J.K. Rowling's advice to her 1997 self is extremely relatable

That was a big year for J.K. Rowling.
 By 
Liza Hearon
 on 
J.K. Rowling's advice to her 1997 self is extremely relatable
J.K. Rowling, back again with the life advice. Credit: John Phillips/Getty Images

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.

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.

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.

We'd say it cured her. She's also given a TED Talk and was the speaker at the 2008 Harvard Commencement.

Thanks for all the life advice, J.K. Rowling... and get back to writing Fantastic Beasts 2!

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Liza Hearon

Liza Hearon was the Deputy Editor for Mashable UK. Liza started her career in journalism writing about punk bands for a 'zine in Florida, and her wanderlust has led her to work for news organisations in Russia, Japan and now London. Prior to joining Mashable, she was the European homepage editor for the Wall Street Journal. Liza loves podcasts, karaoke and really, really spicy food.

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