judydippel.com

Women’s Friendships Yield a Multitude of Benefits—

Though Not without Challenges!

Contact Judy Dippel through this website.

MOBILE, AL, June, 25, 2008—Oregon author Judy Dippel had prepared an uplifting manuscript about the many joys of women’s friendships, but scrapped it when a couple of her own closest longtime friendships fell apart. She laid the project down, allowing it to collect dust on the shelf for two years. When she began to rewrite the book, the vision for the book evolved into something very different than most books written on friendship. She knew it needed to be frank and realistic, and offer practical solutions, “what women can do,” for the variety of challenges they face in developing and maintaining mutually satisfying friendships. She sought a co-author who could add depth to the book. Judy located Debra Whiting Alexander, Ph.D., a practicing mental health therapist, Christian and published author.

Her God-directed call resulted in not only professional collaboration, but a deep friendship. But their writing project put the principles they were teaching to the test—Judy’s writing style is expansive and flowing while Debra’s is concise and to the point. Through many tear- and laughter-filled meetings, they found a way to make the text and message of their book—and their relationship—work.

The Art of Authentic Friendship is the result of two years of interviews and surveys of women of all ages. Their research uncovered the biggest issues facing women’s friendships today. Women identified their number one challenge to be that of finding time to spend with friends—and the list goes on! Through true examples that women shared, along with the authors’ insights, readers learn to make and keep friends, heal relational hurts, and deepen their most valued friendships with other women. They also learn how beneficial a slight change of perspective can be—this book is like an interesting road trip with a new friend—it brings unexpected curves and important discoveries.

Judy says, “To women, there is nothing trivial about friendship. Good friends are critical to our well-being, and as important as healthy eating and exercise. But like all relationships, we have struggles with one another—they range from mild to toxic. We want to be inspired to face challenges with friends in constructive ways. Most books written on the subject celebrate the qualities that make the ideal or perfect friend. This is not one of those books, and that's exactly why women love it. There are solutions from both God and man (woman) throughout our book. Authentic Friendship hits an emotional and spiritual nerve, and is a lifeline of hope for every woman who values close friendships. It is a must-read for women's personal reading enjoyment, as well as an excellent resource for study or discussion groups who seek answers and growth regarding positive friendship connections."

Judy Dippel and Debra Whiting Alexander, Ph.D

224 pages, PB, $13.99, ISBN#: 978-158169-283-9 www.judydippel.com.