I always promised myself I would 'be a writer' by the time I was 60! First book, The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn published at 63. I did it! As older writers we bring so much to the table: life experiences, rich detail, memories and stories galore. If they're looking for radical and edgy writers in us elder women writers, we're right here!
Congratulations, Sue. I hope people are reading the comments: first book at 63 is so encouraging! If you have a post where you share how you did it, will you drop the link here? Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words, Clare. I've written a few pieces, but I think this one describes well the feelings behind seeing my book in my local bookshop window and how this came to be. Thanks you for allowing me the opportunity to share.
My first chapbook will be published this year. I am 70. When I finished my academic career (Mathematics professor) I decided that since I had been in school all my life it was time not to retire but to graduate and start my real career. As a reader and language buff I was well-versed in literature and literary tetchniques. BTW there is a connection between the old and new careers: one of the hallmarks of Mathematics is describing difficult ideas in very precise language, just like some forms of poetry.
Congratulations on your chapbook, Jim! I love this: "it was time not to retire but to graduate and start my real career." I love the idea of starting something entirely new--a next chapter, a logical progression. And though most writers I know (including myself) are numerically challenged, there is absolutely a beauty in precision when it comes to writing.
Absolutely! I'm 70 and will be publishing my first novel this spring. Plus I have another novel that will be published soon after that. And a short story collection, poetry and travel memoirs of when my family sailed around the world that I'm eager to publish as well. At this age I don't have the luxury to wait to be traditionally published, so I've created my own imprint so I can do so on my own. The novel that will come out this spring was with an agent for 3 years, going through the rounds of submission, and while it received a lot of accolades from acquisition editors, no contract was forthcoming. While that was going on I wrote another novel, and am working on a third. Age shouldn't be a barrier to writing or publishing. So glad you wrote this!
Congratulations on your forthcoming novel, Deborah! I love that you've created your own imprint to get these stories out into the world. Your story of having an agented novel with accolades but ultimately no acquisition also shows the headwinds that face writers at every stage. One thing you obviously did right was to keep writing and working on new projects while your manuscript was making the rounds traditionally. It's easy to let that time slip away, longing for the deal without writing anything new. So now you go into publication of your debut novel with other work in various stages of revision that you can release when it's ready. Brava!
I love Deborah Levy's "Living Autobiography" trilogy, beginning with Things I Don't Want to Know. Levy started publishing novels in her thirties, but the memoirs cover a later part of her life. In Real Estate, she writes about starting over in a small apartment after a midlife divorce that left her broke. Her memoirs are about love, parenting, aging...and always about writing.
I started writing a memoir at age 66. It was published when I was 68. I had never done any creative non-fiction writing previously. I had a story to tell, I was newly retired, and there was a pandemic happening. I discovered that I had a talent for writing, something j had never known before. Now I write on Substack, weekly. I find this very gratifying at age 70! Yay for fearlessly taking on new endeavors. Yay for learning to do something new. Why not?What do we have to lose?
I love your story of first publishing at 68, Ann. And so interesting that the pandemic provided the pause you needed to sit down and begin. I enthusiastically echo your words here: "Why not?"
Thank you💓 I lurk in the background on Substack in the presence of such beautiful writings, reflective thoughts & lovely people. I am regularly encouraged to write. However, in truth I have nothing original to say as I linger and savour so many of the writings of so many here.
I am biologically past ‘mid age’! But once more I may reconsider if I have time! So much to read here!
When you sit down to write, Sue, you may find that you do have something original to say, or perhaps something not totally original but your own unique way of conveying your message. You won't know if you don't try!
My first novel was published at age 53. I’m now working on my second. Transitioned from a tech founder into a writer by making the decision to do it. I’m glad I did. And I’m glad I waited. All the experience leading up to the transition made my prose more authentic, I believe. And I feel a greater obligation to myself to do the best work I can. Not sure I would have done that two decades ago. Or even one.
Congratulations--that's fantastic. I like what you say about the benefits of waiting to become a writer at the right time. That's a great way for older writers who want to start writing to reframe the timeline: not that it's "too late," but that they waited until just the right moment to begin writing.
