Lisa Altalida

 

Lisa Altalida is a dating expert who has appeared on several major market and nationally syndicated radio and television programs sharing her advice for both women and men. As a motivating speaker and author, Lisa helps countless others avoid the common pitfalls of dating. Through no-nonsense tips and easy-to-follow scenarios, Lisa has developed winning strategies to help those looking for love find the connection they have been seeking. Lisa resides in the San Francisco-Bay Area.

Lisa is currently available for speaking engagements and interviews. Please visit the web site for a full calendar of events at www.lisaaltalida.com.

Lisa Altalida’s latest books include:

Dating Boot Camp – Conquering the Dating Obstacle Course. Dating Boot Camp will help you learn how to break the routines, bad habits and attitudes holding you back. You’ll also learn to date with a plan, understand what men think (without getting lost in translation)-and then put your new skills to the test!

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Getting Girls. The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Getting Girls has solid strategies for successful dating- from making the approach and getting her phone number to planning the first date. Lisa shares her powerful pointers to boost your confidence and helps you get the girl.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: Where did you grow up, and have reading and writing always been a part of your life? What did you like to read when you were a young girl?

Lisa Altalida: Although I was born in Texas, my family moved to the Bay Area when I was very young. I have made the Bay Area my home ever since.

I always enjoyed reading and writing in my leisure time. I started writing on my own at a young age; I still have my diaries from the 6th grade. In school, I was an avid reader and I enjoyed all of my English and creative writing classes. As a young girl, I read coming of age books such as works by Judy Blume and imaginative adventure stories by Lewis Carroll.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: Who and/or what have been your biggest influences and why?

Lisa Altalida:As a writer, I am motivated by another writer's expression. I appreciate how one could take their experiences, weave them into a story and influence emotion. Also, other forms of creative expression motivate me. My mother was a jazz singer and I grew up in a pretty musical household so I have a strong appreciation for lyrics and song as well.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: Please tell us a little about your book "Dating Boot Camp."

Lisa Altalida:"Dating Boot Camp" is not your typical dating book. It is one that helps you explore what is holding you back and guides you to overcome these challenges to find the type of person and relationship you are seeking. It is chock full of stories, examples and exercises to help you through this process and encourages you to be successful in your dating journey.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: What inspired you to write "Dating Boot Camp?"

Lisa Altalida:After going through a break-up of a 6 year relationship, I went through my own process of re-assessing what I wanted and how I was going to obtain it. I knew that other women had similar experiences and wanted to share my findings. My goal was to help others through this process of breaking through their own barriers so they could find happiness.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: You are considered a dating expert. How did you become one?

Lisa Altalida:Once you have lived through your own experience, you can identify with others who have been there. Most people I encounter react to me this way. I am considered an expert because of my own experience, my research in this area and solutions that I have found for those who have come to me for advice. My goal is to help others move through their own process and give them tools to be successful in finding what they are seeking.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: The first part of Dating Boot Camp, like real boot camp, "tears you down." Why is this important?

Lisa Altalida:Dating can be very frustrating. The typical response is for people to blame everything from environment to the inadequacies of the opposite sex. The "tearing down" process helps you to look at your own preconceived notions, take responsibility for your baggage, and let go of past hurts. Once you can challenge yourself and come to terms with what is going on inside you, it is easier to determine your inhibitors to success. One you get through it, you can rebuild your perceptions and have better experiences.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: What are some of the most common pitfalls that women make in dating?

Lisa Altalida:When women really want a relationship, they commonly make the mistake of trying to establish one with the first guy they meet. This may work some of the time if he wants the same thing that she does and if they are compatible. Men on the other hand, will meet a few different women and then make a solid choice for who is the best fit. I encourage women to think more like men in this scenario so they can spend less time in relationships that don't work and more time upfront finding the right person.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: In your book you talk about "creating change" by getting out and doing something different. What are some ways the average woman can "create change?"

Lisa Altalida: One of the most common complaints that I hear from women is that there are not a lot of good men out there. My first question is "where are you meeting them?" Most of the time, women are not getting out to meet anyone. With the demands of careers, errands, children and other obligations, they are not making the time to get out and meet people. I encourage women to build some calendar time at least twice month to meet new people. They can do this by going to a singles event or planning a new activity where they can interact with people who have similar interests. The point is that you are not going to meet new people sitting at home and complaining about it.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: You devote Chapter 11 to "The First Date." What are a few of your "first date" tips? Why is it important to not "overshare?"

Lisa Altalida:A good way to look at the first date is much like a job interview. You are presenting yourself in the best fashion and trying to make a good impression. The other person on the date will be doing the same thing. You are telling them a little bit about yourself while you are learning things about them. The interaction should be fun, light and enjoyable while you are learning about each other.

It is important not to "overshare" because too much information in this setting can be a turn-off. Getting into deep conversations about disturbing things about your childhood or all of your ex-boyfriend baggage is not helping you to get to know your date better. Giving too much too soon can make your date have a negative impression about you when it is really your goal to let him get to know the best of you first.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: What do you hope readers walk away with after reading "Dating Boot Camp?"

Lisa Altalida: I hope that readers feel a sense of renewal and excitement toward their dating life after reading "Dating Boot Camp." If you are single, it is not a death sentence. I want to encourage others to change their perspective to feel good about where they are in their dating life. Whether a person is coming from a failed relationship or just never really dated before, I want them to feel empowered to know that when a date doesn't work out, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of their attempts at meeting their soul mate. Instead, it is just a date, and they can meet the right person the next time around. I want them to feel good enough about themselves to get out there and try.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: What has been the reader reaction so far to "Dating Boot Camp?"

Lisa Altalida: So far women (and men) have enjoyed the book. Readers usually have a strong reaction to a technique they haven't tried or identify with some of the situations or examples. People do usually feel renewed and have a "I can do it" type of attitude once they read it. Also, they like the workbook aspect and find themselves going back through the book do the exercises and use the tips over time.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: You have also written "The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Getting Girls." Will you tell us a little about this book also?

Lisa Altalida: "The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Getting Girls" is the male version of "Dating Boot Camp." This book focuses more on helping men gain confidence in approaching women and giving them insight into what motivates women to meet them and what turns them off. This book also has tips and advice to reinforce positive techniques in meeting women, establishing a first date and keys to what is going to make her want to see him again. Men find the book helpful and insightful. I also get feedback that men like the size of the book - some of them slip it into their pocket before they go out and check the tips before they interact with a woman.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: What's next? Do you have plans for another book?

Lisa Altalida: I plan to write a few articles about dating that support the ideals from these books. Also, I am working on another dating/relationship book that focuses more on what makes a relationship successful.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: Who are your favorite authors, and why do they inspire you?

Lisa Altalida: I read a variety fiction and nonfiction work. A few of my favorite authors are Maya Angelou for her brilliant poetry and Alice Walker for her beautifully descriptive stories. I love work that makes you feel that you are living in the author's shoes, only if for a moment.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: When you're not working, what are your favorite ways to relax?

Lisa Altalida:I try to find time to enjoy life when I am not busy. I like to workout, go to movies, concert venues and the theater. I also love to travel and spend time in tropical destinations when I can.

 

 

PageOneLit.com: Do you have any final thoughts to share with us?

Lisa Altalida: If people enjoy my books, I do hope that they share their experience with others. The success of the books are really about how much they inspire people to feel good about themselves and find what they are seeking. That is truly what makes me happy and why I continue to write in this genre.