So true. I've been writing for most of my life. I never felt I was any good...until now. Now I'm retired. The life experiences I've gathered, the books I've read, the stories I've listened to, are all a part of me, and come through in my writing. Take a look and see what I mean... https://benwoestenburg.substack.com/about
When I realized my knowledge of history (thinking about 18th century people travelling to America from England) coincided with my life experience (standing on the decks of ferry boats, visiting floating wooden sailing ships at maritime museums) that was a major ah-hah for my historical fiction. :)
Thank you, Alison, so validating. the time to start is now, with no regrets. We become writers by writing, whatever that looks like for us. we each have unique stories to tell and the world is waiting for them. They may not know it, but I do. thanks again!!!
All this is absolutely great advice. I knew I wanted to write fiction at age 12, I published first book at age 60, but my career as professional historian meant I'd spent the intervening years writing a dissertation, articles, and lectures, all forms of story-telling, definitely more than those 10,000 hours of writing. Of course in the past 13 years, after writing twelve novels, and numerous novellas and short stories, I've also put in those 10,000 hours a hundred fold. And I've discovered that this is exactly what I want to do, every day, for as long as I can.
I started my Substack newsletter, Rocky Point in January and it's been the death of any idea that I'm not a writer. Using my life experiences and thoughts, I'm cranking out six posts per week and honing my craft. I had done a lot of technical writing for my job before retiring, but no one is pressuring me to write these posts except me. Very satisfying for the spirit if not yet for the pocketbook.
I didn't start writing seriously - until I was 82. The newsletter began as a way of to share what I had learned as a caregiver to my husband of 63 years as he struggled with dementia and died of COVID. After 2 years and 100 plus articles it has become a priority and one of the things that get me up in the morning.
I'm in my 40s and have written for years, but have only in recent years started to take it more seriously. Sometimes I regret that I'm just now leaning lessons that others are leaning in their 20s, but then I remember that I have a lot to write about that they don't. I couldn't have self-published my first book when I was in my twenties or even thirties because I still had do much to learn about life.
Mar 26, 2023·edited Mar 26, 2023Liked by Alison Acheson
Great day in the morning, Alison!
If I didn't know better, I would say you have been investigating my life. Haha.
From word one, you have described me. To a Tee.
I always knew I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. When I turned 70, I decided I was old enough. :-)
It's not that I've never written anything until now. I have, but now that I am retired, its like being on steriods.
My first post on Life UnCorked was January 12. It is all about seven decades of life - growing up in the SC Lowcountry in the 50-60s, traveling the world via the Navy, 41 years of marriage, 42 years of faith, five children, nine grands, multiple dogs, and 2 cats . . . there is a story or two in there somewhere.
I am excited every single day to sit at my desk and write, write, write.
Thank you for this inspirational confirmation that I am on the right path.
- Cork Hutson, writes Life UnCorked (see what I did there?)
Oh my...
So true. I've been writing for most of my life. I never felt I was any good...until now. Now I'm retired. The life experiences I've gathered, the books I've read, the stories I've listened to, are all a part of me, and come through in my writing. Take a look and see what I mean... https://benwoestenburg.substack.com/about
When I realized my knowledge of history (thinking about 18th century people travelling to America from England) coincided with my life experience (standing on the decks of ferry boats, visiting floating wooden sailing ships at maritime museums) that was a major ah-hah for my historical fiction. :)
Love this, Alison, I just posted today about starting a book now, thanks for this.
Thank you, Alison, so validating. the time to start is now, with no regrets. We become writers by writing, whatever that looks like for us. we each have unique stories to tell and the world is waiting for them. They may not know it, but I do. thanks again!!!
Love this. 100%. Right on. Solitude. The deep urge to write. The need to create. Banish that safety/censor/fear of judgment/taboo.
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
All this is absolutely great advice. I knew I wanted to write fiction at age 12, I published first book at age 60, but my career as professional historian meant I'd spent the intervening years writing a dissertation, articles, and lectures, all forms of story-telling, definitely more than those 10,000 hours of writing. Of course in the past 13 years, after writing twelve novels, and numerous novellas and short stories, I've also put in those 10,000 hours a hundred fold. And I've discovered that this is exactly what I want to do, every day, for as long as I can.
So True!!!!!!!
I started my Substack newsletter, Rocky Point in January and it's been the death of any idea that I'm not a writer. Using my life experiences and thoughts, I'm cranking out six posts per week and honing my craft. I had done a lot of technical writing for my job before retiring, but no one is pressuring me to write these posts except me. Very satisfying for the spirit if not yet for the pocketbook.
So encouraging. Thank you, Alison!
I didn't start writing seriously - until I was 82. The newsletter began as a way of to share what I had learned as a caregiver to my husband of 63 years as he struggled with dementia and died of COVID. After 2 years and 100 plus articles it has become a priority and one of the things that get me up in the morning.
I'm in my 40s and have written for years, but have only in recent years started to take it more seriously. Sometimes I regret that I'm just now leaning lessons that others are leaning in their 20s, but then I remember that I have a lot to write about that they don't. I couldn't have self-published my first book when I was in my twenties or even thirties because I still had do much to learn about life.
This is an excellent article and so true. I was sixty when my first book was published. And I have so much more to write about!
Great day in the morning, Alison!
If I didn't know better, I would say you have been investigating my life. Haha.
From word one, you have described me. To a Tee.
I always knew I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. When I turned 70, I decided I was old enough. :-)
It's not that I've never written anything until now. I have, but now that I am retired, its like being on steriods.
My first post on Life UnCorked was January 12. It is all about seven decades of life - growing up in the SC Lowcountry in the 50-60s, traveling the world via the Navy, 41 years of marriage, 42 years of faith, five children, nine grands, multiple dogs, and 2 cats . . . there is a story or two in there somewhere.
I am excited every single day to sit at my desk and write, write, write.
Thank you for this inspirational confirmation that I am on the right path.
- Cork Hutson, writes Life UnCorked (see what I did there?)
YES. Love this so much! So much wisdom here. ✨
Thank you!! This is very helpful! Let’s meet for a cuppa and talk more.
Hey Alison, thank you for this refreshing piece that is so full of encouragement and an invisible "push," for lack of a better word!