I love this. Thank you for doling out encouragement. The message resonates with me, too--I’ve been exploring what gets in our way as hesitant writers. I’ve returned to writing in my mid 40’s and find my writing slower and harder going than it used to be, but the pull is strong as ever. I agree that for anyone who feels that pull, it’s time to jump in and begin.
Addie, thank you for your note. I'm happy this post resonates with you. I too find the writing slower than it used to be--I find less of that raw, kinetic energy propelling me forward--but in its place I find the depth comes more easily, more first-draft than last-draft. And yes, when you feel the pull, you must respond to it!
Maybe we have quite different things to offer as writers at various ages. I agree with you about greater depth coming more easily as we get older, which likely tracks with more life lived and experience to draw from.
Writing may well be one of the most inclusive activities in the world. I guess that's why it's also discouraged, in a way. Nobody likes it when people do things that get them thinking.
I published my debut novel Lilac Girls when I was 59. I didn't think anyone would read it but two million copies sold later...still can't believe it. I thought my career days were over but thank God I took the leap.
How interesting that you didn't think anyone would read it. Fortunately, the universe proved you very wrong! So many people read and loved it! Readers are also glad you took the leap!
Love this … and I’ll have to wait for the Bridport - I turn 60 the day after the submission date! And I’ll be midway through a 2,300 kilometre cycle, a present to myself! 60 is the new … hell, it is just what it is - a great time! Inspiring post, thank you.
I always promised myself I would 'be a writer' by the time I was 60! First book, The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn published at 63. I did it! As older writers we bring so much to the table: life experiences, rich detail, memories and stories galore. If they're looking for radical and edgy writers in us elder women writers, we're right here!
Congratulations, Sue. I hope people are reading the comments: first book at 63 is so encouraging! If you have a post where you share how you did it, will you drop the link here? Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words, Clare. I've written a few pieces, but I think this one describes well the feelings behind seeing my book in my local bookshop window and how this came to be. Thanks you for allowing me the opportunity to share.
https://open.substack.com/pub/suereed/p/the-cherry-on-the-top?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1cn6l0
Congratulations Sue, you are right on all counts! Continued success!
My first chapbook will be published this year. I am 70. When I finished my academic career (Mathematics professor) I decided that since I had been in school all my life it was time not to retire but to graduate and start my real career. As a reader and language buff I was well-versed in literature and literary tetchniques. BTW there is a connection between the old and new careers: one of the hallmarks of Mathematics is describing difficult ideas in very precise language, just like some forms of poetry.
Congratulations on your chapbook, Jim! I love this: "it was time not to retire but to graduate and start my real career." I love the idea of starting something entirely new--a next chapter, a logical progression. And though most writers I know (including myself) are numerically challenged, there is absolutely a beauty in precision when it comes to writing.
Absolutely! I'm 70 and will be publishing my first novel this spring. Plus I have another novel that will be published soon after that. And a short story collection, poetry and travel memoirs of when my family sailed around the world that I'm eager to publish as well. At this age I don't have the luxury to wait to be traditionally published, so I've created my own imprint so I can do so on my own. The novel that will come out this spring was with an agent for 3 years, going through the rounds of submission, and while it received a lot of accolades from acquisition editors, no contract was forthcoming. While that was going on I wrote another novel, and am working on a third. Age shouldn't be a barrier to writing or publishing. So glad you wrote this!
Congratulations on your forthcoming novel, Deborah! I love that you've created your own imprint to get these stories out into the world. Your story of having an agented novel with accolades but ultimately no acquisition also shows the headwinds that face writers at every stage. One thing you obviously did right was to keep writing and working on new projects while your manuscript was making the rounds traditionally. It's easy to let that time slip away, longing for the deal without writing anything new. So now you go into publication of your debut novel with other work in various stages of revision that you can release when it's ready. Brava!
Signed my first book contract on my 50th birthday. It’s never “too late” for anything.
Thanks for sharing, Michael. What a fabulous birthday present!
