You’re Not Late

Do you hate being late?

The feeling of missing out on the first of a dinner can be frustrating. All the good seats are taken, and you have to play catch up with the conversation. This is how I felt when I began writing at sixty. I worried about everything because there was so much to learn. Doubt flooded in when I saw all the other writers out there. Would anyone even care about what I had to say?

Do you feel this way as an older writer?

The seats may seem taken, but you have room at the table. No matter your age, some people need your voice in the mix. You bring a perspective that younger writers may still need to acquire. Fiction and nonfiction alike will benefit from your wisdom and viewpoint.

Life has been a training ground to prepare you for this stage in your journey.

Bitter disappointments can lead to life lessons for your characters in works of fiction. In nonfiction, these pieces of overcoming can lead the way for those coming along behind you. You’ve seen some stuff, and this stuff will broaden your work. It will give it depth and bring a rich voice to the writing world.

Meanwhile, the joys you’ve experienced also bring with them a path for others to follow. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, your life’s journey has brought you to this point to share your knowledge, wisdom, wit, and adventure.

There are challenges to overcome in beginning the journey to write at this time in your life.

Learning new things can seem overwhelming. Agents, editors, marketing skills, and the list goes on! Remember, God has brought you to this point and won’t let you down now. Since he called you to write, he’ll make way for you. There will be an answer to every challenge, so with prayer and patience, you can do it. 

Jill Chapman resides in Southern Indiana with her husband of forty-four years. They enjoy their country lifestyle and visiting with their children and grandchildren. Her life centers around her family and her yellow lab, Indy. She is an avid movie watcher, loves Mexican food, and enjoys watercolor painting. Jill says her life is like a good plate of nachos, a tiny kick of spice, and a whole lotta cheese.