Pitfalls for the Older Writer
How to survive writing after fifty
Older writers do have advantages:
more life experience to draw from, more free time, no 9 to 5 schedule competing
with writing, and, writing for most older authors, is not something we expect
to support us.
The
older writer faces a few problems that tend to be less challenging for his/her
younger counterparts.
1.
Sit-itis
– Sit-itis is a chronic disease, which, left untreated, will wreak havoc with
things like overweight, arthritis, diabetes and circulation. Take time at least
every half-hour to move. Finish a chore, mail a letter, anything that gets you
moving for at least five minutes. Set an alarm if necessary.
2.
Techno-impairment
– Unlike people who grew up in the last thirty years, we older writers didn’t
touch a computer until we were in our forties, and then approached the
experience as we would a trip to the dentist. If you don’t enjoy trial and
error, take a class. Or enlist a younger relative to help out. Most senior
centers have computer classes. Take advantage! Don’t let the cyber world pass
you by or drive you to distraction. Exercise your brain a little, it’ll improve
your memory.
3.
Peer
dumping – Most friends will be supportive and encouraging of your
writing career, but sometimes even the most well-meaning will give you a bad
case of the ‘I shoulds.’ I should be out golfing, babysitting grandkids,
traveling in a motor home, learning to knit, or playing cards at the senior
center. Don’t let the ‘I shoulds’ get you down. Make time for the things you
love to do, but don’t forget you also love your newborn writing career. Balance
is the key!
Dear Readers,
It wasn’t until I
retired from my full-time job that I began my writing career. An avid reader
since I first learned to read, writing my own book is something I’ve always
wanted to do. The things I mention here are those I struggle with. Let me know
if I missed some that you find challenging.
I think the ‘peer
dumping’ advice is good, writer or
not. We have many friends here whose life styles consist mainly of
traveling, babysitting and social events. For me, that isn’t enough. I need to
have a goal in life, something to be working toward. Once I accepted that, I
was able to ignore the ‘shoulds’ and be happy doing my own thing.
Have a great week
and don’t ‘should’ on yourself,
Marla
Enjoyed your post. Very inspiring. A physical therapist told me years ago that *everyone* of all ages should get up every 30 minutes. I find that very hard to make myself do. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteTrue, Kate. Everyone really should do that. Hard to remember, but I'm getting pretty good at doing it. Always a dish to wash, litter box to clean, floor to vacuum!
DeleteNice to hear from you. Have a good Sunday,
Marla
Thanks for sharing your realistic approach to your writing career with us, being someone who no longer has a 9-5 job - something I relate to. My position as a librarian became localized when we lived in Botswana. So, turning a bad thing into something good, I began putting all my ideas for children's stories on paper, then onto the PC - difficult as you say. I found belonging to a writers' website and learning HOW to find my way around the cyberspace maze finally had me completely hooked - 8kg heavier, but happy and now ready for a final edit on the first of a series of African adventures. This to me has been a proud moment and believe me, I've had many negatives, both from well-meaning friends and relatives along the way. That is apart from the self-doubts which assailed me such as, 'you're working harder and longer hours than ever before and you're not getting paid for it...' that sort of thing, because often people tie success with a hefty paycheck or status. I also do my own work at home and that has forced me to get up and wash a dish or two, prepare a meal or iron the occasional shirt for my very patient, long-suffering husband. I would like to mention that an added benefit to being away from the PC is that somehow muddled thoughts, difficult to put down on paper seem to find their way back into my head in a logical, imaginative way. Is it the steam from the dishes or the aroma from the espresso? But it works! :-)
DeleteMartha,
DeleteCongratulations on achieving your goals! It's not always easy to keep going. For me, being in a writer's critique group keeps me going as we have to turn in to the others about 2500 words every two weeks. So even during my unproductive times, I'm forced to do that much and it is a huge help keeping me motivated.
And you're right, getting away from the computer, helps the creative juices.Guess we all need to get out and enjoy our weekend!
Marla
Another is people who think because you work at your "hobby" at home, you should be able to stop and do this or that. After all, it's not a "real job" you have. I can support myself on my earnings and I treat this like a job. Still, many people do not understand.
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline,
DeleteYOu bring up another one of those "peer" problems. I try to schedule things I like to do with friends ahead of time so they don't interfere with my writing. Not always easy to do though. Guess you just have to make them understand you won't always be available.
