The Playmakers Wins Grand Prize at the 2004 Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Tim Walsh
(941) 926-8004
info@theplaymakers.com
www.theplaymakers.com

Sarasota, Florida (August 1, 2005) – The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys took home the grand prize at the 2004 Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards. Tim Walsh earned $3,000 as the author/publisher of the book, which features the 20th century’s best toys, games and dolls and the inventors who brought them to life.

“I am humbled and honored to have this book win such a prestigious award,” Walsh said. “This was a huge undertaking — a nearly three-year project, but moments like this validate all the time it took to complete.” Walsh conducted over 150 interviews for The Playmakers , tracking down the inventors of the Ant Farm, Sea-Monkeys, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Twister, and Spirograph among others. The book contains over 420 color photographs and 150 black and white images, across 312 pages. “I’ve met many readers and toylovers at signings and author events since the book was released [in March of 2004] and their enthusiastic response has been wonderful,” Walsh confesses. “And it’s great to know that The Playmakers is now being recognized by my peers in the writing community as well. This is fantastic!”

There were 2,300 books entered in the 13th annual competition. Writer’s Digest announced the award and publsihed an excerpt from The Playmakers in their August issue. Since 75 toys are profiled in the book, Walsh admits that choosing just one chapter to give to Writer’s Digest was tough. “How do I choose between Wiffle Ball and Super Ball?” Walsh asked. “They were two of my favorites growing up.” Beyond the story of the first ball that curved on its own and the first ball you could bounce over your house, The Playmakers offers the compelling behind-the-scene origins of Play-Doh, Clue, Lego, Barbie, G.I. Joe, and many more. Ultimately, the editors of Writer’s Digest choose The Teddy Bear chapter as their favorite, proving that everyone has their own timeless toy favorite.

Writer’s Digest was founded in 1920 and is the world’s leading magazine for writers. It is owned by F&W Publications, a leading publisher of books and magazines for creative people.