Have you ever won an argument long after it even mattered?
I've won an argument that took place almost 30 years ago. In fact the argument has likely been forgotten by everyone but me.
Let me explain. Back in high school I decided with a couple of friends that I would write a book. We planned to write a book in the style of the fighting fantasy and role playing material which we liked. In English lessons we had just read 'The Hobbit' and we were inspired to write a similar book with a kind of 'choose your own' format (turn to page 50 if you remember these books).
We spoke to our English teacher and I got so far as to paint a storyboard picture of a castle carved into a mountaintop. But we were kids and our patience, inspiration and interest waned - especially after our English teacher gave us a lukewarm reception.
In my maths class a popular and trendy boy announced to the maths teacher:
"Sir, have you heard the latest? Nick White is going to write a book!"
There was laughter. I withered in my seat and distracted myself with the logarithm book which would never be a practical benefit in my future.
But I did end up writing a book and winning this argument even if those first plans came to nothing - my first book 'Compliance is Futile' was published a few years ago.
And now I have written my first ever fictional novel. The eagle-eyed among you will notice that this blog has a launch date on the right hand side. All being well the novel
'Destiny and Dynasty' will be available on 15th December this year.
The picture on this blog entry is a draft version of the cover.
So I won an argument years after it mattered and years after anyone but me cared.
But I kind of like that.