Hi, long time since I've posted (smacks self on wrist).

I'm putting together a book propsal on making step families work - far too often I find there are issues that a nuclear family is allowed to face without being judged but step families get a round of nasty.

Basically I'd be looking for tales of how it has worked for you, complete with the bio-parent if they're on the scene, problems you've solved or how the kid(s) get on emotionally with any of the huge number of issues they face - different surnames, making friends with kids whose parents have a prejudice of de-facto, divorce, re-marriage, church teachings making them feel out of place etc. I'm looking for positive stories that show step/blended families aren't the brady bunch, and can function just as well as the much celebrated nuclear family.

At this stage there is no money on the table as I'm still in the process of working on the book proposal and sorting out the sample chapters.

If you have an idea and you'd like to run it by me, or a finished piece please email me.

jmp@deakin.edu.au

Cheers,
Jo