You recently retired from your life-long career. You’re ready to enter your golden years or twilight years, or whatever you’d like to call them. It’s normal to look back on life at this stage. You might be pleased with your accomplishments and feel blessed for the experiences you’ve had. There might also be one or two things on your bucket list that you’re still hoping to try. If one of those things is “becoming an author,” then this post is for you.
If you’ve put off writing a novel because you think you’re “too old” to write, it’s simply not true. There are no age limits for becoming an author. A juvenile can write a book and so can a senior citizen. If you’re willing to work hard, you just might be able to make your dream come true.
Becoming an author after age 60
If you plan to submit a manuscript for publication, you’ll be subject to the same rules and regulations to which all authors must adhere, regardless of age. It’s often said that elders can be “set in their ways.” If becoming an author is your goal, you must let go of that mindset and be open to constructive criticism.
You’ll also want to determine a primary goal when writing a book after age 60. Are you doing it as part of your legacy, so that your children and grandchildren can have a story that you wrote? Perhaps you’ve always had a passion for writing and are thinking it might be a nice way to pass the time during retirement. Then again, you might be financially motivated to write a book, hoping to generate income on the best-seller list. Whatever your reasons are, there are several things to keep in mind.
Remember these tips if you’re writing a book in your twilight years
Becoming an author later in life might be less stressful if you implement some of these ideas:
- Learn how to use advanced technology if you don’t already know how.
- Enroll in writing classes or attend a few workshops.
- Become an avid reader of various genres and learn from other authors’ talents.
- Try to write several times per week, if not every day.
- Set attainable goals and hold yourself accountable.
It’s helpful to ask trusted friends, family members or professional reviewers to read your writing and provide feedback. There are many resources available to help you refine your skills and create a manuscript that is book-worthy. The bottom line is that it’s never too late. If you’re of sound mind and have your sights set on becoming an author, there’s no time like the present to get started.
