Then Tim addressed the crowd, answering questions for half an hour. I know it's been said before but it's worth repeating: that man is incredibly intelligent and articulate. He's a delight to listen to.
A lot of his "message", as it were, was about not only being true to yourself and your own sensibilities, but also being cognizant of the socio-political-cultural situation. Make sure that you fit into *today*, in other words. It was fascinating. One of the questions was about what made a good fashion educator. Tim said that it was about removing yourself, not trying to impose *your* sense of fashion on someone, but to encourage the student to become the best of what they are trying to achieve. Another person asked about the experience of writing a book. Tim's response was, "Don't do it!" He said it was very difficult for him to finish the book, to find the time to do it. He also said he had the greatest admiration for those who have finished books.
After the talk was the signing. The line moved fairly quickly. I didn't really have a chance to chat with Tim, we exchanged a few pleasantries (I told him about my three novels, and we congratulated each other on our work.)
I didn't hang around after that -- possibly I would have had a chance to talk with him afterward, but probably not -- each letter for the signing line had 100 people in it, and I think that after signing 300-400 books, Tim would be wiped out. I'm still very happy and pleased to have at least met him, and to have heard him talk.
Leah C
Click here to comment.
