Comments on: Are You Too Old To Write Fiction? http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/ America's Mad Professor of Fiction Writing Mon, 21 May 2012 04:04:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: Richard Mabry http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15379 Richard Mabry Sat, 01 Jan 2011 03:10:58 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15379 Margaret, As someone who was old enough to draw Social Security long before I began writing and who is about to have his third novel published, I echo Randy's sentiment: don't let age hinder you. Go for it. Margaret, As someone who was old enough to draw Social Security long before I began writing and who is about to have his third novel published, I echo Randy’s sentiment: don’t let age hinder you. Go for it.

]]> By: Kerry Meacham http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15388 Kerry Meacham Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:23:13 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15388 Okay, now I just feel silly. When I saw this blog title I was apprehensive about opening it, afraid of what it might say. I'm 52. Time to stop worrying about that side of it I guess. Great post Randy. Thanks, Kerry Okay, now I just feel silly. When I saw this blog title I was apprehensive about opening it, afraid of what it might say. I’m 52. Time to stop worrying about that side of it I guess. Great post Randy.

Thanks,

Kerry

]]> By: Judith Robl http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15391 Judith Robl Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:30:56 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15391 Margaret, I'm right behind you (a mere seventy-one) - but I have five novels loosely connected by the thread of war rattling in my brain. I wish I could retire and just write, but I'm still juggling a day job as well. I figure I have about ten years to manage a writing career. BTW, Harvest House will be releasing my devotional gift book, As Grandma Says, early this year. Quick, someone pat me on the back before I break my arm trying to do it myself. Happy New Year! Margaret, I’m right behind you (a mere seventy-one) - but I have five novels loosely connected by the thread of war rattling in my brain. I wish I could retire and just write, but I’m still juggling a day job as well. I figure I have about ten years to manage a writing career.

BTW, Harvest House will be releasing my devotional gift book, As Grandma Says, early this year. Quick, someone pat me on the back before I break my arm trying to do it myself. Happy New Year!

]]> By: Judith Robl http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15392 Judith Robl Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:35:40 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15392 Oh, and as my grandmother used to say "you'll never learn any younger." You won't do it any younger, either. So do it now. Oh, and as my grandmother used to say “you’ll never learn any younger.” You won’t do it any younger, either. So do it now.

]]> By: Martha Rogers http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15394 Martha Rogers Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:58:05 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15394 I signed my first contract for four books right after my 73rd birthday. My editor and publisher took a chance, liked what happened and offered me another 5 book contract last fall. I'll be 75 in June and will have 5 novels and 2 novellas behind me and four novels ahead. The best way to fail is not to try. Go for it. We have lots of experience rattling around in our brains and younger readers can benefit. I signed my first contract for four books right after my 73rd birthday. My editor and publisher took a chance, liked what happened and offered me another 5 book contract last fall. I’ll be 75 in June and will have 5 novels and 2 novellas behind me and four novels ahead. The best way to fail is not to try. Go for it. We have lots of experience rattling around in our brains and younger readers can benefit.

]]> By: Melinda Evaul http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15396 Melinda Evaul Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:56:10 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15396 You are never too old. A traditional publishing route may work. I decided to form my own publishing company and hire a printer to get my paper back in the system. In one month I earned back my investment. I've just begun to tap into my potential market. I'll load it as an e-book this month to gain a broader reach. If you have a story to tell, there is nothing to stop you with the tools we now have available as writers. Write your book and enjoy the ride. You are never too old. A traditional publishing route may work. I decided to form my own publishing company and hire a printer to get my paper back in the system. In one month I earned back my investment. I’ve just begun to tap into my potential market. I’ll load it as an e-book this month to gain a broader reach. If you have a story to tell, there is nothing to stop you with the tools we now have available as writers. Write your book and enjoy the ride.

]]> By: Gran http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15400 Gran Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:08:34 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15400 This 61 year-old Granny thanks you for this post. I'm working on a short story. My first! This 61 year-old Granny thanks you for this post. I’m working on a short story. My first!

]]> By: Viola Deo http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15416 Viola Deo Sun, 02 Jan 2011 08:15:50 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15416 Hi Margaret, I would like to offer another perspective, being an avid reader myself. All this time, when I read a book, it NEVER bothers me how old the author's age is. As a matter of fact, if he/she is too old/too young, it's just give an additional inspirational points. I think it would be a great loss to the world if all the authors do not write just because they're too old. Just write, you never know how long your career may be, but know this, any reader who love your book will be grateful to know you write it, regardless of your age. I know I'll do as a reader and I think in the end, it's the reader's perspective that counts, not the publishers:) Hi Margaret,

I would like to offer another perspective, being an avid reader myself.

All this time, when I read a book, it NEVER bothers me how old the author’s age is. As a matter of fact, if he/she is too old/too young, it’s just give an additional inspirational points.

I think it would be a great loss to the world if all the authors do not write just because they’re too old.

Just write, you never know how long your career may be, but know this, any reader who love your book will be grateful to know you write it, regardless of your age.

