and advanced features of digital video recorders (DVRs) such as TiVos. Avoid the frustration that a new piece of technology like a TiVo can bring. Contact: Todd W. Carter, 616-892-9115, todd@toddcarter.com, www.toddcarter.com.
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SCIENCE
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LEAD: THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF THE MAN WHO STAKED HIS CAREER ON THE PROMISE OF LOBOTOMY
What: Walter Freeman, the pioneer developer and promoter of lobotomy surgery for psychiatric disorders, is the subject of The Lobotomist: A Maverick Medical Genius and His Tragic Quest to Rid the World of Mental Illness (Wiley, January 14, 2005). Author Jack El-Hai spent nine years researching Freeman, who performed more than 3,400 lobotomies worldwide. El-Hai's work earned the June Roth Memorial Award for Medical Journalism. Contact: Publicist Beth Scanlon, bethscanlon@nyc.rr.com, 718-530-9199 or Jack El-Hai, el-hai@reporters.net, 612-870-3488.
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FASHION AND BEAUTY
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LEAD: EMERGING FASHION TRENDS, FASHION TIPS FOR FALL 2005
What: Need someone to help you interpret fashion trends? Michele Meyer, a freelance fashion editor/writer/stylist has resources among top stylists (including Phillip Bloch) and designers (including Ralph Lauren) to deliver clever tips and insights into upcoming trends. In addition to having lived in Paris, Michele Meyer has covered the collections in Paris, Milan and New York during her six years of full-time fashion editing and writing. Contact: Michele Meyer, mmeyer@compuserve.com, 713-726-1301.
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TRAVEL AND ADVENTURES
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LEAD: START PLANNING YOUR PERFECT NATIONAL PARK VISIT NOW
What: Although it's still winter, now is the time to plan your summer vacation to one of America's national parks. National Parks of the West For Dummies (Wiley, February 2005), helps your readers/audience plan the perfect park vacation. Author Kurt Repanshek offers strategies for coping with crowds and reservations agents, details some of the best vistas in the parks, and explains why a national park vacation is an incredible bargain. Contact: Kurt Repanshek, pcwriter@xmission.com, 435-645-8680.
LEAD: SNOWSHOEING BOOMS FOR WINTER OUTDOOR RECREATION
What: In the last decade, snowshoeing has boomed, with some 6 million Americans now identifying themselves as snowshoers. For many people in the snowbelt, this easy-to-learn, easy-on-the-budget activity makes the difference between loving and loathing winter. Snowshoeing crosses the boundaries of age, fitness, outdoor experience and personal ambition. Claire Walter's recently published The Snowshoe Experience (Storey Publishing) is a primer to the sport. The third edition of her acclaimed Snowshoeing Colorado (Fulcrum Publishing), a trails and resources guide, has also recently been released. Contact: Claire Walter, 303-442-7709, cmwalter@claire-walter.com, www.claire-walter.com.
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WAR AND POLITICS
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LEAD: NEW BOOK PAYS TRIBUTE TO SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN IRAQ
What: Since the war in Iraq began in 2003, over 1,000 American soldiers have been killed in combat. Now, a moving and remarkable homage to their lives and deaths illuminates their lives to the rest of us. We learn, from their last words taken from their letters home, more about those that chose to serve our nation. Author George G. Sheldon provides a beautiful and unusual insight with a moving tribute to America's bravest. Contact: George G. Sheldon at: gs@georgegsheldon.com or at 717 203-1724 or at www.georgegsheldon.com.
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MEDIA, JOURNALISM AND ETHICS
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LEAD: PREPARE YOUR EXPERTS WHEN DISASTER STRIKES.
What: Media training is crucial to effectively present your message, says Marisa D'Vari, author of Building Buzz. Below are 5 tips to deliver clear press interviews. 1. Determine your core message and support it through facts, statistics, and anecdotes. 2. Simplify your message and use a variety of examples. 3. Predict questions that will be asked and answer them in 20 seconds. 4. Be certain your voice and body language support your message. 5. Volunteer to find the right answer rather than speculate. Contact mdvari@deg.com 617 451 9914 http://www.BuildingBuzz.com
LEAD: NEED A SPOKESPERSON ON PUBLISHING OR JOURNALISM TRENDS?
What: ASJA can help with expert comments on such issues as magazine launches and closings, print or electronic books, writing contracts, journalism ethics, First Amendment cases, censorship issues, and a wide range of other media-related topics. To find the perfect source for your story, contact (Ms.) Brett Harvey, executive director, ASJA at execdir@asja-pr.org.
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ABOUT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF JOURNALISTS AND AUTHORS
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Founded in 1948, the American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation's leading organization of independent nonfiction writers. Our membership consists of more than 1,100 outstanding freelance writers of magazine articles, trade books, and many other forms of nonfiction writing, each of whom has met ASJA's exacting standards of professional achievement.
American Society of Journalists and Authors,1501 Broadway, Suite 302, New York, NY 10036. Contact Executive Director (Ms.) Brett Harvey at execdir@asja-pr.org.
