THE FAILURIST

Here’s the talk I did as part of TEDxSydney back in April. It was a huge honour to be part of it, and to speak at the Sydney Opera House as well. Some things are just that little bit more special when they happen in your home town.

The original title was The Joys of Failure. You might notice how scared I was of stepping on that round red rug! Not much different from the discus circle I confronted as an eight year-old (as spoken about in the talk).

I have to admit – I walked off stage and knew exactly how to make it better next time, if there is a next time. I’m starting to learn that experiences like these are the training ground for the next one, just as every book is its own challenge, but also the necessary practise for books to come.

Lastly, it’s true what I said – when I sit down I do want there to be some failure in the air, or else what’s the point? Every book I’ve every written has been better for the failures within the writing. And for arriving back at the desk.