'You've got your hands full'

Write Away: How to write a non-fiction book synopsis

I'VE had seven examples of a synopsis initially accepted by a small publisher or agent. Only two of these ever saw the light of day as a published book.

In one of those books, The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World, I explore what makes a winning synopsis. It should be:

• Compelling
• An excellent example of your writing
• A showcase for your research skills

Photo by Olivander on Flickr

On turning the air blue in the supermarket and other adventures up the aisles

Photo by daveknapik on Flickr

EVER wondered what goes on behind the scenes to bring you your weekend news?

Once this involved me standing by the satsumas in Sainsbury’s yelling "cock".

I'm surprised I didn't get arrested - or escorted off the premises at the very least.

Back but shattered

THANK YOU again for all the good wishes before we went to The Bahamas.

If you are in any way interested, we are now back and loving the various delights of being at home - rain, sorting out car tax, gas leaks, terrible wind, that type of thing.

Yeah, I know. Possibly too much information.

I hope to post all about our cruise adventure as soon as I can. A small matter of a shedload of work stuff is in the way at the moment. Am not even going to attempt the terrible wind thing.

Seeya.

On blogging, travel writing and working for free

ALONG with my business partner, I lead training workshops advising freelance journalists on how to make more money. I've written a book which warns against writing for free.

Now I'm an editor of a family travel blog with no budget to pay contributors.

How the hell did that happen?

Would you expect a plumber or mechanic to do their job for free? No and neither would I. Nor do I expect anyone to write for Have a Lovely Time for free.

'Mumpreneurs' - how much are you motivated by money?

OVER at Who's the Mummy, Sally Whittle is raising the sort of questions that many women in business are asking about the term 'mumpreneur'.

Having met lots of 'mumpreneurs' on Saturday, it's a very interesting debate. But it's not the only one I'm mulling over. I'd be really interested to know: Mums in business - how much are you motivated by money?

Anyone thinking about whether they want to be known as a "mumpreneur" or not would be better off thinking about cold, hard facts about business in the current climate and how they are going to make a success of their company.

Do you agree?

Working mum? Stay at home mum? Part timer? We're all just doing the best we can

THIS Saturday, instead of racing around on mum's taxi duties, I'm attending a conference in Birmingham for mums in business.

Author, journalist and blogger Antonia Chitty has asked me to join a panel discussion on how 'mumpreneurs' can boost their profile and my business partner at Passionate Media, Carol, has nominated me for an award. Carol is herself an award winner and she is pictured here with Sarah Brown when she picked up her prize from Mother At Work in 2006.

Twins and more on a Tuesday: Post natal depression

 

Twins can be a gorgeous blessing but bring extra demands for the parents.

JENNIFER at Twinhappy has a Twin Tuesday event where she wishes multiple birth families, wherever they may be, a wonderful day.

Last Tuesday I recapped about sleep problems with my twins for Josie.

Josie's Sleep Deprivation Carnival had a wonderful response, with lots of experiences and advice shared.

This week, for Twin Tuesday, I hoped it may be useful to dig out one of the most popular posts from this blog, about post natal depression and how, not surprisingly mums coping with more than one baby at once can be more susceptible.

Miranda's story has attracted some very supportive comments and emails. There's still a need for it to be heard as Google continues to send people looking for relevant information our way.

Kindness is a strength

  

Image: Bigstockphoto.com

ASKED what winds me up, my answer is 'not much.'

Boy I've changed.

Years ago I was to be found head down, effing and blinding, starting work before anyone else arrived and finishing after they'd long gone home. In my work in regional papers (I wanted to make it to editor or at least deputy editor level) I was known - by some at least - as a right old cow.

I remember telling reporters who presented a lack lustre list of what they were working on, that they were taking the piss, bawling at them on deadline that their spelling mistakes were unacceptable and printing out what I saw as substandard work to put big red rings around it to show them the error of their ways.

If you only do one thing this week...

The Guardian

BE nice to the work experience person. Oh go on.

Full piece here.

Tagged by Littlemummy.com and Dulwich Divorcee: Some stuff about me

Erica and Alice have passed the baton on this one, so here goes...

1. What are your current obsessions?

As ever lots of things. Family and work, work and family. That's about it really. Blog wise, I'm still reeling from our Disney experience, and am blown away by the work of Camilla Chafer and Keris Stainton so far on our new travel blog, Havealovelytime.com.

2. Which item of clothes do you wear most often?

Just anything black, black and more black. If you want to know why, look here.