I am that older woman who wants to write. The desire has been dancing around for about 20 years and I dabbled. The past year, I made the time to seriously pursue the dream, but there are doubts. Have I really got something valuable to offer? Who would read what I have to say? So, yes, I would buy the book which could encourage me during the doubting times.
I think soothing doubts may be the most important part of helping writers to find their voices. I'm going to work on this. Thanks for the encouragement.
I like the tone. Like you’re sitting and chatting with me, sharing experiences and things you’ve learned. As opposed to, say, “These three things will make you successful!” and then you discuss the three things. Or “Here are the BEST WAYS TO BE A SUCCESSFUL WRITER!” and then spend the next ten paragraphs not talking about any of them (but that’s mostly clickbait articles… hopefully…). Your approach lets me know where you’re coming from, so it lets me decide, “Does this make sense for me?” And maybe it won’t, but I get to decide.
This is the only way I could write this book, since I have doubts myself about what works and what doesn't. I have a horror of having it called a 'self-help' book, too, so I think I'm probably doing everything I can to avoid that.
I want it to be light and funny, not textbookish. I wouldn't read it myself it that's the way it was.
Write it for the old people. They will pass it on to their kids if there are true words and good lessons in it. I'm still passing on Anne Morrow Lindberg's, "Gifts From The Sea".
Hi Ramona - I love the concept of a book about writing for older people. What a great niche. Even though much of the advice will be universal for all writers, there will be people for whom your book will be perfect. There are bound to be people out there who think they are too old to start writing, or they'll never be published at their age etc etc. And you are the perfect person to encourage them. Go for it.
Thanks so much, Cali. I was gung-ho about the concept until a writer friend who actually has an agent and and an editor and gets books published thought the niche might be too narrow.
I'm too easily swayed sometimes and realize now that I really do want to keep it for older people. It's the way I've been writing it and I think it works.
Lots of marketing people say that a narrow niche is good. Because then you can target them with very specific language. And I think in terms of writing, it is a very under served niche. And you are the ideal person to serve them 😊
“You write because you want to—maybe because you desperately want to—but not because you must.”
Just because you won’t die doesn’t mean you don’t have to. I think some of us are truly compelled. We honestly don’t have a choice. I don’t like I’ve skipped a day of writing in maybe 38 years. And I’m sure I’ve got lots of company. Yes? No?
And almost everything I experience I experience through the filter of how I’d write about it. That’s a thing, yes?
"I write because I must" has become a cliche because for many of us it rings true. That's us. We're hooked. We're committed. And we love it.
That's not who this book is for. While this particular chapter leads into the publishing aspect, the readers are older people who are mainly beginners. They're barely sticking their toes in the water. They don't need that angst.
They've heard the phrase, I'm sure, and it can be intimidating if they don't understand how it applies. It applies to those of us who have made a choice to put writing front and center in our lives. (And it is a choice.) That's not them. Not at this stage. After they've read this book they can go on and make a decision about how much effort they want to put into it, but first they have to take a look at what goes into it.
I want to make it easy for them. They don't have all the time in the world. I don't want them to waste a minute of it on something that's not for them. By the time they finish reading, they'll either have enjoyed the read and will move on, or they'll have that 'aha' moment we all had before we started down this path. That's my goal.
I appreciate your comment more than you know. It got me to thinking more about the theme and my goals. I'm probably going to take something from every comment here and use them to better mold my manuscript. I love this!
I love the idea of a "Writing while old" book. I know you won't think I'm old, but I see so many much younger people than me being better at writing and think I shouldn't bother sometimes. "Old" is like "young" - a matter of perspective. In my case, I have reasons that I feel old. I'm sure your book would appeal to many would-be writers whose perspective on life casts them as "old".
"I see so many much younger people than me being better at writing and think I shouldn't bother sometimes."
Yes! This is what I mean. It saddens me that so many older people have the time now, yet are nervous or afraid to go after this thing they've maybe dreamed about but think they're not worthy. My aim is to change that thinking. And do a little nudging by example.
