Futurepink - For Your Loves, Life & Career
This Issue!!
May 2008
The Month of Bank Holidays, Yippee!
How To Use This Mag
We explain how..
Our magazine is unique
Find out why on this page...>
Hot Topics
"Don't have a role model"
says Janet Street Porter
Don't fall for the perfect
Mum image!! says
Liz Fraser
Leah Pritchard won
the magnificent
Bling Ring!
Just click for a full list of past articles.
Women On Top
Can you believe we've been online a year! As a celebration of the fab interviews we've got so far, and for all you new readers to catch up on what you've missed, here are a selection of some of the strongest females around today!
Julie Burchill
Ofcourse, Julie needs little introduction, with a career spanning over 30 years including a first(!) job on the NME, to blockbuster Ambition to acclaimed works on Princess Diana and David Beckham. She's had a play written about her, written her own memoirs (I Knew I was Right), been a weekly columnist for both the Times and the Guardian, and finally written novels "Sugar Rush" and the follow up "Sweet". Phew!
We took a little time out of her hectic schedule to ask her a few questions and let me tell you her turnaround time is amazing! In many ways, she still is the gunslinger she started out as...
From a very young age - as far back as I can remember. I got the first job i applied for, on the New Musical Express, when I was 17.
How did you feel about leaving family and friends to follow your dreams at 17?
I was very pleased. I loved my parents but I’ve never been one to get overly attached to either people or places.
You've called Girls Aloud "Magnificent", what are your views on Katie Price aka Jordan?
I love her - she is her own fantasy and her own creature. In the flesh, without make-up, she has such a strong, character-full, tough face - like a female explorer from the 19th century crossed with a Greek goddess.
Getting a boob job to enhance your career - feminist or not?
As the dumb offspring of the middle and upper middle classes take most of the fun, well-paying jobs these days, including journalism and acting, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. If we had a true meritocracy, girls wouldn’t need to get their tits out to escape from the daily grind. But we don’t, so using one’s beauty, enhanced or natural, is totally legit.
Besides your good self, ofcourse, who should our readers aspire to in terms of female role models?
Role models are for wimps and wusses. Believe in yourself and leave it at that.
How did you "get what you want and get away with it"?
By not caring what anyone thinks of me - and, furthermore, from getting a slight sexual thrill from being abused, which makes me want to outrage people all the more. It’s not normal, but it’s worked for me.
You've said you're finished with columns for now to concentrate on other projects, what are you doing at the moment?
I have just turned in a script to the BBC - the first pro-American screenplay they’ve ever commissioned, I think. My teen novel SWEET comes out on October 5, and at the end of November I turn in a book about hypocrisy. Next year, more screenwriting. But I do see myself, at 48, as being in semi-retirement, and I plan to spend lots more time in the future going on holiday and stepping up my voluntary work.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The TV adaptation of Sugar Rush, without a doubt.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
When it stops!
And the downside?
When it stops.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From my own tell-tale heart.
Liz Fraser is married (to Harry) and has three children Emily, Phoebe and Charlie.
Having gained a degree is psychology and neuroscience from Cambridge University she went on to a media career presenting Live & Kicking, Holiday 2001 and The Virtual Body.
She is a freelance journalist, regular guest on BBC1’s Breakfast and author of two books, the first being the Yummy Mummy’s Survival Guide. Her second book is in the shops now…
Ok Liz, tell me about your new book?
It’s called the Ultimate Family Survival Guide, it’s humorous but real and focuses on family life. As a Mum of 3 and married for 10 years, I see that family life is portrayed negatively with divorce and affairs commonplace but from my experience of being a Mum and through friends it’s not that way for everyone. We need to portray it in a more positive way as we don’t want to put women off having kids when in reality having a family is the best thing you can do!
You also have to be lucky to find the man of your dreams. There isn’t an emphasis on how to do it, more like don’t worry, don’t give up, you’re not the only one. It’s hard for all of us and we can support each other.
How long did it take to write?
About a year or so. I’ve had it in mind as a logical step and the timing was right as family breakdowns, children and family life are a focus on TV and the news. It’s a book that is more a best friend rather than dictating how to raise a family.
