Coming Clean by Liz Fraser

[RhinoRhino]

A couple of threads that I had posted on relating to the Memoir ‘Coming Clean’ by Liz Fraser have been deleted from the MN site, apparently due to non-compliance of the MN guidelines from the posters. MN are obviously well within their rights to delete threads if they demonstrably fail to comply with their guidelines, nevertheless I feel strongly that MN posters are given a platform to critique this book, and also any other public ventures by this author. It would be neither fair nor right that posters are completely silenced in this particular matter.

As such, and in line with Mumsnet not seeing “anything wrong with honest feedback” I would like to make the comment that Coming Clean as a Memoir falls short due to the shaky and not entirely truthful narrative. There are certain facts contained within this memoir that are easily disprovable (for example, relating to the marital status of both author and her partner when they started their ill-fated affair), which leaves a massive question mark over the rest of the book. Is it entirely reasonable to make money from something that is promoted as truthful when it is, in fact, not entirely true?

I think there are people whose lives have been negatively impacted by the book and its subject matter, and I hope that MN will agree that these people should have a voice, as should anybody who wants to comment on a published piece of work.

As long as posters align their comments with the MN guidelines, this is a topic that people may wish to keep discussing, and also keep in the public domain. And if MN wants to provide a set of rules particular to this thread – certainly if they are arbitrary and differ from the general guidelines - I am sure it would be very helpful.

Mumsnet, please help us to help each other by keeping in the public domain something that us silenced mums feel should be out there.

I wonder if she had it extended because it is pretty well known now who she had the axxxx with. I’d not want people to know I’d sh@gged him, many times 😅. I assumed the case was relating to M because of the rants about women supporting the patriarchy. If the neglige is for the benefit of HECBM, the she’s really in a worse place than we thing. That’s simply evil. Move on L. Move on. You say you have but you’re not acting like you have.

@Cleaningladiesforever Well, I was told by someone who knows more than me and who came on Mumsnet briefly but didn't want to stay or get too involved that the skimpy shots are a goading exercise.

Luckily, she's off on a quiet weekend alone. Phew!! She must be EXHAUSTED from all that HAPPINESS

Home is where the heart is. It seems she has many “homes” but none with a heart. She literally landed, dropped off her daughter, went to the gym, ignored her son and left for yet more holiday accommodation, can we assume, alone? Perhaps she’s staying with a “friend”?! She really can’t stay in any one place. It’s like she’s haunted.

I do wonder about the Podcast / Edgeway press etc. and in particular the sponsors. Presumably the coffee shop gave her actual money (to be a sponsor and get a few mentions) - so what if the podcast / publishing doesn’t actually happen? Which is looking increasingly likely. I’d be feeling a bit ripped off in their shoes, and they’re a small business so will be less inclined (than, say, Starbucks) to write it off.

When selling your skills as a copy editor you should proofread your own website

Forget the typos, why is her website written in the third person? She’s not one to miss the chance to talk about herself!

🤣🤣🤣.

Also, her punctuation is dreadful. She has no idea where to place a comma.

Yes Copenhagen followed by ‘writer’s retreat’ followed by Venice followed by mystery destination. Urge to be at home/with son seems…less than zero?

4 trips away in 2 weeks is good for someone asking for donations for cups of coffee as she is too ill to work

She NEEDS to keep her STRENGTH up with COFFEE you evil troll. <sob>

So, a new venture? Travel writer and consultant.

Thus far we’ve had Headcase (nothing further happened after the launch party several years ago); the writing retreats (been talked about since around 2018, but as yet …. nada); the tutoring (erm ……); travel articles for Grazia magazine (still not written due to ‘stuff’ and ‘things’); the NCDV ambassadorship (what actual work does this even entail?); various blogs (usually 4 posts in 4 days – mainly about what the blog it is going to be, how excited Ms Fraser is about it, how it will HELP the world, and how she has dreamed of doing it for years - then two within the next month – one of which explaining why she’s been quiet lately (‘things’ and ‘stuff’ too horrendous to mention) then a final half-hearted attempt 6 months later, then nothing); Edgeway Press (nothing further has happened since the launch party back in early May). Even the year-long contract for the disappointing Three Teens and a Baby column for the Telegraph sank without trace well within the year. (Maybe she didn’t give up on it though. I’m thinking it's possible the DT had a 6-month break-clause in the contract and could easily see the column was not inspiring its readers). And now we’re apparently a Travel writer and consultant. Okaaay…….

I suspect if the past achievements are any indication that there will never be any travel writing or consulting. Not in any meaningful or regular manner, anyway. Two articles and a few SM posts at most. There is no evidence of any long-term commitment to any of the much crowed about endeavours. I really do feel Ms Fraser should be committed. To her work. Like the rest of us have to be in order to get by.

And in any case, this travel consultancy lark sounds like it could be targeted at a pretty niche market – solo women who like to stay at expensive hotels in Venice (with their 5-year-olds in tow) then spend their days madly cycling, looking at people’s washing, taking a naked selfie in the hotel room and having half a portion of chips in a seedy bar. I think the clientele of exclusive hotels would probably prefer private boat trips, fine dining in world class restaurants, art galleries, designer shopping and other upmarket activities. Not going down a back alley and admiring an old man’s lemons.

What do I know, though? I’m not a travel consultant!

There seem to be a fair bit of Travel Writing on the Instagram photos. Mainly along the lines of 'VENEZIA IS BRILLIANT. Here's a photo of a hat I wear there. You can't wear it here though because you won't look as good. Oh yes, and VENEZIA is on water and stuff'.
Inspirational

I did an hour swim today too. Like an idiot I forgot the compulsory legs dangling in water shot. That's why I'm not a Travel Writing, Solo, Publishing, Good Mental Health Advocating, Suffering, Beautiful, Mother of 4 😭

Shape up @Tortiemiaw - we need a shot of your crotch and legs every time. You should know that by now surely?

I would suggest to anyone (this is general not specific) looking to make a career as a copywriter or editor that they check what they put in the public domain before they hit post. Punctuation and grammar MATTER. Use of language MATTERS. The below would not inspire (this is specific)

’I'm slowly emailing all my dream contacts and getting feedback I can't hardly believe.’

Liz's highly important and life-changing activities on her 'me-time' weekend away.

Oh god, that whole piece of writing is dreadful. 🤮

It's the "changing profile pics" that made me giggle. She needs a whole weekend away of me time for this hugely important task and to update her (fantasy) bio.

The Insta posts are getting madder and madder. I think the Messiah complex is in full swing at the moment.

She means she whitewashing the past… again

Widows. Has she ever though about their lives?

Don't be silly! That would mean understanding and feeling actual empathy for people in very sad situations. I mentioned earlier that my mum was widowed at the age of 36, when I was 2.
It was rubbish.

😆

I think she meant to write "I'm away for a special weekend of I'm in love with me time" in the last insta post.

Note that she positions herself where there is a reflection of her toned arms for the world to admire. All choreographed, as per.

When I'm 'sorting my life out' on my computer, I'm usually dressed in my oldest sweat top, lounging very badly on my pillow and with hair akimbo.
No wonder I'm not a Travel Writing, Solo, Successful....etc
I need to show off my swimtoned arms more, clearly....