‍“Legal secretary. Must be able to operate a word processor or willing and able to learn quickly.”

‍What the heck is one of those? (This is 1979, remember!)

‍I phoned and asked for instructions on how to apply. 

‍“Interview Friday afternoon 5pm,” the receptionist replied. Just like that. No formal application. No anxious wait for a response. No questions about qualifications. Just turn up on Friday afternoon. What a terrible time for an interview, though!

‍

‍….

‍I got that job. I learned to use that machine, and so began my love affair with computers.

‍This machine was the beginning of a new era for authors, and one that would pave the way for many who could only ever yearn to write a novel to fulfil their wildest dream.