You have three children and a husband, how do you manage a work life balance?
Women have to be realistic. You can’t work full time and look after the children full time. At the moment, I’m working 2 days and looking after the kids 5 days. I have spent 9 years working part-time to dedicate the majority of my time to raising children.
I also think that having a plan is a good idea but it very rarely goes the way it should so you should be ready to jump to plan B. I think you have to stop trying to control everything. It’s a very female trait, men would perhaps be better at childcare as they have the ability to focus on one thing at a time and forget about everything else whereas women try to plan and control everything and then get cross when it doesn’t happen (as a rule!)
What keeps you sane?
The main thing is friends, without doubt, plus toddler groups and without both of these I would go quite mad!
Do you have a life plan?
Yes, to have a happy family and to keep working, always. I’d also like to act, direct films and be a photographer!
Let’s get down to practicalities… how do you go about getting a book deal?
First I bought the Writers and Artists Year Book, flicked through it, got an agent and got a proposal together based on what he asked for. I got many rejections and one positive one for a meeting. For me it helped that I was already a writer.
These days, publishing requires publicity, radio, book tours, tv etc etc. You have to have the type of personality that can take the knock backs and criticism, it is very different doing publicity after spending 4 whole months sitting in a room which is fairly reclusive.
As in all walks of life it is so much more competitive now and you must be able to go that extra mile.
Describe a typical day
When I’m not working it’s the school run, toddler group, walk in the park, pick up the kids, ballet class, making tea, reading stories then bed.
On a working day it’s school drop off, nursery drop off then 6 hours work til collecting kids from school and nursery.
What motivates you to write?
I have always written, even as a little girl, I wrote stories and prefer writing to reading as you are free with no constraints and you don’t need anything except for a pen and paper. It’s something I’ve always done as a creative outlet.
I’ve been asked by a friend for a bit of advice, how do you get the best out of the In-laws?
Oh gosh, it depends on the in-laws! It’s a very tricky relationship so should be handled with kid gloves as getting on the wrong side of them is not good. It is more a relationship about children and grandparents so focus on that.
What are your Top Mum tips?
1) Be able to laugh at yourself and life
2) Remember that what you see in other people’s lives is not how they are so
don’t fall for the perfect image!
3) Your kids really need you and you made the decision to have them so you
owe it to them to be nice to them!
Interviewed by Jo Lambe
Liz Fraser is married (to Harry) and has three children Emily, Phoebe and Charlie.
Having gained a degree is psychology and neuroscience from Cambridge University she went on to a media career presenting Live & Kicking, Holiday 2001 and The Virtual Body.
She is a freelance journalist, regular guest on BBC1’s Breakfast and author of two books, the first being the Yummy Mummy’s Survival Guide. Her second book is in the shops now…
Ok Liz, tell me about your new book?
It’s called the Ultimate Family Survival Guide, it’s humorous but real and focuses on family life. As a Mum of 3 and married for 10 years, I see that family life is portrayed negatively with divorce and affairs commonplace but from my experience of being a Mum and through friends it’s not that way for everyone. We need to portray it in a more positive way as we don’t want to put women off having kids when in reality having a family is the best thing you can do!
You also have to be lucky to find the man of your dreams. There isn’t an emphasis on how to do it, more like don’t worry, don’t give up, you’re not the only one. It’s hard for all of us and we can support each other.
How long did it take to write?
About a year or so. I’ve had it in mind as a logical step and the timing was right as family breakdowns, children and family life are a focus on TV and the news. It’s a book that is more a best friend rather than dictating how to raise a family.
You have three children and a husband, how do you manage a work life balance?
Women have to be realistic. You can’t work full time and look after the children full time. At the moment, I’m working 2 days and looking after the kids 5 days. I have spent 9 years working part-time to dedicate the majority of my time to raising children.
I also think that having a plan is a good idea but it very rarely goes the way it should so you should be ready to jump to plan B. I think you have to stop trying to control everything. It’s a very female trait, men would perhaps be better at childcare as they have the ability to focus on one thing at a time and forget about everything else whereas women try to plan and control everything and then get cross when it doesn’t happen (as a rule!)
