I got the idea for this one after many people commented
on Dear Young Writer and said they started writing later in life. This one is
for all late-blooming writers.
Dear Late-Blooming Writer,
Whether you’re young or old, age doesn’t matter when it
comes to chasing a dream. Let me quote C.S. Lewis real quick: “You’re never too
old set another goal or dream a new dream.”
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| Image from Pinterest |
There is nothing truer than that statement. No one
should ever let their age stop them from doing something they really want to
do. If you want to be a writer, don’t second guess yourself. Don’t say you’re
too old to begin a new career or, God forbid, that you’re too old to get
published. While writing, editing and publishing a book does take time, it is
possible to do at any age. There have been authors to get published at eighteen
and eighty, and all the ages in between.
So if you want to be a writer, and this revelation is
coming to you at an older age, don’t hesitate but march onto that path with your
head held high. Don’t let anyone make you feel as though you’re being silly or
unrealistic. There is nothing silly about following a dream. And if you think
reasonably about your responsibilities, and don’t quit your job on a whim, then
you’re not being unrealistic.
Here
are a few things to remember:
- It won’t happen overnight.
Writing a book usually takes
about a year (less if you’re quick), editing adds on another possible
3-6 months. If you self-publish, you’ll see your book in print sooner, but
getting an agent and then a publisher could take years. Don’t let this deter
you, though. Be patient!
- It won’t be
easy.
Not only does creating a
good book take time but effort. Keep that in mind when you struggle, but
remember that everything is surmountable.
- It won’t be
impossible.
Nothing ever is. People
write all the time and a good chuck of them get published, so it’s not
unthinkable that you can do it too. Say instead, “I’m possible!”
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| Image from Pixabay |
5
Things You Can Do Now:
1.
Take writing courses or workshops to brush up on the rules and techniques you
may have forgotten and will need to write your book.
TIP #1: Check your local library for classes.
2.
Join a writer’s organization to build connections.
3.
Find a critique group in your area to help you perfect your story and
brainstorm with other writers.
TIP #2: Run an online search for writing critique groups in your area. Many meet once or twice a month. You may have to travel if you can’t find one close by.
4.
Start a blog to build even more useful connections with authors and writers
from all over the world.
TIP #3: An easy way to do this is to join the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. We post every first Wednesday of the month and we have a long Linky List.
5. Decide
which route you want to take: traditional publishing or self-publishing.
For more advice on what you should do to get published,
and so I don’t have to repeat myself, check out: Dear Aspiring Author.
And before I end this, let me say how fabulous late
blooming writers are. It takes courage to choose a new journey when you thought
you already knew what you wanted to do. I started writing at twelve. My mom
started writing in her thirties, but stopped after having kids. Now in her late
sixties she is back to writing and pushing for publication. I admire her and
everyone like her.
Let’s raise a glass to late blooming writer’s everywhere!
QUESTIONS: If you have a job/career on top of writing,
what do you do? If you weren’t a writer or pursing writing, what career would
you want?
I would be pursing photography.
See Also:
Author of Hurricane Crimes, 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death,
and Witch of Death. Blogger. Reader. Auntie. Vegetarian. Cat Lover.
13 comments:
Great post. Someone out there, there is the new George Orwell.
As an aspiring late-bloomer, these are some great tips.
I like the IWSG mention particularly.
As for my current job, I'm an office manager for two companies. I also do a lot of volunteer work. As you can imagine, my time is limited for writing so I have to keep working on revising my schedule.
A year to write a book. *scoffs* The one I'm working on I've been working on for 15.
I would into some form of acting or film related business if I were not a writer. Or just do retail for the rest of my life. A big shout out to all writers both alive and passed on.
I guess you'd call me an "older" writer...all the more reason to get cracking. I don't want to miss out on the opportunity!
My 'other' job is at a pawn shop :)
@John Doe, you're right about that.
@Jeffret, of course I have to mention IWSG. Anyone at any age can benefit from that group.
For two companies? Wow!
@Liz I said usually. ;) A lot of books take two years. And I've been working on one for almost 10.
@Sheena-kay Acting would've been my next choice after photography. :)
@Liza Yes! No time is better than now. :D
@mshatch That is cool!
I wish I didn't have to work additional jobs; I wish I could just focus on writing instead. Maybe someday...
Your post about late bloomers made me think of the Irish author Frank McCourt, who wrote Angela's Ashes, Tis, and Teacher Man. He didn't publish his first memoir until he'd already retired from teaching, I think, which is very inspiring, especially considering how successful he became.
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