Is it a hobby? Is it a craft? Is it a lifestyle? Is it a one-time thing and then they're done? It'll be whatever they want it to be, but first they'll need my book to get them going. I hope.
In answer to your question, no, at this stage in my writing life, I probably wouldn't buy another book on writing.
I'm an indie writer, first published in 2010 and for the few years before I became published, I actually spent money on having my then manuscript 'worked' by a literary consultancy in London. The ms. became the book one writes and then puts in the bottom drawer. (One should always have one.)
I then wrote the book I wanted my name attached to and went back to the same consultancy and they worked with me again - it cost a lot, but the end result was that I became one of their Hot 24. These were writers they would actively shop to agents and publishers.
But I decided to go indie for a number of reasons and getting into the Hot 24 gave me the confidence to do that.
To cut a long story short, I would go back and do exactly the same thing again. Not buy 'how to' books but actively work with a good editorial consultancy. The consultancy taught me so much and I still to this day, think it's the best money I've spent in my writing life.
I'm sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear, and it's only one writer's experience but it worked for me. I'm sure many others have other opinions and experiences.
I love your writing, Ramona- keep it coming, foggy brain or not!
You don't have to apologize! This book is not for seasoned writers. It's for people who might have gone most of their lives just thinking about writing and would like to give it a try. It's not meant to be a how-to, but it can't help it, I guess. But it'll be more than that.
I've been seriously writing for more than 40 years and at the beginning I read everything I could get my hands on about the art and craft of writing. I listened intently to everyone with a soapbox. And it was confusing!
I want this book to be lighthearted and fun and geared to someone of an age who just wants to see what this writing thing is all about. That's all.
Do you think that age-ing removes barriers and anything can become possible? Or is it the reverse? Maybe because we have less time left, we must make the most of it by doing what we've always wanted but haven't been able to. I heard of a writer friend's father (80) who jumped out of a plane the other day!!!!
Maybe writing a book is like jumping out of the plane. We just have to have the desire first and then the courage...
Ramona, I reckon anything with a sense of humour is worth reading as it takes fear of the unknown and unexpected away. I retract my original comment about not buying any more writing craft books. Go for it and let us enjoy it!
I think aging gives us a certain amount of freedom--in how we work, in how we think, in how we transform our lives, if we're able--but along with that freedom comes mountains of anxiety, not the least of which is the very real fear of the clock ticking down. I'm in my 80s, so there's little chance I'll have even another 20 years of what little mobility and brainpower I have now.
I understand that, which gives me the edge, I think. I know how that sense of limited time plays into our decision-making. I love that your friend's father jumped out of a plane at 80! One more thing to check off of his bucket list. And you're right--first comes the desire, then comes the courage. Also entering in: the regrets if we don't do it now.
So all of that will be in this book. If I weren't this old and I tried to speak to old people about the joys of writing, it might not be nearly as meaningful as it is coming from someone who's old and who's there.
And then there are the regrets. If I don't do it now, will I always regret it?
“You either have it or you don’t, but even without it you can be a writer. That’s what you need to remember. You cannot buy, steal, or manufacture innate talent, but you can get good enough at your craft to satisfy both your readers and you.”
Not long ago I was browsing for a book in Libby and Writer’s Digest popped up. I clicked without a second thought, then closed the app as soon as the cover loaded. The doubt was immediate…“What the hell was I thinking? I’m not a writer.” “How is a magazine going to change anything?” “There’s no point.” (etc). 🤦🏽♀️
I am that older woman who wants to write. The desire has been dancing around for about 20 years and I dabbled. The past year, I made the time to seriously pursue the dream, but there are doubts. Have I really got something valuable to offer? Who would read what I have to say? So, yes, I would buy the book which could encourage me during the doubting times.
I think soothing doubts may be the most important part of helping writers to find their voices. I'm going to work on this. Thanks for the encouragement.
