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Who are the people that influence your career? Is it someone whose books you read and whose style you admire? Or is it someone that challenges you to strive harder and do better?
I have plenty of the first (even been lucky enough to meet some) but I only know of one of the second.
And since blog posts I sometime write can seem a bit whiney to my ears, I want to take this opportunity to say thanks to that person- one whose birthday it is today.
Yes, back in 2003 I was lurking on a fantasy writing email list, and this guy called Tee Morris was talking about his new book Morevi. I nervously wrote him my first email, little imagining that five years later I would be embarking on over a month media blitz/book tour with him.
I know I give Tee a lot of gyp over many things, but then I do that with pretty much everyone. It’s a hard habit to break, so I’m going out on a limb to try and do something different. Since he’s turning the big 4 O I want to set the record straight.
Without Tee Morris’ influence I wouldn’t have been brave enough to submit to DragonMoon Press. Without him I would not be podcasting- everything from Whispers at the Edge to Erotica a la carte owes a lot to him. Without him I would never have been able to do the amount of touring in the USA for the last three years I have. Without him Chasing the Bard, the podcast would not have been nearly as good. Without his constant challenges on Twitter I would not have written the novel my agent is getting ready to shop around in three months- if at all.
He’s been a sounding board, an inspiration- and yes occassionally a pain in the you know what. But he is also one of the kindest, most giving people in podcasting and writing. With all the difficulties Tee has had this year, he has managed to maintain that, despite a sometimes challenging response from people that don’t have a fraction of his good qualities.
I am proud to call him my friend.
If this sounds a bit glowing, a bit over the top, then please stop and consider this. How much on the internet is negative? How much is about pulling people down? Why do we do that, and not something like this?
We should celebrate those people that make our lives better. We should take a moment to say thanks, acknowledge those that are a positive influence.
And if that is corny I’m prepared to wear it. So Happy Birthday Mr Morris. Anyone who has ever met you knows you have the energy of a 20-something and now you have the wisdom of a 40-something. Use this power wisely.