What keeps you sane?
The main thing is friends, without doubt, plus toddler groups and without both of these I would go quite mad!
Do you have a life plan?
Yes, to have a happy family and to keep working, always. I’d also like to act, direct films and be a photographer!
Let’s get down to practicalities… how do you go about getting a book deal?
First I bought the Writers and Artists Year Book, flicked through it, got an agent and got a proposal together based on what he asked for. I got many rejections and one positive one for a meeting. For me it helped that I was already a writer.
These days, publishing requires publicity, radio, book tours, tv etc etc. You have to have the type of personality that can take the knock backs and criticism, it is very different doing publicity after spending 4 whole months sitting in a room which is fairly reclusive.
As in all walks of life it is so much more competitive now and you must be able to go that extra mile.
Describe a typical day
When I’m not working it’s the school run, toddler group, walk in the park, pick up the kids, ballet class, making tea, reading stories then bed.
On a working day it’s school drop off, nursery drop off then 6 hours work til collecting kids from school and nursery.
What motivates you to write?
I have always written, even as a little girl, I wrote stories and prefer writing to reading as you are free with no constraints and you don’t need anything except for a pen and paper. It’s something I’ve always done as a creative outlet.
I’ve been asked by a friend for a bit of advice, how do you get the best out of the In-laws?
Oh gosh, it depends on the in-laws! It’s a very tricky relationship so should be handled with kid gloves as getting on the wrong side of them is not good. It is more a relationship about children and grandparents so focus on that.
What are your Top Mum tips?
1) Be able to laugh at yourself and life
2) Remember that what you see in other people’s lives is not how they are so
don’t fall for the perfect image!
3) Your kids really need you and you made the decision to have them so you
owe it to them to be nice to them!
Did you know what you wanted to do at an early age? What was it?
Always wanted to be successful at something creativeŠ was a bit of a school
swot. Right up to 16 I didn¹t know whether to read English at University,
or go to art school. In the end I studied architecture- the first person
from my school (Lady Margaret in Fulham, West London) ever to do so. I had
to pass an entrance exam and have a bit of a frightening interview to get
accepted at the Architectural Association in London. There were 95 boys and
just 5 girls in my year.
How did you get your first "break"?
I took a year off, hoping to get a grant to continue my studies in New
York. I sent samples of my writing to several magazines and newspapers- I
was offered a job as Home Editor writing about design for a new magazine
for young women called Petticoat by Audrey Slaughter. Within a year Shirley
Conran offered me a jon as a fashion writer and columnist on the Daily
Mail - I was 21.
What two qualities would you attribute to your success?
I am very single minded and focussed - and always deliver what I say I¹ll do.
Who is the most impressive person you've met so far, and why?
No one person - I have no time for politicians really. I think successful pop stars are more impressive, especially the ones who have managed to keep their careers going for more than a coupe of decades like the Pet Shop Boys and Elton - they are always looking for new ways of working.
What mantra do you live by? If any?
I get up and tell myself I am fucking great - no-one else is going to, are they?
Do you have any role models? If so who?
I hate role models, they hold you back. You should be your own role model. My motto is - there are two ways of doing things - my way and the wrong way!
What have been the benefits of your success?
Owning nice houses, and being able to grow my vegetables. I don¹t
believe that owning a lot of stuff like designer clothes and handbags is
very important.
What have been the drawbacks of your success?
Can¹t think of any, it sound pathetic to start whingeing about being well-known. It¹s nice.
What do you wish you'd known sooner?
When to shut up in a row you are not going to win.
More telly, more writing, and hopefully go to Easter Island in 2008 and to grow some weird veg I haven¹t tried yet in North Yorkshire.
Any personal tips for any future Editors?Keep it snappy and have a sense of humour- no-one like women who moans, it¹s very ageing. xx
Interviewed by Jo Lambe
Liz Fraser
on how to survive the wobbles!
Ajaz Iqbal
Gives you his verdict on the Ex-Factor!
The feminist debate
rages on! Julie Burchill
gives her perspective
FORUM
Let us know what you think about EVERYTHING! Go on, don't be shy!