With her move to fiction, Allison has defined the genre of "Boomer-Lit..contemporary women's fiction-with-an-attitude!"
General Interests
Reading, writing, movies (watching them and writing them,) public speaking, quiet time spent with God, sharing my testimony, encouraging and empowering boomer babes to achieve their dreams, time spent anywhere with hubby, eating out, concerts, museums, and teaching at writer's conferences. For me, maintaining a good balance between "life-in-general" and "spiritual strength and health" requires a focused effort. When I don't have quiet reflective time, my life turns inside out. My priorities get all messed up. And I find myself overwhelmed and stressed out. I'm a "Type-A Choleric" personality with just enough Sanguine to keep me balanced (and fashionably dressed and shod.) Since losing 120 pounds I have developed a serious shoe addiction.
Music
Easy listening music and jazz are favorites, but so are the good old classic rock bands like the Eagles, Moody Blues, and Genesis. I'm a HUGE Motown fan (think Temptations and Supremes) and Disco-era music gets me to moving like nothing else can. Give me a Donna Summer or Gloria Gaynor dance tune and I'm on my feet groovin'!
Books
I'm a big lover of boomer-lit and chick-lit fiction, as well as a good murder mystery. I read everything by, Patricia Cornwall, Eva Marie Everson, John Grisham, Angela Hunt, Stephen King, James Patterson, Jodi Piccoult, Tracie Peterson, and Jennifer Weiner.
Movies/TV
A perfect kick-back day for me is going to the movie theatre for a double matinee ... back-to-back movies is almost as good as a box of chocolate. Well, almost. Favorite movies I watch over and over again (really) - American President, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Independence Day, My Best Friend's Wedding, Never Been Kissed, Notting Hill, Pretty Woman, Sabrina, Sarah Plain and Tall, Skylark, The Bodyguard, The Wizard of Oz, What's Love Got to Do With It, When a Man Loves a Woman, When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, and a ga-zillion old B&;W classics featuring Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, et.al. I'm also a BIG fan of John Grisham thrillers, and any Stephen King book made into a movie.
I'm not into TV at all ... unless it's Trading Spaces or What Not to Wear. Oh, but I take that back?I did get addicted to American Idol, and The Bachelor, and Dancing with the Stars (does that count?) And I do love House and Bones and CSI (when I can remember to watch them.)
Published Works
Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents (2008)
SANITY MAKES A COMEBACK!
Do you have an adult child living with you (or elsewhere) whose life has you tied up in knots?
Are their self-destructive choices, addictions and/or life-style breaking your heart and causing you (and perhaps other family members) pain and anguish?
If so, help is on the way!
"Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children - Six S.A.N.I.T.Y. Steps to Hope & Healing for Struggling Parents" is Allison's next book released in February 2008. Already being hailed as a landmark non-fiction project, Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will help bring S.A.N.I.T.Y. back to your life!
"Setting Boundaries" brings us face-to-face with a crippling plague sweeping our nation, and through six steps to freedom, invites readers to begin living a life of hope and renewal. In an era when personal accountability has become more and more scarce, it's often the parents who have spent years enabling their children who are now suffering. Feelings of guilt, shame, fear, anger, frustration, and the inability to trust our adult children invade our existence. How do these feelings play into the dynamic of not only accepting, but in some cases encouraging negative behavior in adult children? How can parents and grandparents define boundaries with adult children? In this important book, parents will learn not only to recognize the negative behavior of their adult children, but more important, their own negative responses to it as well. Responses that will need to be altered before change can occur.
One Little Secret (2007)
For Ursula Rhoades, her ONE LITTLE SECRET is about to become her one big problem! ONE LITTLE SECRET fits seamlessly into a culture obsessed with reality TV and celebrity lives (think American Idol and E! channel). Delving into the life of a fictional rock star, ONE LITTLE SECRET grabs readers from the start and takes them on a fun-loving ride through Hollywood and the famous GRAMMY awards.
In a land of glitz and glamour, Ursula Rhoades isn't fazed in the least by the constant parade of Prada and Tiffany's or the high-profile celebrity sightings.
A beautiful home, a loving family, and fulfilling volunteer opportunities leave this fashionable and loving Bel-Air housewife completely content, even if she did have to give up her dreams. Nikolai Prevelakis, or Nik Prevel to his fans, is the hottest young music star in the country. But it isn't enough. Handsome, famous, and living the life of a rock star, Nik isn't content. When his path crosses Ursula's, he sees the opportunity he's been waiting for.but what seems like a harmless little secret changes their lives forever-and becomes one big secret everyone's trying to figure out!
Ursula is a fun and hip main character-a baby boomer quite different from most heroines you see in today's inspirational fiction. Offset by a male protagonist who is captivating and gets more likable and "deeper" as the story goes on, it's just plain fun to watch these characters interact. A Hollywood fairy tale with all the pleasures of escapist literature mixed with gentle lessons on using the talents God has given you, the power of sacrifice, self-esteem, and the value of being "just a housewife."
Find out why folks are saying that Allison writes "women's fiction with an attitude!"