Good luck with the writing,
Marla
Very true, Caroline! It is the most amazing thing. This writer's job has been more 'real' to me than most of my other jobs throughout my working career. It has probably become an obsession, not just a job. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, very few see it this way and ask me to go to lunch or somewhere, 'just so you can get out of the house and meet people...' as if I'm ever bored, being busy with characters in my head.
DeleteOne thing that has really helped convince my friends that this is more than a hobby, is when they see the print book. Somehow that makes it real to them, and I think after that first one came out, they take my "hobby" more seriously.
DeleteMarla
I'm still working at the day job and writing in my spare time. It is hard to listen to my friends talk about their trips, lunches with girlfriends, shopping expeditions, volunteer work, etc. when I'm using every spare moment to fulfill my writing contracts. But I know myself--I wouldn't last a week without something to do that was important to me.
ReplyDeleteHI Peg,
DeleteI really liked your note. Yes. We need to stay true to ourselves and make sure we put our options in perspective and be sure to focus on the ones we love. I'm like you, always need to be working toward a goal.
Stick with it!
Marla
I enjoyed your post. I still work a demanding fulltime day job and aim to publish 1 book a year in my Reece Culver series. I know a great way to get up from our chairs every hour or so. Drink 1.5 liters of water a day. Start just as you sit down to write and the having to take a walk will follow. Happy writing.
ReplyDeleteHi Bryan,
DeleteGlad to meet you here. Love your suggestion! I forgot to mention drinking water, and you're right, it'll also get us walking for a few minutes every now and then.
Great tip, thanks for sharing.
Marla
One of my idols is an author named Gwen Choate who recently published a YA book, THE SACK recently. She is 92. She is tweeting occassionally, on FB liking posts - she said "she went kicking and screaming into the 2000's but she was going to learn how to do everything. As long as we are always open to learning, age will hopefully never be an issue.
ReplyDeleteI bet she's a little skinny thing too! She's definitely an idol for us all. And that is one of the wonderful things about being computer savvy at least for the basics. Even if we get old and feeble, our computers remain a window to the world!
DeleteCheers for Gwen!
Thanks for sharing,
Marla
Writer Dave Here.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I fall asleep in my study when I have writer's block.
The internet is great, I can still have a conversation with the world even though my legs are giving out! My inhibitions have gone and a new fearlessness is setting in!
Old Age is GREAT for writers!
Falling asleep while writing is a pitfall I didn't think of! Tend to have insomnia myself so haven't experienced that one, Dave. Maybe it was that second glass of wine with dinner.
DeleteHoorah for fearlessnes!
Marla
What a wonderful post--coming from me, and older author who began late. Your definitions are right--I especially identified with the Peer Dumping. Some say, "how can you waste so much time writing romance novels." Down 1. "I wish I had time to write, but I'm just to busy." Down 2. "How can you write that 'nasty' stuff?" (which I don't) Down 3...pretty soon I'll not have any friends left. Haha. No, most are supportive, but I don't talk about it at all unless I have a new book in print--then I do have a very nice local group who signs up for a copy. I found your blog on Twitter. My blog is: www.celiayeary.blopspot.com
ReplyDeleteRomance...and a little bit of Texas
Hi Celia,
DeleteI often get asked how I get those risque ideas. (not that my books are loaded with sex, they aren't). Which I believe is one of the advantages the older writer has, we've experienced so much more and lived to know many more people and situations to draw from.
Keep writing and ignore the detractors!
Marla
That would be: www.celiayeary.blogspot.com Not blopspot!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting!! However, you didn't mention the ageism in the publishing world. Oh, yes, there is. Agents and editors want young writers because they can get many more books from them. At a national writers conference, I heard an editor of a major big five NY pub house say to a roomful of writers: " I'm not buying A book from you. I'm buying 100 books from you." Clearly, if you are over 50, there is likely not enough time left to write those 100 books. Notice I'm not mentioning the name of the editor or the pub house, nor am I using my real name for this post. I dare not.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that to be the case for us, but never heard it vocalized. I could write a whole blog on that issue, right?
DeleteAnd who has time to wait twenty years or more to get noticed by an agent or a publisher. Life's really too short for that if you're over 40.
Have a great week, DGG,
Marla
Thanks for this, Marla - you've hit various issues well and truly on the head!
ReplyDeleteI can spend several days writing without leaving the house (just done a 5-day reclusive stint - it's not uncommon) and I'm tempted to tell myself I 'ought' to be doing other things - but in 4 weeks, I've written 60,000 words of a first draft - and so I know it was time well-spent. All I seem to want to do is write - with a bit of lovely R+R with my hubbie in the evenings, watching crime dramas! And a few minutes off at lunchtime to sit with the cat in the garden.
