Thank you, Sarah. This author sounds like a discovery. I’ll have to check her out. More proof that first novels can be a long time coming: Delia Owens was 69, Mary Wesley and Harriet Doerr both in their 70s
Looking forward to reading more! I’m 56 and currently working on my first novel. I’ve definitely grappled with the “it’s too late” thoughts and regret for not getting to work sooner. I’ve subscribed. ❤️
Thank you for this Sarah, soon to become my favorite, occasional interviews! I definitely need this inspiration as I’ve yet to publish…but someday I will!
Life informs art, indeed. What the very young write about cannot span decades of experience. Unlike in most novels that cover a grand expanse of time, character change does not happen generally all at once, as one might change clothes, but over the decades it takes for a face to grow lines, posture to go from slouch to upright to a certain aged bend. I am proud and pleased with the novel I have in first draft that spans two decades. With each roll of the tide there are subtle changes until by the finish, we at last realize why the main character is the chief protagonist and her friend and lover who is initially far more intriguing has become more main stream and ordinary. I am 73.
What a wonderful idea! Thanks, Sarah, for doing this. I'm curious as to the gender breakdown of midlife first-time writers ... seems to heavily favor women (probably, as others have said, for all the reasons). Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Thank you for acknowledging writers in midlife. I sometimes have doubts as to whether I should continue writing, as in, “I’m too old.” But we aren’t! Thanks, too, for the great interview.
As a 56 year old whose parents were fine artists and who couldn’t find her craft until they were gone, I’m grateful for this today. My manuscript is with two agents and I’ve felt like I’m waaay over the hill to feel optimistic. The “emerging” writer term never applies to anyone at midlife (or later) it seems. Yet, so many do emerge later. Especially women, for all the usual reasons. I love your series concept.
I'm going to love this series. "Life informs art" ABSOLUTELY! Thank you, Sarah. Jennifer, your books sound fantastic and just the kind of book I love to read. I'm so glad you found your way to novels!
And I think you’ll enjoy this droll piece about publishing a first novel in your 70s. Haven’t read her fiction but love her sense of humor. https://bloomsite.wordpress.com/2023/03/21/oldest-female-debut-novelist-tells-all/
Thank you, Sarah. This author sounds like a discovery. I’ll have to check her out. More proof that first novels can be a long time coming: Delia Owens was 69, Mary Wesley and Harriet Doerr both in their 70s
As a fellow mid-life debut author, I love this!
Thank you for this reminder of what we can at any time of life—if we foster our creativity!
Looking forward to reading more! I’m 56 and currently working on my first novel. I’ve definitely grappled with the “it’s too late” thoughts and regret for not getting to work sooner. I’ve subscribed. ❤️
Thank you for this Sarah, soon to become my favorite, occasional interviews! I definitely need this inspiration as I’ve yet to publish…but someday I will!
Life informs art, indeed. What the very young write about cannot span decades of experience. Unlike in most novels that cover a grand expanse of time, character change does not happen generally all at once, as one might change clothes, but over the decades it takes for a face to grow lines, posture to go from slouch to upright to a certain aged bend. I am proud and pleased with the novel I have in first draft that spans two decades. With each roll of the tide there are subtle changes until by the finish, we at last realize why the main character is the chief protagonist and her friend and lover who is initially far more intriguing has become more main stream and ordinary. I am 73.
Love the Charles Wilson Peale portrait. It’s so ‘modern’! ✨
What a wonderful idea! Thanks, Sarah, for doing this. I'm curious as to the gender breakdown of midlife first-time writers ... seems to heavily favor women (probably, as others have said, for all the reasons). Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Thank you for acknowledging writers in midlife. I sometimes have doubts as to whether I should continue writing, as in, “I’m too old.” But we aren’t! Thanks, too, for the great interview.
As a 56 year old whose parents were fine artists and who couldn’t find her craft until they were gone, I’m grateful for this today. My manuscript is with two agents and I’ve felt like I’m waaay over the hill to feel optimistic. The “emerging” writer term never applies to anyone at midlife (or later) it seems. Yet, so many do emerge later. Especially women, for all the usual reasons. I love your series concept.
Love this! First book pubbed at 46. Most recent at 61. Yay us!
I'm going to love this series. "Life informs art" ABSOLUTELY! Thank you, Sarah. Jennifer, your books sound fantastic and just the kind of book I love to read. I'm so glad you found your way to novels!