Author receives award and launches three books

Truly an inspiration to both women and mum's alike, mum of three Antonia is author of eight books to date. S

he started her own PR business seven years ago following the birth of daughter Daisy, so that she had the flexibly to work when she wanted. Since then she has had two more children and has seen her business rapidly grow and expand.

Antonia is delighted to have won an award in recognition of her work. She said:

"It is great to be recognised for the work I do to help women start and develop their own businesses. Running my own enterprise has made an enormous difference to my life and I'm passionate about inspiring others to succeed.

"I'm very proud to be the Inspirational Mum of the Year."

Antonia, who along with daughter Daisy has two son's Jay, 4 and six month old baby Kit, said it has been a, "bumper year in more ways than one", and has seen her three latest books published back to back.

These are, The Mumpreneur Guide; Commercial Writing '“ How to Earn a Living as a Business Writer and, Insomnia '“ The Essential Guide.

Health writer and trained optometrist, Antonia, wrote Insomnia '“ The Essential Guide, with friend and co-author Victoria Dawson, who is a trained sleep practitioner.

This practical, informative book gives a fascinating insight to Insomnia and the many varied causes.

In addition it provides help and advice for sufferers along with an invaluable contact 'help list' which contains names and addresses of various organisations.

Published as part of the 'Need-2-Know' series, the co-authors describe the book as a 'practical guide full of information about Insomnia, packed with simple, friendly tips to help get a better nights sleep.'

Antonia said The Mumpreneur Guide is a follow on from her highly successful Family Friendly Working, aimed at women who want to start a business that fits in with the family; and with an estimated 167,353 self-employed mums working from home in the UK this appears to be a growing trend.

Clearly a subject that Antonia is an expert on, she said the ideas for her books are usually a combination of both her own experiences and where she feels there is a "gap in the market", adding:

"My own experiences are really the strength of my books as I've been there."

Antonia successfully manages her time between her business, taking care of her children, husband David and their home, and said it's all down to being disciplined:

"It can take up to a year to write a book. I'm fairly strict and now know how many chapters I need to write each month, how long it takes to write say 200 words and to stick to a time schedule."

Antonia's expertise in this area can be found in Commercial Writing -How to Earn a Living as a Business Writer, and, as with all of

Antonia's books it literally "does what it says on the tin" and is perfect for anyone who wants to become a writer.

It provides practical advice, case studies, interviews and secrets of successful business writers, along with a list of useful contacts.

Antonia said: "It's one of the most in-depth books I've written. From my own experiences I know what the pitfalls are, and a lot of people may not be aware of what to brush up on before saying 'I'm up for work'."

Despite spending six months on crutches, due to complications with her recent pregnancy, Antonia was still able to carry on working and incredibly has another book launch later this month titled Special Needs Child: Maintaining Your Relationship. This focuses on different situations that may arise with a special needs child and how to stay together as a couple.

She said: "Thank God for the internet! I was able to carry on working, and it's all about loving what I do. It's not easy but totally worth it.

"You've got to chase what you love and I love what I'm doing '“ I'm very lucky."

Antonia is hoping to form a group for women who run their own business in Bexhill and would like anyone who may be interested to contact her via the internet at:

[email protected]

The Mumpreneur Guide costs 18 available from: www.themumpreneurguide.co.uk

Insomnia '“ The Essential Guide costs 8.99 available from: www.need2knowbooks.co.uk

Commercial Writing '“ How to Earn a Living as a Business Writer costs 12.99 and is available at: www.halebooks.com