A Stitch in Time (2006)
Debut novelist Allison Bottke introduces Boomer Babe Dee Decker, a successful fundraising executive in Southern California, who is out to prove that a middle-aged Christian woman can be faithful, fashionable, and fabulous! Dee works in a world populated by highly competitive, impossibly thin, perfectly coiffed, and designer outfitted women. Dee has never felt like she fits in, but nonetheless enjoys a well-earned reputation as being cool, calm, collected, and in control. When she discovers that her husband is having an affair, Dee embarks on a journey of self-discovery (and plastic surgery) that will transform her inside and out. But it is Dee's spiritual transformation that will bring real change to her life and the lives of her family.
In the course of one year Dee Decker . . .
. . . has gastric bypass surgery and loses 150 pounds
. . . separates from her husband
. . . flourishes in her glamorous fundraiser job
. . . has plastic surgery
. . . buys a whole new wardrobe
. . . and becomes a Christian.
This dynamic Boomer Babe is a new person inside and out, and the future looks bright. But then a job offer sends her life in a direction she hadn't expected. Her past and present are about to collide in a major way. Will Dee discover how to balance the fast-paced Southern California lifestyle with her new values?
God Allows U-Turns for Women (2006)
Do you feel like you're headed down a road that shouldn't be traveled? You're not alone. Sometimes it's too easy to find the wrong path. Sometimes you just feel lost. This powerful collection of stories from real women will offer you the encouragement you need to make your own U-Turn.
I Can't Do It All (2006)
Writing from their hearts, this trio of writers, led by bestselling fiction author Tracie Peterson, brings women face-to-face with the lies women believe. In a refreshingly transparent and vulnerable style, they address the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of life common to women.
God Answers Military Prayers (2005)
True Stories From People Who Serve And Those Who Love Them
This special military volume will release in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) in Fall 2005. The PWOC is an international resource network that unites, trains and encourages women in the military chapel community in their spiritual growth. A portion of proceeds will be contributed to the PWOC from the God Allows U-Turns Foundation®.
Christian Inspirational Writer for Baby Boomer Women - Fiction - Parenting Issues - Women's Self-Help Stories - Non Fiction - God Allows U-Turns - Strategic Planning - Public Speaker
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When Allison Bottke's life changed, it wasn't merely another bend in the journey. It was a brake-locking, tire-screaming U-turn in the middle of a fast moving highway in order to head in a completely opposite direction.
Allison Bottke is primarily known as the official God Allows U-Turns Poster Girl, after a dramatic u-turn in her own life at the age of 35. An inspirational speaker at conferences nationwide, she is frequently a guest on radio and television programs around the country.
Allison is the creative force behind God Allows U-Turns, an international outreach that includes over 23 books, tracts, logo merchandise, and a speaking and teaching ministry. Along with compiling and editing the popular "God Allows U-Turns" and "God Answers Prayers" anthology series, her recent non-fiction is "I Can't Do It All - Breaking Free from the Lies that Control Us", co-authored with bestselling fiction author Tracie Peterson and Dianne O'Brian. Allison's debut novel "A Stitch in Time", released in 2006 and her second novel "One Little Secret", released in summer 2007. Her next non-fiction book will be "Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children", releasing in 2008. She has partnered with David C. Cook Publishers (formerly Cook Communications Ministries) to write a trilogy of contemporary hip-lit novels for baby boomer women. The first installment in the VA VA VA BOOM! series will release in 2009.
With her move to fiction, Allison has defined the genre of "Boomer-Lit...contemporary women's fiction-with-an-attitude!" A Christian who spent her first 35 years as a non-believer, Allison is in demand as a speaker and her personal U-Turn story has been seen on The 700 Club, heard on Decision Today radio, featured in Guideposts magazine, and has been broadcast around the world on dozens of other television, radio, and news media. She has been the featured cover story on five national magazines including; Writer's Digest, BOND, The Christian Communicator, OH, and CWO. Allison has become an advocate for empowering and inspiring Baby Boomer Women around the world.
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Allison was born in Akron, Ohio in July of 1955. Of German, Polish and Austrian decent, she is the middle child with an older sister living in Ohio and a younger brother living in Nevada. Her parents are both deceased. Along with her birth state, she has lived in California, Arizona, Minnesota, and now Texas.
Married in 1995, Allison and Kevin met as a result of a letter Kevin sent to her in Arizona after reading an article she wrote in a Christian Singles Magazine. He proposed in church and they were married seven months after their first correspondence. Between them they have four children; Christopher, Mandy, Kermit, and Kyle. Allison and her husband have recently relocated to a suburb of Dallas, Texas.
Before moving to Minnesota, Allison made her primary living as a professional fund-raiser for non-profit organizations, and her secondary living as a freelance writer. Over the years her work has appeared in such magazines as Ladies Home Journal, Woman's World, Cosmopolitan, and many others. She has appeared as a guest on such television talk shows as AM Los Angeles, Northwest Afternoon and Pittsburgh Today. While she enjoys writing nonfiction stories with a Christian focus, her primary love is writing for the stage and screen. Several of her plays were produced on Southern California stages and she is presently completing a romantic comedy screenplay.
