DATE LIKE A GROWNUP MEDIA KIT
CONTACT INFO
BOOK SPECS
BOOK VIDEO TRAILER
ABOUT DATE LIKE A GROWNUP
(SUMMARY—LONG COPY) (SUMMARY—SHORT COPY)
ABOUT HEATHER DUGAN
(BIO—LONG COPY) (BIO—SHORT COPY)
SAMPLE INTERVIEW TOPICS (WITH SUGGESTED BOOK/ARTICLE CONTENT)
* LONELINESS MAKES FOOLS OF US ALL
* THE "RIGHT FIT" STRATEGY
* DATING & THE JOB INTERVIEW: SAME SKILLS REQUIRED
* BIGGER THAN A ROMANCE
* ISOLATING EFFECTS OF MID-LIFE DIVORCE
* SOCIAL OBSOLESCENCE AND THE MID-LIFE SINGLE
* DIVORCE. DELETE. DIG DEEPER.
REVIEWS
PHOTOS
SOCIAL MEDIA
CONTACT INFO
Media & Event Booking: info@heatherdugan.com
BOOK SPECS
Title: Date Like a Grownup
Author: Heather Dugan
Publisher: HDC Press
Date of Publication: February 22, 2014
Retail Price (paperback): $13.99
ISBN: 978-0991349302
Pages: 250
DATE LIKE A GROWNUP BOOK TRAILER (VIDEO)
http://youtu.be/bh948sNfUFY
ABOUT DATE LIKE A GROWNUP (SHORT COPY)
"Date Like a Grownup" examines the impact of loneliness and social
obsolescence on men and women in their second single lives and provides
punctuating proof that looking for love from a place of isolation is as unwise as
grocery shopping on an empty stomach. The likelihood of divorce for those over
age 50 has doubled over the past 20 years, landing many baby boomers "Wizard
of Oz" style into an altered landscape dominated by social media and radically
new methods of relationship building. Heather Dugan, a divorced mom, columnist
and writer, interviewed hundreds of singles in writing the book. Their honest,
often humorous, "From the Field" stories remind the reader that none of us are
immune to bad choices and illustrate incisive truths about connection as well as
some practical "do's and don'ts" for men and women navigating midlife dating.
ABOUT DATE LIKE A GROWNUP (LONG COPY)
"Date Like a Grownup" examines the impact of loneliness and social
obsolescence on men and women in their second single lives and provides
punctuating proof that looking for love from a place of isolation is as unwise as
grocery shopping on an empty stomach. The likelihood of divorce for those over
age 50 has doubled over the past 20 years, landing many baby boomers "Wizard
of Oz" style into an altered landscape dominated by social media and radically
new methods of relationship building. Heather Dugan, a divorced mom, columnist
and writer, interviewed hundreds of singles in writing the book. Their honest,
often humorous, "From the Field" stories remind the reader that none of us are
immune to bad choices and illustrate incisive truths about connection as well as
some practical "do's and don'ts" for men and women navigating midlife dating.
Unlike many other relationship manuals, this book does not guide singles through
game playing and winning temporary partners. Instead, readers will develop
a personalized strategy for building a life foundation that facilitates growing
a "right fit" relationship. Topics include: effective filtering, social media and online
dating, how to avoid isolation and strategically building a larger social network.
The author interviewed hundreds of men and women in the course of writing the
book and includes many of their very personal stories. Engaging narratives such
as "The Percocet Proposal" and "Need Meets Greed" affirm that none of us are
immune to bad choices and underline specific dating principles outlined in the
book. And with at least half of the adult population attempting a "do-over" on their
most committed relationship--and many getting it wrong yet a second time--these
proven "do's and don'ts" are first date gold for men and women navigating midlife
dating and vicarious entertainment for thankful sideline observers.
ABOUT HEATHER DUGAN (SHORT BIO)
Heather Dugan is a nationally published columnist, writer and author and
voiceover/video actor with a focus on human connection. Death? Divorce?
Dating? Turning challenges into opportunities for achievement enabled this
divorced single mom to effect positive transformation and find value in even life's
darkest places. Speaking and media interview topics include topics include life
launching; divorce, dating and relationships; healthcare patient responsibility and
work/family issues related to her advice column at Salary.com. Her newest book
"Date Like a Grownup: Anecdotes, Admissions of Guilt & Advice Between
Friends," examines the impact of loneliness and social obsolescence on men and
women in their second single lives, and provides punctuating proof that looking
for love from a place of isolation is as unwise as grocery shopping on an empty
stomach.
Links to books and audio/video clips can be found at heatherdugan.com.
ABOUT HEATHER DUGAN (LONG BIO)
Heather Dugan is a nationally published columnist, writer and author and
voiceover/video actor with a focus on creative communication and human
connection. Death? Divorce? Dating? Turning challenges into opportunities for
achievement enabled this divorced single mom to effect positive transformation
and find value in even life's darkest places. Helping others to tap into their talents
and "launch" is now a primary passion, and Heather's public speaking and media
interview topics include life launching; divorce, dating and relationships;
healthcare patient responsibility and work/family issues related to her advice
column at Salary.com. Links to books and audio/video clips can be found at
heatherdugan.com.
Her newest book "Date Like a Grownup: Anecdotes, Admissions of Guilt &
Advice Between Friends," examines the impact of loneliness and social
obsolescence on men and women in their second single lives, and provides
punctuating proof that looking for love from a place of isolation is as unwise as
grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Other books include: "Pickup in Aisle
Twelve," a witty romp through the absurdities of mid-life dating and "Stuffing
Sandwiches Down My Shirt: Strategies and Inspiration for Crutch Users." "Profile
on Page Nine" will be released in 2014.
