But it was October 8, 2011.
At Forbidden Planet in London.
I was the lucky to get to Terry Pratchett’s last London book signing for his book Snuff.
He did do a couple of limited signings in 2014 but what made 2011 special was the advice he gave me.
It was two words.
And those two words (Even though I wasn’t really doing much of it) would be the catalyst for what it is that I do now.
Were: “Just write”
Simple eh? I mean come on. People who teach the art of words won’t hit you with something that basic. They’ll try and make it sound like you need to sacrifice your soul to the literary Gods that are out there.
And his explanation was for saying that was. No matter how much you write. Yes you’ll get better but not everyone is going to like what you do. You’ll step on some people’s toes. You’ll challenge beliefs but what’s important is that you might inspire someone going through a rough patch in their life and that’s magical.
I try to get a little better every day. I definitely make sure I do the writing every day and hey if it inspires someone. Then I’m glad.
Stephen Walker