The sense of being invisible after 65 is palpable. I started my writing career at age 67. I don’t try to be a full time author who makes a living from writing, but I’m on my third book, finding an audience of women (and some men) who are just as invisible weren’t it for the fact we acknowledge each other and encourage each other to make a difference.
Thank you, Brooke. When people, thinking it’s a compliment, tell me I don’t look x (years old), I say, “Maybe this is what x looks like.” Proud first time published author at 70, I’m starting a second book. Thank you and She Writes Press for being such a champion of first time authors whatever our age.
I'm with you, Gretchen! 69 here and just started indie publishing last year. I'm in master minds with women who are my daughter's age, but I try my best to own it! And thank you, Brooke, for being our champion!
This is so good, Brooke, and so true. My first book was published when I was nearing sixty. My next (and fifth) will be released very near by 81st birthday through She Writes Press. What a gift. I don't have any plans to stop. I'm finding more and more women who are still writing--or even just beginning to write--over sixty or sixty-five. Many, many journals and blogs are celebrating us, inviting us to come and share our experiences as writers and as women who have important things to say, stories to share, wisdom to impart. This is an exciting to be a "woman of a certain age" with all these many opportunities. Thanks to you and She Writes Press and others who are listening.
Thanks for this reminder Brooke! As one of your boomer authors at 72 (now 76) I like to call myself a Perennial. “ If you’re older than sixty-five, you’re an example of what’s possible for all of us.“ Thank you for offering me a space to shift from writer to published author. I’m proud of my debut novel FREEDOM LESSONS.
I am grateful to know there are women my age that are still writing and writing for the first time like me. And encouraged by your comments. Thank you Brooke for being an advocate for those of us that most media won’t consider because of age.
Oh so right! I do want to say, Brooke, that it's still difficult to put your age out there when writing publicly. Yet, the fact that your age is more or less hidden in these venues allows for more easeful communication across age groups. On the one hand and then on the other.
It's a pleasure to be in the company of experienced, wise and visible creators who are claiming their time and perspective, a quality that cannot be hurried or forced. Thank you, Brooke, for stepping out of bounds and taking us with you.
I can't wait to become an elder. I am not quite there yet but looking forward to my next birthday where I will turn 50! I love my own growth and strength and perspective - all facets of my aging. Thank you for this post! I love to witness what women over 50 can do, will do and have already done.
Thank you Brooke for this insight. Heck yes! I hope to have my memoir published with She Writes Press in 2025 when I'm 69, :) I can be an elder with lifetime experience and universal insights but also be mediagenic, youthful, engaged in the world and continue writing right up until I"m gone.
Yes, and thank you Brooke for the encouragement to keep writing no matter our age. It can feel lonely out there in the wilderness of sage years still wanting to create and dream. For those of us coming to the page later in life She Writes Press and the Substack community is a good place to hang out.
The sense of being invisible after 65 is palpable. I started my writing career at age 67. I don’t try to be a full time author who makes a living from writing, but I’m on my third book, finding an audience of women (and some men) who are just as invisible weren’t it for the fact we acknowledge each other and encourage each other to make a difference.
Thank you, Brooke. When people, thinking it’s a compliment, tell me I don’t look x (years old), I say, “Maybe this is what x looks like.” Proud first time published author at 70, I’m starting a second book. Thank you and She Writes Press for being such a champion of first time authors whatever our age.
I'm with you, Gretchen! 69 here and just started indie publishing last year. I'm in master minds with women who are my daughter's age, but I try my best to own it! And thank you, Brooke, for being our champion!
copy that
This is so good, Brooke, and so true. My first book was published when I was nearing sixty. My next (and fifth) will be released very near by 81st birthday through She Writes Press. What a gift. I don't have any plans to stop. I'm finding more and more women who are still writing--or even just beginning to write--over sixty or sixty-five. Many, many journals and blogs are celebrating us, inviting us to come and share our experiences as writers and as women who have important things to say, stories to share, wisdom to impart. This is an exciting to be a "woman of a certain age" with all these many opportunities. Thanks to you and She Writes Press and others who are listening.
You are definitely an inspiration, Judy!
And there is probably the all-star winning bestselling author, Delia Owens, who was 70 when "Where the Crawdads Sing" was released!!
Thanks for this reminder Brooke! As one of your boomer authors at 72 (now 76) I like to call myself a Perennial. “ If you’re older than sixty-five, you’re an example of what’s possible for all of us.“ Thank you for offering me a space to shift from writer to published author. I’m proud of my debut novel FREEDOM LESSONS.
I am grateful to know there are women my age that are still writing and writing for the first time like me. And encouraged by your comments. Thank you Brooke for being an advocate for those of us that most media won’t consider because of age.
I love this so much. ♥️ Thank you for your honesty and experience.
So good - and important, Brooke. Thank you.
Oh so right! I do want to say, Brooke, that it's still difficult to put your age out there when writing publicly. Yet, the fact that your age is more or less hidden in these venues allows for more easeful communication across age groups. On the one hand and then on the other.
It's a pleasure to be in the company of experienced, wise and visible creators who are claiming their time and perspective, a quality that cannot be hurried or forced. Thank you, Brooke, for stepping out of bounds and taking us with you.
Well said, Sister! I appreciate your honesty and inclusion. If it wasn't for you walking the talk, I might not be getting published!
I can't wait to become an elder. I am not quite there yet but looking forward to my next birthday where I will turn 50! I love my own growth and strength and perspective - all facets of my aging. Thank you for this post! I love to witness what women over 50 can do, will do and have already done.
Great insight and inspiration! I also met the 100 year old author at Erma last year. She was a riot!!!
Here for the inspiration ✨ thanks Brooke
Thank you Brooke for this insight. Heck yes! I hope to have my memoir published with She Writes Press in 2025 when I'm 69, :) I can be an elder with lifetime experience and universal insights but also be mediagenic, youthful, engaged in the world and continue writing right up until I"m gone.
Yes, and thank you Brooke for the encouragement to keep writing no matter our age. It can feel lonely out there in the wilderness of sage years still wanting to create and dream. For those of us coming to the page later in life She Writes Press and the Substack community is a good place to hang out.