I know I’ll do as a reader and I think in the end, it’s the reader’s perspective that counts, not the publishers:)

]]> By: James Thayer http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15429 James Thayer Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:16:12 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15429 When does creativity decline due to age? Maybe never. Emmanuel Kant wrote his most important work when he was 74. Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote his most famous poem, Crossing the Bar, at 83. J.R.R. Tolkein wrote his first novel for adults, The Lord of the Rings, when he was 62. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes was still writing court decisions when he was 90. Verdi composed Falstaff when he was 80, and Ava Maria when he was 85. Titian pained Battle of Lepanto when he was 98. When does creativity decline due to age? Maybe never. Emmanuel Kant wrote his most important work when he was 74. Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote his most famous poem, Crossing the Bar, at 83. J.R.R. Tolkein wrote his first novel for adults, The Lord of the Rings, when he was 62. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes was still writing court decisions when he was 90. Verdi composed Falstaff when he was 80, and Ava Maria when he was 85. Titian pained Battle of Lepanto when he was 98.

]]> By: James Thayer http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15430 James Thayer Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:27:47 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15430 Creativity and the ability to work don't always belong to the young. The first president of Stanford, David Starr Jordan, said the years between 60 and 70 were the most productive of his life. Gladstone was Britain's prime minister at age 83. At age 40, Henry Ford was bankrupt and unemployed. Not until she was 61 did Clara Barton found the Red Cross, and she was its president until she was 83. Then she began the National First Aid Society, and remained its leader until she was 91. Patrick O'Brian was 55 when Master and Commander was published, and he then wrote 19 more novels in the Aubrye-Maturin series. Sure, we may slow a bit as we get older, but the age at which we can no longer create and work isn't predetermined. We should plan to keep going until we simply can't. Creativity and the ability to work don’t always belong to the young. The first president of Stanford, David Starr Jordan, said the years between 60 and 70 were the most productive of his life. Gladstone was Britain’s prime minister at age 83. At age 40, Henry Ford was bankrupt and unemployed. Not until she was 61 did Clara Barton found the Red Cross, and she was its president until she was 83. Then she began the National First Aid Society, and remained its leader until she was 91. Patrick O’Brian was 55 when Master and Commander was published, and he then wrote 19 more novels in the Aubrye-Maturin series. Sure, we may slow a bit as we get older, but the age at which we can no longer create and work isn’t predetermined. We should plan to keep going until we simply can’t.

]]> By: James Thayer http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15431 James Thayer Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:42:42 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15431 Well, here I go again. This subject has got me to thinking (and I hate that). I teach novel writing at the University of Washington extension school. Many of my students are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, even late 70s. They are an incredibly sharp and motivated group, with a lot of energy and ambition. As far as I can tell, their age hasn't impaired their creativity in the slightest. They are as talented as my students who are in their 20s and 30s and 40s. I think that barring clinical mental problems such as dementia, nothing about getting old stifles creativity. Well, here I go again. This subject has got me to thinking (and I hate that). I teach novel writing at the University of Washington extension school. Many of my students are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, even late 70s. They are an incredibly sharp and motivated group, with a lot of energy and ambition. As far as I can tell, their age hasn’t impaired their creativity in the slightest. They are as talented as my students who are in their 20s and 30s and 40s. I think that barring clinical mental problems such as dementia, nothing about getting old stifles creativity.

]]> By: Obinna Ozoigbo http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15450 Obinna Ozoigbo Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:46:57 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15450 Age has nothing to do with writing. Why don't you check out Doris Lessing? The Golden Note Book, her break-through work, was written in 1962, when she was 43. By 1984, at 65, she published two novels. They were declined by her UK publisher, maybe on grounds of age. But another UK publisher took it upon himself to get them published. And today, Doris is the 1997 winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Age has nothing to do with writing.

Why don’t you check out Doris Lessing? The Golden Note Book, her break-through work, was written in 1962, when she was 43. By 1984, at 65, she published two novels. They were declined by her UK publisher, maybe on grounds of age. But another UK publisher took it upon himself to get them published. And today, Doris is the 1997 winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.

]]> By: Obinna Ozoigbo http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15451 Obinna Ozoigbo Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:57:11 +0000 http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/12/31/are-you-too-old-to-write-fiction/#comment-15451 Sorry, I stated the year in error. It was not in 1997 that Doris Lessing won the Nobel Prize for Literature. It was in 2007. The error is highly regretted. So, you see, in spite of the fact she was advancing in age, she kept on writing, undaunted. She kept on moving!If age had been an impediment, or if she had allowed it to be an impediment, she would never have climbed to the top rungs of the literary ladder. Age is, therefore, no barrier! Sorry, I stated the year in error. It was not in 1997 that Doris Lessing won the Nobel Prize for Literature. It was in 2007. The error is highly regretted.

So, you see, in spite of the fact she was advancing in age, she kept on writing, undaunted. She kept on moving!If age had been an impediment, or if she had allowed it to be an impediment, she would never have climbed to the top rungs of the literary ladder.

Age is, therefore, no barrier!

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