So I opened my email the other day to a message from the one and only Neil Gaiman saying this:

"I'm thrilled for your success. And glad for whatever part my encouragement might have played. But mostly just proud of you. Well done."

I was utterly stunned by the email. Back in 2012 when I first released The Awakening, I was unconfident and unsure of myself. I reached out on Twitter to Neil (my favourite author) and to my shock he actually responded. He gave me words of encouragement and basically told me to believe in myself.

And that's exactly what I did.

Cut to 2018, I was once again shocked and humbled when the man himself emailed me once again to offer yet more words of encouragement. Writing can be a very solitary profession, and to have someone so successful give you the nod of approval – especially the very person whose stories made you want to be a writer in the first place – makes that struggle so much more worthwhile.

There are true power in words, positive or negative. As I continue with my ever-evolving writing career, I am determined to make mine positive to those who might reach out, wanting to do something similar, but unsure of themselves or their talent – as I was back then. If I can help just one person follow their dreams then it will have been worth it. So burgeoning writers, feel free to message me any time, I always read them and respond as soon as I am able.

And always remember this. It doesn't matter what your dreams are, follow them and work hard at them, and life will hand you back good things.



Stuart.

p.s. If you want to see the actual email, head over to instagram 'writeupyourstreet'