As many of you know, I’m one of the Geritol Generation writers. My venture into the publishing world didn’t happen until I was nearly sixty. At the time I was concerned that possibly I was taking the leap at an age that the jump might just break a hip. In my concern, I did a little research and found that I’m not as rare “old duck” as I had thought.
There have been many wonderful authors that took their first steps into print at ages near my age and continued writing well into an advance age. I’ve been told that the mind is like any muscle, it needs to be exercised. What better way to do a little gym time for the mind then to write.
One of my most favorite author, P.D.James recently had her book made into a movie. At the age of 72 Ms James created, The Children of Men. It was her look into the scary future of our planet in the year 2021. What a muscle her brain must have to be able to create something as imaginative and foreboding as that story.
Recently the publishing industry lost one of our greatest authors, Kurt Vonnegut. Mr. Vonnegut was also an individual that didn’t let the number on his birth certificate shackle him. So if there are any new authors that feel that possibly they’re too old to take that leap, remember the many that went before you, and if you add my name to the list I will be extremely honored.
Sloan
4 comments:
What a wonderfully inspiring blog post, Sloan! I enjoyed it so much.
Age should never be a deterrent to anything, much less flexing your creative muscles. I firmly believe I *couldn't* have written the books I write now, when I was in my 20's. In order to write, you have to have something to write about, and the one thing no one can argue against is that age gives you more experience(s)! :?)
Thanks Vonda, and Kerry you are so right. I'm positive my writing even as short as 10 years ago isn't as rich as it is now. Gosh, I've got something to look forward to when I reach ninety, huh?
Sloan
"the Geritol Generation writers" Cute! :)
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