Writers--Age Doesn't Matter

 

When people retire, they often seek new outlets with the extra time they have. Some take up art, or making pottery, or intensive gardening. Others may have had a yen to write for many years, and now they can pursue becoming a hobbyist writer or one who writes to publish. Or even the family historian.

The desire is there, but there's also some fear that maybe this is trying something that's too difficult at the 'mature' stage of life. Maybe it's only a pipe dream. Maybe I should have pursued it in my younger years. Maybe my brain isn't working well enough to be a writer. All reasonable thoughts but also ones that will only help you talk yourself out of trying something.

There is no set age when a person should start writing. There is also no set age when it is time to quit. 

I wanted to write from the time I was in grade school, but I allowed life to get in the way and kept putting it off until suddenly I hit my mid-fifties. A situation in life left me at loose ends, being in a different community with little to do. It proved to be the perfect time for me to begin writing. It didn't frighten me because I had wanted to pursue the writing world for so very long. I plunged in headfirst and have kept on to this very day. 

If you're wondering if I could write well enough to be published right away, the answer is an emphatic No! Whether you're 20 or 50 or 70 when you begin, you're exactly that--a beginner. It's great when people do start writing with no other thought than writing itself. But, as time goes on, you begin to realize that you need to learn a little more about this craft. 

That's when you must start reading about writing, mingle with other writers in groups or one-on-one, start doing writing exercises, learning all you can about the editing process. In addition, you must train yourself to write something every day. Short or long does not matter. Just the fact of practicing your craft every day will help you become a better writer. 

Don't ever let age stop you from pursuing a dream. A big plus for those who begin writing later in life is that they have a great many life experiences to draw from. 

Stop questioning your self and start writing!