Comments on: Does Age Matter in Fiction Writing?

By: Martha Rogers

Martha Rogers — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:14:57 +0000

Since I received my first contract for a four book series at age 73 and my second contract for five books this year just after I turned 74, I wholeheartedly agree with Randy. Good story and knowing your craft outweighs anything else. The readers know I’m older because my picture is on the back of my books. Doesn’t seem to matter to them as my books are selling well. Now I know to go for it, but to make sure my writing is better than good.

By: Richard Mabry

Richard Mabry — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:52:20 +0000

Randy, I have to chime in and voice my agreement with your advice and my appreciation for Martha’s comment. My non-fiction book was published when I was 70 years old, and since then I have two novels in print, another coming out soon, and a fourth in the works. If God wants it to happen, it’ll happen.
I’ve never had an agent or editor ask my age, never had it come up in one-on-one interviews, so I’d suggest anyone worried about age affecting their writing career remember the words of Satchel Paige: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?”

By: Andrea Stein

Andrea Stein — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:47:22 +0000

I don’t care if age is a factor, I’m gonna write anyway - I could chew my nails over being old for months at a time, or . . . I could crank out another book - two down - I’m on a roll - just had the full manuscript of the first one requested by a publisher - can’t change how old we are, but we can control how we enjoy aging

By: Judith Robl

Judith Robl — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:31:15 +0000

My devotion gift book will be published by Harvest House the year I turn 72. And I’m working on a historical novel as we speak. I’ll be lucky - very lucky - if it sees print by the time I’m 74 or 75.

But I still have hope.

By: Sheila Deeth

Sheila Deeth — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 23:05:49 +0000

I used to think I’d go gray dreaming of being published. Now I’ve gone gray, maybe I’ll get there faster.

By: KS Brown

KS Brown — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:02:59 +0000

I’ve met a couple of writers in online writers’ communities who were first published in their 60s or 70s.
Personally, I think you’re never to old to seek publication.

By: Pam Halter

Pam Halter — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:46:59 +0000

Randy, you’re right about the age bias in screenwriting. Hollywood doesn’t even want to look at you once you’re 25, unless you’ve been in the biz before then.

My 17-year-old daughter is determined to be in the film production business and is applying to USC. She sat under the teaching of Dr. Ted Baehr (MovieGuide.org) in 2009 and also worked a 6 week internship this past summer with Dr. Baehr at the MovieGuide offices. MovieGuide works closely with Hollywood, so she was able to get insight and direction with her college and career choice.

Novels are diffrent. I hope we never have to give our ages when submitting a query letter! I’m over 50, even tough I’m told I don’t look it, and am waiting to hear from an agent who is reading my whole manuscript. I’m ready, too. And I wouldn’t have been before now.

Doc, I like that saying!

By: Anna Jacobs

Anna Jacobs — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:01:51 +0000

PG Wodehouse was still writing at age 93, taking his latest, half-finished book into hospital with him. Sadly he died before he could finish it. He is my role model, but I’m aiming at 120 not 93, because medical technology has improved since then.

By: Writers First Aid » Best of the Web

Writers First Aid » Best of the Web — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:41:02 +0000

[…] **Does Age Matter in Fiction Writing? Is there an age bias against older writers today? If so, what can you do about it? (You’d also enjoy the blog Fiction After Fifty for older writers.) […]