2young2retireUK

Release your inner author...

Have you made a start on that book you always wanted to write yet?

Someone told me this morning about authonomy - a unique online community that connects readers, writers and publishing professionals. authonomy, which was conceived and built by editors at HarperCollins Publishers invites unpublished and self published authors to post their manuscripts for visitors to read online. Authors create their own personal page on the site to host their project - and must make at least 10,000 words available for the public to read.

Visitors to authonomy can comment on these submissions – and can personally recommend their favourites to the community. authonomy counts the number of recommendations each book receives, and uses it to rank the books on the site. It also spots which visitors consistently recommend the best books – and uses that information to rank the most influential trend spotters.

It costs nothing to create a profile, to upload your book, or to read and recommend the books on offer.

Adult children moving back home?

Are you feeling like a fully-paid-up member of the sandwich generation?  Taking care of parents/other older relatives and still providing financial and emotional first aid to your offspring? 

If the economic downturn has sent your chicks heading back to the nest, here's a website that could help you ensure that your boomerang offspring don't derail your plans for the future or jeopardize your retirement fund...  www.BoomerangKidsHelp.com

‘Caretaker’ sought for tropical paradise

Could this be the best retirement job in the world?

Tourism Queensland is advertising for a caretaker for Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef.  The lucky successful candidate will be paid AUD$150,000 (around £70,000) to soak up the sun, explore the beaches and spend the workday sailing, kayaking and snorkelling. Included in the renumeration package are free flights and accommodation in a three-bedroom villa with stunning sea views. 

In what is, essentially, a PR role, the caretaker will be expected to tell the world about the trip through blogs and photos and by giving interviews to the press. Candidates need no formal qualifications, just a passion for the outdoors and the ability to describe the adventure to the world. The ability to swim is also essential so that the caretaker can explore (and, presumably report back on) the incredible dive sites.

Want to know more?  Click here to find out how to apply. 

Michael Neill On Catching Birds and Flying Free