It may be a common belief that following your dreams is for the young, but this is a misconception. An article at Huffpost.com explains, “After we've had life experience, raised our family, or worked in the career of our calling when we were younger, we often have a much better idea about what we would now find fulfilling and what gifts we have to offer—or at least a gut feeling that there's something more. “ (1)
Following your dreams, including those of becoming a writer, regardless of your age, can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life by providing purpose, driving personal growth, and boosting self-esteem.
It has the potential to lead to happiness and a sense of accomplishment.
Even more important than this is, according to research published in Psychological Science, “Feeling that you have a sense of purpose in life may help you live longer, no matter what your age.“ (2)
While following your dreams can pertain to almost anything, this article focuses on writing.
I jumped into a writing career in my late 40s. I was an assistant controller for a manufacturing company before that.
With my accounting background, writing about business and marketing was a natural fit. Health writing was soon added to the mix, and I then included academic rewriting and editing for health professionals.
Years later, I added writing for children and made that my main writing focus.
Another example of never being too old to switch gears or follow your writing dreams is a client I worked with.
I received a query from a woman who had a children’s picture book published by Houghton Mifflin in 1988.
She had a 25,000-word middle-grade story she had been submitting to agents but wasn’t getting any interest. She asked if I’d review it. After a few emails, I learned she was 92 years old!
Ninety-two! And she was following her dream!
She inspired me.
Working and raising seven children on her own during most of their growing-up years didn’t leave room for writing, especially as she had to work. Once she was able, she got back to it and wanted to publish more stories.
After consulting with this client, she turned her middle-grade story into a chapter book, and I edited it for her. She then self-published. I went on to review and edit several shorter stories for her.
And there are lots of other late bloomers.
The very successful authors listed below also started their writing careers later in life:
Toni Morrison - Age 40
Mark Twain - Age 41
J.R.R. Tolkien - Age 45
Raymond Chandler - Age 51
Annie Proulx - Age 57
Laura Ingalls Wilder - Age 65
Frank McCourt - Age 66 (3)
So, if you’re wondering if it’s too late to start writing or jump back into it, IT’s NOT.
If you have the desire to write, GET STARTED TODAY!
Reference:
(1) https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/having-a-sense-of-purpose-in-life-may-add-years-to-your-life.html
(2) https://www.huffpost.com/entry/follow-your-dream-no-matter-your-age_b_7423176
(3) https://bookstr.com/article/10-hugely-successful-authors-who-got-their-start-later-in-life/
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN COURSE
A guided self-study course and mentoring program.
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
I’m interested in writing a book on my life, an auto biography. I’m not well and going on 70 yrs old but, I’d really like to put my life into a book before I die and I’m afraid I may be too late. I’ve always thought about it but life has always gotten in the way. I’d appreciate ur thoughts and advice on this.
Dona, a year or two ago I worked with a woman in her nineties. She was still writing children’s books. I’m a firm believer that if you can lift a pen or sit at a laptop and type, you can write a story or memoir. While I’ve only ghostwritten a couple of memoirs, I did write an article on it:
Writing a Memoir – 5 Rules
https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2017/03/19/writing-a-memoir-5-rules/
You can start from now and write back. Or start at the beginning. Don’t worry about editing it; just write. I hope this is helpful.