J.K. Rowling's advice to her 1997 self is extremely relatable
1997 was a big year for J.K. Rowling.
A thousand copies of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the book that would launch a mind-blowing literary empire, were published in June 1997. The rest is history.
SEE ALSO: J.K. Rowling drops Twitter hints about a big 'Fantastic Beasts 2' plot point
But before that, Rowling struggled to finish that first novel. She couldn't find work as a teacher, and she was living on benefits, trying to take care of her daughter and find time to write the story in her head.
So when Rowling saw the question put forth by freelance journalist Jane Merrick, that particular year must have resonated strongly with her.
If you could go back to your 1997 self tonight what would you say?
— Jane Merrick (@janemerrick23) April 30, 2017
Stop worrying about the rent. Concentrate on your public speaking phobia. https://t.co/Rz9rBc246n
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 1, 2017
Obviously we all have to worry about keeping a roof over our heads, but it's a nice reminder that sometimes big risks pay off.
As for public speaking, she's addressed that phobia before.
what terrifies you JK?
— Sean Bowman (@NostraSeanus) December 7, 2016
Public speaking. I agreed to read live at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics in the belief that it would either kill or cure me. https://t.co/I9rohBaHrU
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 7, 2016
We'd say it cured her. She's also given a TED Talk, and spoke at Harvard Commencement.
Thanks for all the life advice, J.K. Rowling... and get back to writing Fantastic Beasts 2!