I wrote my first memoir at age 78, my second at 82. Still writing ✍️
That's wonderful! Memoir especially is the province of the mature writer--the perfect medium for anyone who starts writing later in life.
Thanks for noticing, Michelle.
I love Deborah Levy's "Living Autobiography" trilogy, beginning with Things I Don't Want to Know. Levy started publishing novels in her thirties, but the memoirs cover a later part of her life. In Real Estate, she writes about starting over in a small apartment after a midlife divorce that left her broke. Her memoirs are about love, parenting, aging...and always about writing.
I started writing a memoir at age 66. It was published when I was 68. I had never done any creative non-fiction writing previously. I had a story to tell, I was newly retired, and there was a pandemic happening. I discovered that I had a talent for writing, something j had never known before. Now I write on Substack, weekly. I find this very gratifying at age 70! Yay for fearlessly taking on new endeavors. Yay for learning to do something new. Why not?What do we have to lose?
I love your story of first publishing at 68, Ann. And so interesting that the pandemic provided the pause you needed to sit down and begin. I enthusiastically echo your words here: "Why not?"
Thank you💓 I lurk in the background on Substack in the presence of such beautiful writings, reflective thoughts & lovely people. I am regularly encouraged to write. However, in truth I have nothing original to say as I linger and savour so many of the writings of so many here.
I am biologically past ‘mid age’! But once more I may reconsider if I have time! So much to read here!
Sue, the world needs readers! If you enjoy being on the reading end of the conversation, writers are grateful for you!
When you sit down to write, Sue, you may find that you do have something original to say, or perhaps something not totally original but your own unique way of conveying your message. You won't know if you don't try!
Yes, sometimes the discovery comes once the pen hits the page.
My first novel was published at age 53. I’m now working on my second. Transitioned from a tech founder into a writer by making the decision to do it. I’m glad I did. And I’m glad I waited. All the experience leading up to the transition made my prose more authentic, I believe. And I feel a greater obligation to myself to do the best work I can. Not sure I would have done that two decades ago. Or even one.
Congratulations--that's fantastic. I like what you say about the benefits of waiting to become a writer at the right time. That's a great way for older writers who want to start writing to reframe the timeline: not that it's "too late," but that they waited until just the right moment to begin writing.
I love this. Thanks for highlighting us older writers, and also for the competition link!
You're very welcome, Bonnie!
I love this. Thank you for doling out encouragement. The message resonates with me, too--I’ve been exploring what gets in our way as hesitant writers. I’ve returned to writing in my mid 40’s and find my writing slower and harder going than it used to be, but the pull is strong as ever. I agree that for anyone who feels that pull, it’s time to jump in and begin.
Addie, thank you for your note. I'm happy this post resonates with you. I too find the writing slower than it used to be--I find less of that raw, kinetic energy propelling me forward--but in its place I find the depth comes more easily, more first-draft than last-draft. And yes, when you feel the pull, you must respond to it!
Maybe we have quite different things to offer as writers at various ages. I agree with you about greater depth coming more easily as we get older, which likely tracks with more life lived and experience to draw from.
Yes, more to draw from! A more nuanced understanding of people.
This is the best reasons to start writing at any age I have ever seen. And Christine had notes or snippets. She'd already started. Awesome!
Writing may well be one of the most inclusive activities in the world. I guess that's why it's also discouraged, in a way. Nobody likes it when people do things that get them thinking.
I published two novels after age 70 and am still going strong. So you go girl!
I published my debut novel Lilac Girls when I was 59. I didn't think anyone would read it but two million copies sold later...still can't believe it. I thought my career days were over but thank God I took the leap.
How interesting that you didn't think anyone would read it. Fortunately, the universe proved you very wrong! So many people read and loved it! Readers are also glad you took the leap!
Love this … and I’ll have to wait for the Bridport - I turn 60 the day after the submission date! And I’ll be midway through a 2,300 kilometre cycle, a present to myself! 60 is the new … hell, it is just what it is - a great time! Inspiring post, thank you.
That gives you a whole year before the next deadline!
That’s the way I’m looking at it!
👏👏💛