Thank you for this. I’m 56 and I’ve been writing for 40 years. I’m finally working on my first novel. The initial feedback is positive, but I can’t help but have reservations. Am I too old to start a new career? Can I identify with the average reader? Will anyone want to read my books when they find out how old I am? The struggle is real, but I’m forging ahead anyway.
I have the opposite question – I loved the TV series, and of course I love P&P in its original form and several film/TV versions - should I read Janice Hadlow's book?Very much enjoyed your review.
And you are so right about valuing ourselves enough to share our opinions and be honest about who we are, and how if we do that we will find soul mates. I certainly have. But it was a really important (and late) part of growing up when I realised that just as I am interested in other people, most of them are interested in me, whether it's to gossip about, to be friends, or to share interests and opinions. Some of the people we encounter in real life or online may not like us, but we don't like everyone we meet or have to work with either, so it all balances in the end.
This is so encouraging! I just started posting content to TikTok and Instagram and I’ve decided to not care about anything except am I enjoying what I’m making and it’s freeing!
Thank you, Melissa. As you know, I just started showing up with my own Substack, and have gotten through the whole introductory series of posts. What gave me the spark was your question about what brought about my love of books, in your post about never telling someone not to read a book. It didn't just spark, it lit a fire! And as you can tell from my picture, I don't care what people think of my appearance. I could have sat for ages, trying to compose the perfect selfie, but all I did was take a picture that was already on my phone. What matters isn't how I look, but that it was taken (by me) last September in Barbados. And if anybody thinks, "Fuck me, that guy looks like a pirate, not a writer!', I will be all the more happy.
And I pressed 'yes' for your poll, because although I really know nothing about the Bennett sisters, I know that you do, and are basically an expert in the Jane Austen universe of a grade that I could only dream of my being in the Warhammer 40,000 one, your opinion on this matter will be highly informed , and carry serious weight.
Thank you for this. I’m 56 and I’ve been writing for 40 years. I’m finally working on my first novel. The initial feedback is positive, but I can’t help but have reservations. Am I too old to start a new career? Can I identify with the average reader? Will anyone want to read my books when they find out how old I am? The struggle is real, but I’m forging ahead anyway.
Keep forging!
I have the opposite question – I loved the TV series, and of course I love P&P in its original form and several film/TV versions - should I read Janice Hadlow's book?Very much enjoyed your review.
And you are so right about valuing ourselves enough to share our opinions and be honest about who we are, and how if we do that we will find soul mates. I certainly have. But it was a really important (and late) part of growing up when I realised that just as I am interested in other people, most of them are interested in me, whether it's to gossip about, to be friends, or to share interests and opinions. Some of the people we encounter in real life or online may not like us, but we don't like everyone we meet or have to work with either, so it all balances in the end.
Yes! I would recommend reading it.
This is so encouraging! I just started posting content to TikTok and Instagram and I’ve decided to not care about anything except am I enjoying what I’m making and it’s freeing!
Yay! I love that you are creating from a place of authentic and freedom to be you. ❤️
"Your life experience IS the value you bring" I wish to holy heaven people in my age bracket believed this
🥰
Thank you, Melissa. As you know, I just started showing up with my own Substack, and have gotten through the whole introductory series of posts. What gave me the spark was your question about what brought about my love of books, in your post about never telling someone not to read a book. It didn't just spark, it lit a fire! And as you can tell from my picture, I don't care what people think of my appearance. I could have sat for ages, trying to compose the perfect selfie, but all I did was take a picture that was already on my phone. What matters isn't how I look, but that it was taken (by me) last September in Barbados. And if anybody thinks, "Fuck me, that guy looks like a pirate, not a writer!', I will be all the more happy.
And I pressed 'yes' for your poll, because although I really know nothing about the Bennett sisters, I know that you do, and are basically an expert in the Jane Austen universe of a grade that I could only dream of my being in the Warhammer 40,000 one, your opinion on this matter will be highly informed , and carry serious weight.