I like the tone. Like you’re sitting and chatting with me, sharing experiences and things you’ve learned. As opposed to, say, “These three things will make you successful!” and then you discuss the three things. Or “Here are the BEST WAYS TO BE A SUCCESSFUL WRITER!” and then spend the next ten paragraphs not talking about any of them (but that’s mostly clickbait articles… hopefully…). Your approach lets me know where you’re coming from, so it lets me decide, “Does this make sense for me?” And maybe it won’t, but I get to decide.
This is the only way I could write this book, since I have doubts myself about what works and what doesn't. I have a horror of having it called a 'self-help' book, too, so I think I'm probably doing everything I can to avoid that.
I want it to be light and funny, not textbookish. I wouldn't read it myself it that's the way it was.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Write it for the old people. They will pass it on to their kids if there are true words and good lessons in it. I'm still passing on Anne Morrow Lindberg's, "Gifts From The Sea".
Yes! I give 'Gifts From the Sea' as gifts, too! I love it.
Thank you for the encouragement. It's going into the 'I'm Gonna do It' file.
Hi Ramona - I love the concept of a book about writing for older people. What a great niche. Even though much of the advice will be universal for all writers, there will be people for whom your book will be perfect. There are bound to be people out there who think they are too old to start writing, or they'll never be published at their age etc etc. And you are the perfect person to encourage them. Go for it.
Thanks so much, Cali. I was gung-ho about the concept until a writer friend who actually has an agent and and an editor and gets books published thought the niche might be too narrow.
I'm too easily swayed sometimes and realize now that I really do want to keep it for older people. It's the way I've been writing it and I think it works.
Thank you!
Lots of marketing people say that a narrow niche is good. Because then you can target them with very specific language. And I think in terms of writing, it is a very under served niche. And you are the ideal person to serve them 😊
You're convincing me. And I'd better get cracking. I'm not getting any younger!
(Thanks again.)
“You write because you want to—maybe because you desperately want to—but not because you must.”
Just because you won’t die doesn’t mean you don’t have to. I think some of us are truly compelled. We honestly don’t have a choice. I don’t like I’ve skipped a day of writing in maybe 38 years. And I’m sure I’ve got lots of company. Yes? No?
And almost everything I experience I experience through the filter of how I’d write about it. That’s a thing, yes?
"I write because I must" has become a cliche because for many of us it rings true. That's us. We're hooked. We're committed. And we love it.
That's not who this book is for. While this particular chapter leads into the publishing aspect, the readers are older people who are mainly beginners. They're barely sticking their toes in the water. They don't need that angst.
They've heard the phrase, I'm sure, and it can be intimidating if they don't understand how it applies. It applies to those of us who have made a choice to put writing front and center in our lives. (And it is a choice.) That's not them. Not at this stage. After they've read this book they can go on and make a decision about how much effort they want to put into it, but first they have to take a look at what goes into it.
I want to make it easy for them. They don't have all the time in the world. I don't want them to waste a minute of it on something that's not for them. By the time they finish reading, they'll either have enjoyed the read and will move on, or they'll have that 'aha' moment we all had before we started down this path. That's my goal.
Ah, that totally makes sense. I wasn't thinking about it in the context of your book.
I appreciate your comment more than you know. It got me to thinking more about the theme and my goals. I'm probably going to take something from every comment here and use them to better mold my manuscript. I love this!
I love the idea of a "Writing while old" book. I know you won't think I'm old, but I see so many much younger people than me being better at writing and think I shouldn't bother sometimes. "Old" is like "young" - a matter of perspective. In my case, I have reasons that I feel old. I'm sure your book would appeal to many would-be writers whose perspective on life casts them as "old".
"I see so many much younger people than me being better at writing and think I shouldn't bother sometimes."
Yes! This is what I mean. It saddens me that so many older people have the time now, yet are nervous or afraid to go after this thing they've maybe dreamed about but think they're not worthy. My aim is to change that thinking. And do a little nudging by example.
