If you are considering writing now that you’re 55 or older, get those words down on paper, whether you pen them or use a computer. Don’t wait! I began writing after retirement and wish I had started earlier. My journey has been slow because I didn’t know where to start.

Unsure in which direction to head, I eventually discovered Christian romance–a perfect fit for me. My husband had researched ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) https://acfw.com, for me. There are other groups of authors (and wannabe authors) out there. Use your browser. With Google, you can find tons of websites about publishing. Decide what interests you: poetry, memoirs, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, or nonfiction, to name a few. In addition to grammar, there are writing rules, and you will need to follow them. With Pinterest, you’ll find tons of articles to help you get started.

Two routes you can take are traditional publishing (publishing house) or self-publishing (see KDP Amazon for more info).

Before you approach a publishing house, whether they are large or small, educate yourself on how to apply. They are NOT going to accept your 500-page manuscript and read it.

A proposal is required (learn how to write one). Suggested: Book Proposal Tips and Tricks, by Steve Laube.

My journey has been wonderful, and I have independently published three books. Don’t delay is the best advice I can give you.

You are a treasure chest of memories and life experiences.

Both men and women have become great writers later in life. Some authors who have been very successful after 55 are:

• Frank McCourt (66) Angela’s Ashes
• Laura Ingalls Wilder (65) Little House in the Big Woods
• Norman Maclean (74) A River Runs Through It
• Anna Sewell (57) Black Beauty

Good resources are:

• YouTube
• Google
• Pinterest
• A Good Dictionary (I use Merriam-Webster)
• Roget’s International Thesaurus
• The Chicago Manual of Style

Book resources:

• The Structure of Story, Ross Hartmann
• How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method, Randy Ingermanson
• Plot & Structure, James Scott Bell
• Amazon
• Your library
• Barnes & Noble

I am “still” currently working on revising a historical novella but had to take a short break after some minor hand surgery. I should be able to report more in the next blog. Here’s a hint:

As always, if this month’s blog held some value for you, please comment. Even a thumbs-up is greatly appreciated.

 “We write this to make our joy complete.” 1 John 1:4 (NIV)

See you in May!

Alicia