It's Friday - What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

A weekly catch-up from Jodi Taylor

This week, we have:

• A piece about Discworld and her love of Sir Terry Pratchett’s books by Jodi Taylor

• A video when Jodi discovers Sir Terry Pratchett recommended her books.

• This week’s History Briefing is about The Battle of Agincourt: A Turning Point in Medieval Warfare

• A joke from the Silly Sunday thread in the Fans & Readers Facebook group

• Be an Early Bird! Early sign-up for next year’s JodiWorld

• Win a free subscription worth £50 when you contribute a Guest Post

There’s plenty to read this week and you can see everything new on the blog too. CLICK HERE for the blog.

---

I really can’t believe time has flown so quickly, but it’s been two years.

TWO years!

Yes, it’s that time again and I’m off to Discworld.

Yes – they’ve asked me back.

And yes – I’m gobsmacked, too.

For those who need to know, it’s from Friday 2nd August to Monday 5th August at the Hotel Metropole, Birmingham. They take over the whole hotel for the occasion so everyone you meet is also a Terry Pratchett afficionado.

I’m hoping to meet up with old friends and make lots of new ones, too. It was at Discworld 2022 that I met Karin and Ashley Mallion and look what that led to – JodiWorld!! Who knows what will happen this time around? The mind boggles.

I can still remember the day I read my first Discworld story. Sadly, I can’t remember if it was Equal Rites or Mort. Equal Rites, I think, but I hadn’t even finished before I’d ordered the first two in the series – The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic – and after that every book as it was published. October was not only my birthday but the month Terry Pratchett’s new book came out. I still have the hardbacks on my bookshelf although these days my eyesight means I have to read on Kindle. Ordering them all over again was a no-brainer.

I don’t know what made me pick up Equal Rites but half way through the first chapter I was sold. For life. My favourite is Guards! Guards! closely followed by Thud, Reaper Man and Lords and Ladies. Others will have their own favourites, I’m sure.

I’m really looking forward to this year’s Discworld and hoping to meet many old friends there. And make new ones too. It’s so lovely to sit with a mug of tea and a small group of people to chat about everything under the sun. Writing can be a little bit of a solitary occupation sometimes, so a chance to meet and gossip with like-minded people is really welcome.

If you’re going, be sure and drop by for a chat.

---

Sir Terry Pratchett told me to read your books

This interchange was recorded in one of the monthly Zoom meetings with Jodi and fans. Here, Jodi discovers that her writing hero, Sir Terry Pratchett, recommended her books before he died. Her look of joy at the end is wonderful.

---

The Battle of Agincourt: A Turning Point in Medieval Warfare

In “A Second Chance” by Jodi Taylor Max and the team from St Mary’s Institute of Historical Research jump back on the 25 October 1415, to witness the Battle of Agincourt.

The Battle of Agincourt stands as a seminal event in medieval military history, showcasing the triumph of a smaller, outmatched English army over the mighty French forces in 1415. This clash, immortalized by Shakespeare in his play "Henry V," epitomizes strategic brilliance, tactical manoeuvring, and the unpredictable nature of warfare during the Hundred Years' War. From the muddy fields of Agincourt emerged not just a victory for England, but a paradigm shift in the dynamics of medieval warfare.

History and Happenings - click here to view more posts

---

Enjoy a joke from the Silly Sunday thread from the Facebook Fans and Readers group.

Thanks to Joe Tetsab for this one…

A few years ago I started a business, selling beach footwear for people with one leg.

It was a flop.

---

Get your name down for a Membership and beat the rush!  If you sign up now for Membership you will be able to purchase Full Membership two days before they go live.  In addition, you will receive an exclusive, limited-edition gift to be collected at the Convention. 

You will be emailed on 29th November with a link to purchase your Full Memberships.  This is an exclusive offer only for those signing up here.  If your name is not on the list, you won't be offered the early bird Membership.  There is a nominal £10 non-refundable fee for being on the early bird list - this will be deducted from the Full Membership Fee.

---

Guest posts: Do you want to share something on Jodi's Substack blog?

It could be about historical costumes, places or something for Controversy Corner. Those are just a few ideas but others are welcome. The articles are usually about 500 words and need at least one picture.

If your article is published you'll get a free annual subscription worth £50. This entitles you to the writing masterclass, chat room, and free eBook of the Reading Companion and History Briefing for Just One Damned Thing After Another.

Please email Hazel at hazel@rushford.ltd with your ideas. The article will appear on the blog and in the Friday digest email.

---