Is it a hobby? Is it a craft? Is it a lifestyle? Is it a one-time thing and then they're done? It'll be whatever they want it to be, but first they'll need my book to get them going. I hope.
In answer to your question, no, at this stage in my writing life, I probably wouldn't buy another book on writing.
I'm an indie writer, first published in 2010 and for the few years before I became published, I actually spent money on having my then manuscript 'worked' by a literary consultancy in London. The ms. became the book one writes and then puts in the bottom drawer. (One should always have one.)
I then wrote the book I wanted my name attached to and went back to the same consultancy and they worked with me again - it cost a lot, but the end result was that I became one of their Hot 24. These were writers they would actively shop to agents and publishers.
But I decided to go indie for a number of reasons and getting into the Hot 24 gave me the confidence to do that.
To cut a long story short, I would go back and do exactly the same thing again. Not buy 'how to' books but actively work with a good editorial consultancy. The consultancy taught me so much and I still to this day, think it's the best money I've spent in my writing life.
I'm sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear, and it's only one writer's experience but it worked for me. I'm sure many others have other opinions and experiences.
I love your writing, Ramona- keep it coming, foggy brain or not!
Best wishes.
You don't have to apologize! This book is not for seasoned writers. It's for people who might have gone most of their lives just thinking about writing and would like to give it a try. It's not meant to be a how-to, but it can't help it, I guess. But it'll be more than that.
I've been seriously writing for more than 40 years and at the beginning I read everything I could get my hands on about the art and craft of writing. I listened intently to everyone with a soapbox. And it was confusing!
I want this book to be lighthearted and fun and geared to someone of an age who just wants to see what this writing thing is all about. That's all.
Do you think that age-ing removes barriers and anything can become possible? Or is it the reverse? Maybe because we have less time left, we must make the most of it by doing what we've always wanted but haven't been able to. I heard of a writer friend's father (80) who jumped out of a plane the other day!!!!
Maybe writing a book is like jumping out of the plane. We just have to have the desire first and then the courage...
Ramona, I reckon anything with a sense of humour is worth reading as it takes fear of the unknown and unexpected away. I retract my original comment about not buying any more writing craft books. Go for it and let us enjoy it!
I think aging gives us a certain amount of freedom--in how we work, in how we think, in how we transform our lives, if we're able--but along with that freedom comes mountains of anxiety, not the least of which is the very real fear of the clock ticking down. I'm in my 80s, so there's little chance I'll have even another 20 years of what little mobility and brainpower I have now.
I understand that, which gives me the edge, I think. I know how that sense of limited time plays into our decision-making. I love that your friend's father jumped out of a plane at 80! One more thing to check off of his bucket list. And you're right--first comes the desire, then comes the courage. Also entering in: the regrets if we don't do it now.
So all of that will be in this book. If I weren't this old and I tried to speak to old people about the joys of writing, it might not be nearly as meaningful as it is coming from someone who's old and who's there.
And then there are the regrets. If I don't do it now, will I always regret it?
The one thing I love repeatedly in your newsletters is the way you stir my grey matter. You make me think. Thank you.
Thanks so much, but I honestly think I get more from you all. It's like brainstorming with all you brilliant, clever people!
“You either have it or you don’t, but even without it you can be a writer. That’s what you need to remember. You cannot buy, steal, or manufacture innate talent, but you can get good enough at your craft to satisfy both your readers and you.”
That part says it all. Thank you.🫶🏼
Not long ago I was browsing for a book in Libby and Writer’s Digest popped up. I clicked without a second thought, then closed the app as soon as the cover loaded. The doubt was immediate…“What the hell was I thinking? I’m not a writer.” “How is a magazine going to change anything?” “There’s no point.” (etc). 🤦🏽♀️
Oh my gosh, you didn't! I hope you got over it. I finally did. ❤️