Journalist and writer, Allison Kugel, examines her journey with a life-altering anxiety disorder against the backdrop of a career in celebrity journalism in her new memoir, Journaling Fame: A memoir of a life unhinged and on the record.
Journaling Fame (April 25, 2017/Mill City Press) takes readers inside the turbulent mind and precocious soul of former celebrity journalist, Allison Kugel, as she recalls the evolution and fallout from a near paralyzing anxiety disorder while navigating a decade interviewing some of Hollywood’s most famous (and infamous) names.
Throughout childhood, adolescents, and early adulthood; anxiety, panic, depression and OCD continued to strengthen its grip on her life. Kugel
describes how her condition ebbed and flowed, co-existing alongside a one-time thriving career as an entertainment and pop culture journalist who conducted in-depth interviews with hundreds of today’s biggest newsmakers.
Between numerous celebrity interactions and recalling harrowing memories from youth and adolescents, she attempts to piece together moments of her life that, both, built her career successes and fostered severe panic attacks that threatened to undo it all. Amidst the emotional chaos and pop culture anecdotes lies an endearing subtext of spiritual growth that educates and inspires.
Personal and never before heard stories with Dave Chappelle, the Kardashians, 50 Cent, Jenna Jameson, Elle Macpherson, Stan Lee, Tyrese, Joe Pantoliano, Gloria Allred, Mike Tyson, Kristin Chenoweth and many other newsmakers are sprinkled throughout.
Allison Kugel provides an ultimate insider’s guide into the entertainment journalism and publicity machines that the public doesn’t see, along with shared personal memories of Hollywood friendships. She pulls no punches when going into excruciating detail about her experiences with anxiety, panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder. From hospitalizations, therapy, and various medications, nothing is off the table.
Her memoir seamlessly weaves in and out through professional triumphs and personal struggles, with self-examination, irony and humor.
Advance Buzz for Journaling Fame –
“I yearn to interview the biggest names in media and entertainment. Allison Kugel can proudly say she’s already done that during her many years as a celebrity journalist, having chatted with the likes of Nancy Sinatra, Elle Macpherson and The Kardashians, to name just three.” – Rebecca Haslam, Editor of PopWrapped
“Allison Kugel is everything I wish I could be as a celebrity journalist. She has interviewed the Kardashian sisters, 50 Cent, politicians and everybody in between, and of course has many fun stories to go along with them. The stories are so good in fact, that she is writing a book about the experience.” – Sammi Turano, Editor of TVGrapevine
“Between her celebrity encounters, Kugel chronicles panic attacks from a near-crippling anxiety disorder.” – Richard Johnson, Page Six Columnist for The New York Post
“Allison Kugel spills on best and worst celebrities she’s interviewed.” – Andrew Bucklow, Entertainment Reporter for news.com.au
For a decade, Allison Kugel was entrenched in the culture of celebrity as an entertainment, pop culture and political journalist whose work was quoted and re-printed by hundreds of media outlets, worldwide. She is currently co-founder of the Upitch app. Kugel is a philanthropist for various charities, including Project Night Night. Journaling Fame is her first book, and through its message, she hopes to be an advocate for people living with
anxiety disorders. She and her son live in Florida and New York.
Visit https://www.instagram.com/theallisonkugel/ for more information.
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