This column resonated, Terry. My first novel was published in 2013 when I was 66. 66 was also the number of my paper route back in the day, way back in the day. Our mutual friend, Stewart Goodings just published his first novel, My Enemy, My Friend at the ripe old age...I think 80...My point; keep writing until you you have nothing left to say and even then, don't let that stop you-there is always something to say.
Thanks very much for stealing the theme of my forthcoming blog post! 😉 (Coming May 15.) It actually features you picking up on a point you made in passing about promoting your books through public speaking – over a thousand gigs in ten years (and counting). But in your post I was also struck by your remark about starting writing in your forties. Here’s what I have to say about this in my post (a little preview of the post to come for your readers):
‘By starting in his forties Fallis had a twenty year runway and gas in his tank to build an audience. He was taking a risk (good thing he had a day job, and presumably a supportive spouse) but at least he had twenty years to invest in himself and his future as an author, and the stamina to do all those speaking gigs.
‘I started in my 60s. And I wish I had started earlier, but other life exigencies got in the way – a wife and kids and their need to eat. Had I started earlier I would have (‘coulda’) had time to cultivate courage and persistence in promoting my books through every channel possible. Including speaking gigs.’
I'm eighty-five, and even though I have done a little writing in my earlier days, I have come to the point in life where experiences, recall, and creativity have come into sharp focus. Having finished my second novel, I'm now beginning the third.
The older you get your vocabulary is better as well ( if you read substantially) .
At my job I have been doing storytimes for pre schoolers, babies, school age children, and where did I learn to read to them with animation and interest? Our beloved Robert Munsch. I listened to him for hours. Just recently I was training a new young librarian on reading and telling stories to children, ' you can't sit in front of the kids and just read, there's more to it.' And at that moment I thought, ' my goodness, I think she has a few years to go.' Of course I gave her pointers. Life and job experiences go a long way.
At the same time so many young people in difficult situations have had a lifetime of experiences that they could certainly write about.
FWIW, I'm definitely of the mind that I couldn't have started -- or, more to the point, couldn't have finished -- a novel at 20. There's not just life experience but the motivation and commitment to actually sit down and write for that long on one story... For sure, there are those who do it. Fitzgerald is another that comes to mind. He wrote The Great Gatsby before he was 25 -- and that was his third novel. I've come to terms with the fact that I'm just not made of that stuff.
But I must say, having yet to *publish* a novel, this list of writers who started late is encouraging! Some I never would have guessed.
Another great post as usual, Terry! Your reflections always get my mind jumpstarted on a Sunday morning...
I commented on this earlier but don't think it posted. Apologies if this is a duplicate.
I have written all my life, however, was never a "writer' until recently. At the urging of a university teacher 20 years ago (I was an untraditional aka older student), I sent an article to a history magazine. They accepted, and printed it...much to my delight and surprise! Following that, children, work, and a divorce took most of my time. Finally retired in 2016, I decided to try writing again. My father, Charles Foster, a writer all his life (newspapers, government) had 4 books published after the age of 70 and was still writing for a senior paper in Halifax at almost 90. He provided the shove needed and incentive to put my talent (his word) to good use. Thanks dad! Many published articles later, I am finishing my first book about family, my mom, dementia, and the covid pandemic all held together with lots of humor. Terry, this post and your positive outlook could not have spoken to me more! So happy to be part of this group.
I just finished Albatross and really liked it. I’m encouraged by your late start. I’m a mid-50s semi retired engineer and I’ve always had a love for writing!
Another great post, Terry! This one is particularly inspiring to us "seasoned" authors who are still working toward literary success. Thanks for paving the way and sharing your insights along the path.
This column resonated, Terry. My first novel was published in 2013 when I was 66. 66 was also the number of my paper route back in the day, way back in the day. Our mutual friend, Stewart Goodings just published his first novel, My Enemy, My Friend at the ripe old age...I think 80...My point; keep writing until you you have nothing left to say and even then, don't let that stop you-there is always something to say.
I'm with you, Bill!
Thanks very much for stealing the theme of my forthcoming blog post! 😉 (Coming May 15.) It actually features you picking up on a point you made in passing about promoting your books through public speaking – over a thousand gigs in ten years (and counting). But in your post I was also struck by your remark about starting writing in your forties. Here’s what I have to say about this in my post (a little preview of the post to come for your readers):
‘By starting in his forties Fallis had a twenty year runway and gas in his tank to build an audience. He was taking a risk (good thing he had a day job, and presumably a supportive spouse) but at least he had twenty years to invest in himself and his future as an author, and the stamina to do all those speaking gigs.
‘I started in my 60s. And I wish I had started earlier, but other life exigencies got in the way – a wife and kids and their need to eat. Had I started earlier I would have (‘coulda’) had time to cultivate courage and persistence in promoting my books through every channel possible. Including speaking gigs.’
Looking forward to your post!
I'm eighty-five, and even though I have done a little writing in my earlier days, I have come to the point in life where experiences, recall, and creativity have come into sharp focus. Having finished my second novel, I'm now beginning the third.
So glad to hear this. Congratulations!
Loved the article. Trying to get moving on writing a little family book about the adventures of my grandmother in WW2. Never too old!!!!
All the best with it.
The older you get your vocabulary is better as well ( if you read substantially) .
At my job I have been doing storytimes for pre schoolers, babies, school age children, and where did I learn to read to them with animation and interest? Our beloved Robert Munsch. I listened to him for hours. Just recently I was training a new young librarian on reading and telling stories to children, ' you can't sit in front of the kids and just read, there's more to it.' And at that moment I thought, ' my goodness, I think she has a few years to go.' Of course I gave her pointers. Life and job experiences go a long way.
At the same time so many young people in difficult situations have had a lifetime of experiences that they could certainly write about.
Agreed. Good point.
FWIW, I'm definitely of the mind that I couldn't have started -- or, more to the point, couldn't have finished -- a novel at 20. There's not just life experience but the motivation and commitment to actually sit down and write for that long on one story... For sure, there are those who do it. Fitzgerald is another that comes to mind. He wrote The Great Gatsby before he was 25 -- and that was his third novel. I've come to terms with the fact that I'm just not made of that stuff.
But I must say, having yet to *publish* a novel, this list of writers who started late is encouraging! Some I never would have guessed.
Another great post as usual, Terry! Your reflections always get my mind jumpstarted on a Sunday morning...
Good point about "motivation and commitment." Thanks, Graham.
I commented on this earlier but don't think it posted. Apologies if this is a duplicate.
I have written all my life, however, was never a "writer' until recently. At the urging of a university teacher 20 years ago (I was an untraditional aka older student), I sent an article to a history magazine. They accepted, and printed it...much to my delight and surprise! Following that, children, work, and a divorce took most of my time. Finally retired in 2016, I decided to try writing again. My father, Charles Foster, a writer all his life (newspapers, government) had 4 books published after the age of 70 and was still writing for a senior paper in Halifax at almost 90. He provided the shove needed and incentive to put my talent (his word) to good use. Thanks dad! Many published articles later, I am finishing my first book about family, my mom, dementia, and the covid pandemic all held together with lots of humor. Terry, this post and your positive outlook could not have spoken to me more! So happy to be part of this group.
I just finished Albatross and really liked it. I’m encouraged by your late start. I’m a mid-50s semi retired engineer and I’ve always had a love for writing!
Another great post, Terry! This one is particularly inspiring to us "seasoned" authors who are still working toward literary success. Thanks for paving the way and sharing your insights along the path.