Thanks SO much for this post - it makes me feel human! XX
Hi AJ,
DeleteCongrats on getting so much writing accomplished! Yes, definitely time well spent. I like to save an hour at night, too and watch a crime show. Always tips to be gleaned from those.
Glad you enjoyed the blog, keep writing,
Marla
I recently came across a post to help with weight. They recommended standing for a half hour while writing rather than sitting the entire time. Of if you are still more active, you could use a treadmill desk. I'm still working on standing. LOL. Treadmills are way beyond me. Good to know there are others out there still writing in their golden years!
ReplyDeleteI have a treadmill, but not sure I could walk and type at the same time!! But a standing desk would be a good idea, if only for taking care of all one's emails, etc. I love having a treadmill for walking in the winter. I believe writing is an excellent way to keep your brain active after retirement.
DeleteKeep writing, Anna,
Marla
Your post hit home with me. I had a 30 year career with Delta Air Lines and didn't start writing until after many years of retirement.It was on my bucket list with golf. I learned to play golf rather well. When we moved to The Villages, Fl., I found the venue by taking some classes and joining writing groups. Some of the members had a background in journalism and editing. I've written four books and published through CreateSpace Self Publishing. With each book I've learned more and constantly try to improve my skills. Love your suggestion about setting an alarm clock to get up and move about, because when your thoughts are flowing, you tend to lose track of time. One thing I find difficult is writing something that makes a relative's jaw drop because of the subject matter. I can't write smut, but do deal with issues that affect today's society, but try to do it in good taste. Your advice is very important to us that have found joy in writing in our sunset years. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ellie,
DeleteI just got off of a Delta flight a few hours ago! Also have a few friends who have homes in the Villages and love it there. It's funny how some people can't believe how I come up with my ideas! I think we older writers just have a lot more life experience to draw from, don't you?
I sometimes have a little "risque" in my books but try to avoid anything like erotica because if people want to read erotica, that's what they'll buy.
So happy you liked the post, nice to meet you,
Marla
I retired from teaching almost a year ago. I consider myself as still working full time only now as a writer. It's the best job I've ever had even if it's not making me rich.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteI think part of the fun of writing is the challenge TO make some $$ doing it. It is a great post-retirement pastime, also challenging to the brain. It is a skill that requires ongoing learning, both for your writing and computer skills!
Have a nice day,
Marla
I agree with Susan's comment when she says she feels she's working full time now as a writer. Marla, your post has just strengthened my resolve to keep writing. I've just become more determined and have set goals now for when books have to be ready for final edits. For me writing has also become the best job and certainly the most satisfying. :-)
DeleteHi, Marla. I've seen your tweet about the "older" writer several times, but this is the first chance I've had to read it. So glad I did. I tell everyone interested in writing there are three words that should never be included in their vocabulary: woulda, shoulda, coulda. Because I live those words. In my early twenties, I had a children's story published by Focus on the Family's Clubhouse magazine. Okay, cool. Little did I realize how huge that accomplishment was, but I never pursued it and stopped writing to raise my son, work full time, help hubby with his baseball team...all the normal distractions of "life". Now that we're empty nesters, I still work full-time but I've focused my spare time once again on writing, have three novellas traditionally published, and very little time left in my life to accomplish what I "coulda, shoulda, woulda". If the desire is there, I always encourage young writers to "go for it". I wish someone would have said this to me oh, so many years ago. Thank you so much for posting this...sometimes I feel I'm the only one past their prime crazy enough to start down a new path. Retirement is 2 yrs away. YES! Oh, and everyone is right--most of my friends get upset when I can't join them for "social" activities. It's a lonely business. CHEERS!
ReplyDeleteHI Susan,
DeleteGood to hear from you! You are very smart starting now, when you are still working. It takes time for an Indie writer to get established in social media circles. It all helps when it comes to marketing your books. Even if you go the traditional route, you are expected to do your own marketing. You are paving the way for yourself for when you are retired and can devote more time to it. Good start!
Marla
I'm really envious that you are able to write all day. I'm still doing the day job bit so I only manage about an hour of writing a day. You lucky retired people!
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth,
DeleteI'm seldom able to write all day, if that makes you feel any better. I don't think most retired writers are able to unless they live alone! Social obligations and spouses cut into writing time. What I am able to do (most days) is dedicate a couple hours a day to my work. I think when you still have the day job, it's hard to find consistent writing time. Stick with it, though, it's rewarding.
Marla