The Indiana University graduate began her career in local radio sales and with a
yearlong public relations stint as "Miss Columbus" during which she perfected
her parade wave. Pinch-voicing the unremarkable part of WOMAN for a last
minute station spot led to steady audio and on-camera work and a home studio
in which she records audio for an international client list. Passionately curious,
Heather is both an avid traveler and lifelong learner. She resides in Central Ohio
with her children and a wayward chocolate lab, is slightly addicted to the
outdoors and would never let her passport expire. She considers a sense of
humor to be her best accessory.
SAMPLE INTERVIEW TOPICS
(WITH SUGGESTED BOOK/ARTICLE CONTENT)
Loneliness makes fools of us all:
Our worst decisions are made when we are desperate to choose. Second and
third divorces, ill-advised tattoos and most of our "please-donate-me" clothing
items are the mildly embarrassing evidence of impetuous space-fillers. How does
isolation propel us into repetitive relational mistakes? Why does an emptyhanded approach hold value? What's the difference between making a realistic
choice and resettling into a relational rut? Through what filters should we process
initial dating prospects?
From the Field: Linked In; Love On | What's Your SAT Score?
Chapter 3: Choosing Your Filters
Chapter 9: Is This Thing Working?
Using a "Right Fit" strategy minimizes rejection and optimizes outcomes:
A fill-the-gap focus will lead many to use a big net approach rather than a sieve
in screening dating candidates, leading to a downward spiral of continued
romantic failure and greater desperation. A "right fit" strategy is the only surefire
route to long-term romantic success. How can we guard our egos from rejection?
What warning signs should alert us to "Dead-End Dating" characters such as
"Baggage Handlers," "Cling Wrap Men" and "Vacationers"? How much energy
should a single invest in a relationship before moving on?
From the Field: Need Meets Greed | Cheese and Crackers
Chapter 5: Dead-End Dating
Chapter 7: Are We There Yet?
Relationship building requires the same skills essential for career success:
A job interview and a first date entail similar social abilities. "Connectivity" is the
gift that fuels opportunity and personal happiness. What are some practical ways
to create consistent connection in life? What are the big turn-offs and surefire
attractants in social and business settings? What are the big "tells" to
interviewers and romantic interests?
From the Field: Useable & Effective Responses | Coffee to Go
Salary.com article: 9 Ways Job Interviews Are Like Online Dating
Chapter 11: Personalize Your Plan
Life is bigger than a romance:
Are you enjoying the experiences of your life—or simply marketing them to land
in another one? If your first focus is on finding a relationship, it's less likely your
next romance will last for the long-term. Sustainable relationships require
authentically experienced lives, and authentically experienced lives do not
evaporate when a significant other is added. How can you build a good life as a
single? What strategies make holidays, vacations and couple's events bearable
and even enjoyable? Why is it important to start your search from a place of
wholeness?
From the Field: Handfuls of Maybes | Emptied Nest
LinkedIn: Cabernet Coaches: Power of Consistent Connection
Chapter 10: Creating Connection in Your Life
The phenomenon of mid-life divorce is isolating adults over age 50:
With a doubled divorce rate over the past twenty years, many find themselves
transplanted, Wizard of Oz-style, into vastly changed circumstances at a time
they're confronting multiple and monumental emotional hits. With aging or
deceased parents, children setting off into their own separate lives and career
upheavals often coinciding, lives must be rebuilt on multiple levels. Romantic
decisions made during these transitional times can land like darts thrown at a
spinning wheel. What is the real value of "significant connection?" What steps
can we take to attain solid ground for the rebuilding process? How can a
divorced single maintain forward momentum in the midst of enormous and
difficult change? What dating decisions should we make ahead of involvement,
and what are the "bendable rules"?
From the Field: Pool Party | Long Shot Lover
Chapter 1: You Go First
Chapter 6: Dating Decisions & The Bendable Rules
Social obsolescence is a pivotal issue for Internet-illiterate, suddenly
childless adults:
A digitally transformed world leaves many without a clear path into the next stage
of life. Online dating can easily overwhelm the newly single, and other connection
points can be difficult for the typical single parent to ascertain and pursue. Where
can a single adult, by his or herself, find new friends in such busy times? What
are the best routes to meeting potential romantic interests? What steps can
transform lonely Saturdays to fuller living?
From the Field: Profile Translations | On the Market At the Market
Chapter 2: Online or Off?
Chapter 4: Posting a Profile
Divorce, Delete, Dig Deeper:
Recovering from an unhealthy relationship is but the first step in creating a full
and healthy life. Many divorced singles are surprised when the same issues crop
up in subsequent relationships, but there are real and preventable reasons for
the recurrences. A "reset" time can allow a single adult to delete false
assumptions and dig within to establish a stronger sense of self and do repairs
which will enable choosing potential romantic interests from a place of strength
rather than as a random reach towards the "best available." Why do relationships
always seem to tank with challenging life events? Is being "real" the kiss of death
for a relationship? How can a single relationship-seeking adult find another likeminded single willing to work for the long-term success of a long-term love?
From the Field: Parking Lot Apology | Wednesdays and Every Other
Weekend
Chapter 8: Helping Yourself & The Reset
Chapter 12: Date Like A Grownup
READER REVIEWS
"Heather Dugan's "Date Like A Grownup" deserves Five Stars--it's just too funny
for any fewer, and the humor makes it an effective coaching guide..."
"Date Like a Grownup" is a cleverly written collection of real life dating
experiences accompanied by lessons learned and very sound advice. It is a
wonderful opportunity to learn from the experience of others..."
"Date Like A Grownup" provides spot on advice for those looking to get back out
in the dating world. Heather's writing is very engaging and conversational..."
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Email Heather: heather@heatherdugan.com