Many of you may recognize Allison as one of the country's first full-figure fashion models. Signed with the prestigious Wilhelmina Agency in the early 1980's, she was introduced to the public first with her association with BBW Magazine (Big Beautiful Woman) and then working with such designers as Gloria Vanderbilt and Alfred Angelo as the model they personally chose to introduce their plus size clothing lines on daytime television programs and in commercials. As the sole full-figure print model for Levi-Strauss, Pendleton Knitwear, Teddy of California, Sasson Jeans and many others, her photograph appeared in print media both nationally and internationally for years. An international entertainment company optioned the rights to her life story for a made-for-television movie, a life story you may recognize from Allison's writing and public appearances over the years. In fact, it is her personal life-changing testimony that opened the door for The GOD ALLOWS U-TURNS Project to be born.
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SPEAKER INFORMATION
If you're looking for a vibrant speaker who will captivate audiences of all ages, sizes and backgrounds with a mesmerizing tale of hope and healing, your search is over.
The former fundraiser, playwright, and plus-size model left a life marred by domestic violence, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil for a life in Christ and the healing that only God can bring.
Uncommonly candid, Allison Bottke shares her personal U-Turn story, along with other event-appropriate messages at churches, conferences, writer's workshops, retreats, seminars, and special events, bringing encouragement and hope to women and men across the nation. She's also a frequent guest on national radio and TV programs and has been the featured cover story for several national magazines. When Allison speaks, her passion to share God's healing grace is both obvious and contagious. Poised and articulate, audiences are inspired by her engaging spirit and are drawn to know the God she loves in a deeper and more intimate way.
Allison's tenacious spirit saw her through decades of turmoil and addiction before she came to know the Lord. A conservative Christian who spent her first 35-years as a non-believer, Allison's U-Turn from being a radical feminist entrenched in the new age movement, to her current viewpoint, has a profound and at times controversial impact on her audience. Allison's transparent nature is both stimulating and encouraging. Her relationship with God is authentic and her passion contagious. Allison's ability to identify with and engage her audience is captivating.
As the founder of the God Allows U-Turns Project, Allison has developed a growing outreach ministry focused on encouragement through 2 Corinthians 5:17. The "U-Turns Project" encompasses Allison's television and speaking ministry as well as books for adults, youth and kids; a nonprofit Foundation; a complete line of logo gift merchandise; and other ventures currently under development. A national God Allows U-Turns "conference/crusade" event will launch in the future, complete with praise and worship music, keynote speakers, and high-tech entertainment for the entire family.
From books to an international outreach ministry, Allison has taken the God Allows U-Turns message into venues around the country. Allison is a graduate of the CLASSeminar (Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers) and Upper CLASS, where she has trained under renowned Christian author and speaker Florence Littauer. Allison is also a member of the prestigious group, AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), as well as a member of CBA (Christian Booksellers Association).
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Allison's newest non-fiction book, "Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children - Six Steps to Hope & Healing for Struggling Parents", releases in February 2008 from Harvest House. Allison will be launching S.A.N.I.T.Y. an international support group network in 2008. She will also be speaking on SETTING BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN in 2008-2009.
- A FREE Special Report: "7 Things You Can Do Today to Start Living Your Dreams!"
- Join our membership list of dynamic people who want to be empowered and inspired to pursue their dreams!
Read our FREE monthly "Dream-Zine," "Boomer Babes with Brilliant Dreams!" Distributed the third Wednesday of every month.
Make sure to sign up for Allison's monthly electronic "Dream-Zine" for all the current updates on writing opportunities, Teleseminars, book releases, and contests. Sign up here
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IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO JUST READ THE BOOK!
Reading "Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children" is a great start to gaining S.A.N.I.T.Y.
Allison Bottke has developed a vital tool to help you reinforce new boundaries. Allison's CD audio series and ...
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Do you know someone who has an adult child who is always in crisis? Allison Bottke was interviewed by host, Pastor Steve Hill, on the TBN Praise the Lord show in Dallas, TX. Air date March 12, 2008.
Watch Allison's interview now as she shares how ...
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New Release - Setting Boundaries by Allison Bottke
2/09/2008 - 10:44 AM
S.A.N.I.T.Y. MAKES A COMEBACK! Allison Bottke's newest non-fiction book, Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents (Harvest House Publishers) released on February 1, 2008. This book and the S.A....
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A SPECIAL INVITATION...TO HOST A BLOG TOUR VISIT or to REVIEW ALLISON BOTTKE'S NEW BOOK -
"Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents"
Do you have a BLOG, an online E-Zine or podcast?
W...
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Happy New Year and welcome to the premier of our Boomer Babes Rock Book Club! As promised, it's the first Saturday of the month and I'm here to launch our exciting new club. Wait until you meet our first author!
Our Boomer Babe Book Club is going ...
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Hey Allison - from the first time I met you in Orlando (hmmm 2003?) I knew you "had it!" Sometimes I see your book or your picture on something, and I think, I met her! How cool is that?!
Hi Allison. I recently heard you on a teleseminar about branding. Kudos for doing a such great job with your career. You are a great role model.
Blessings!
Rosey Dow
ExpertsinFocus.com
Karen Power edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4
