HarperNonFiction bags comedian Blaker's memoir

HarperNonFiction has bagged Normal Schmormal: My occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs by comedian Ashley Blaker.  

Senior commissioning editor Anna Mrowiec acquired world all-language rights from Vivienne Clore of Vivienne Clore Artist Management. It will be published on 20th July in the UK and 12th September in the US. 

The synopsis says: “Ashley Blaker has six children, three of whom have an SEN diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it’s certainly not what anyone would call a ‘normal’ household but would he want it any other way?” Normal Schmormal is part-memoir and part how-to guide for parenting children with additional needs.  

Blaker said: “Being a parent is tough and raising kids with special needs is even tougher. That’s why I am delighted to share our story with readers and hopefully provide some much-needed light relief. Thankfully, this book was very easy to write since our kids provide so much comic material it could have stretched to five volumes.” 

Mrowiec added: “This book is a masterpiece, able to make you howl with laughter on one page and cry on the next. Ashley’s devotion to his children shines through at every juncture, while also finding great humour in the frustrations and follies of everyday life in the Blaker household.”