Starting Later

I began writing seriously at age 62, all the while wondering whether it was too late to become a published author. When I first began, I was content simply recording family stories so that the research I had spent years on would not be lost. But as I wrote, I considered whether I could make my stories appeal to a wider audience. Historical Fiction is a popular genre with many readers, so why couldn’t I make my stories resonate with those readers?

But you know, my thoughts that it was too late to become an author at my age could probably be translated into an excuse. Why should age be a barrier at all? Perhaps I wasn’t ready to write a full-length novel, or perhaps I didn’t think that I had the skills and knowledge to achieve that goal. These are more likely to be the reasons I hesitated.

Claiming the title of ‘Author’ can be a step too far for many writers. I, like many others, found it hard to claim that title when people asked me what I did. When I first started writing, I was still working full-time, so I didn’t, in fact, ever say I was an author.

But now, five years later, with three historical fiction novels published and my memoir Becoming an Indie Author soon to be published, I am proud that I took the plunge. I now proudly announce that I am an author. I overcame my resistance and learned how to write and publish a book. It wasn’t easy, but then nothing worthwhile ever is. But the more challenges I faced, the more rewarding it was to hold the books in my hands.

So my final word is that it is never too late! Are you thinking about becoming an author at a more advanced age? Or have you taken the leap and written a book? I would love to hear your stories. Leave a comment below.