The ABCs of Storytelling: Reflections of a Story Coach. Part memoir, part compendium of practical tips, techniques, and musings on the art of storytelling.
I hope to get to where you are, Janina, and am celebrating the completion of your memoir. All the very best finding the agent of your dreams and of getting your book out into the world!
Well done Ruth, I started at 76 writing a novel and got it published and launched a couple of weeks ago. I'm 78 tomorrow and already.have two further drafts ready for when I have the money to publish. Already got a good review on Green Cat Books of Derby.
, England. ,So you are not alone, how many more septagenerians out there are novice authors , published or not. This is The Yorkshire Fenix from England in the UK signing off.
Just loving the comments by so many even older than I and DOING it! The best of birthday wishes for your special day tomorrow, Keith. I sense an unstoppable spirit in you which I admire deeply. Way to go!
Youāre in England! Wow. Donāt be shy - tell us the name of the novel. You never know. Maybe you can find a small press to publish the next ones for you so you donāt have to pay for printing.
Huge congratulations, Ruth! And what wonderful comments, as well. š
Iām 73, and my sixth book was just published two weeks ago. My first one came out just before I turned 55 - it truly is never too late!
In my latest book, The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life, I talk about the importance of continuing to envision the future you want to create in your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Brava to you for embodying that! ššššš
Thank you Erika! Yes the comments have been so much more than I ever expected. And of course Oldster has such an amazingly supportive community. We lift each other up. And congrats on such a prolific output. Motivates me to keep going.
Great piece, Ruth, about your long road to publication. Love the photos and I loved your novel. My first book (a memoir) came out when I was 66 and my second memoir dropped when I was 72.
Thank you Debbie. Iāve been doing essays (nonfiction) and have a rough draft of a novel whose characters hail from the Jersey City neighborhood in which Tina from The Bulgarian Training Manual grew up. But - itās more of a drama dealing with people who were once in love and, you got it, reconnect late in life. Will see where it goes. And whether the publishing world wants a romance of 60-somethings.
Oh my goodness!! And I thought I started my MFA late in life. I must share that I enjoyed almost every single workshop and formed lasting bonds with so many students and faculty. Especially those of us who had many years between BA and MFA. I also got to know great writers - some heroes of mine - I never would have met. Iām sure even with low residency youāll find your circle of supportive peers and teachers that will keep you moving forward.
My mom did a low-residency masters in her sixties. Not only did she thrive but she met all these great younger people who became friends. I really liked them all.
Well done, Ruth! All of it ā your family, your business ventures, your MFA. While I used to shock people by telling them my age ("No! You don't look 70.), now when I say "79," they say "Ah." Thud. When, if ever, will I get my newly polished debut novel published? Will I still be alive? I'm focusing on what's just ahead of me, on next steps.
I hear you loud and clear! Yup. We just keep going. Focusing on whatās ahead is the only thing we can do. Itās easy to get lost in the past. Iām cheering for you. Sincerely. We live for as long as live whether we finish projects or not. So might as well keep at it.
So much in this post I could relate to: Ruth's journalist roots to her time as a stay-at-home mom, divorce, renewal. I'm 67 and just published my first novel. I hope to follow in her footsteps and have another one in the world by the time I turn 70. Happy book birthday month to The Bulgarian Training Manual!
Thank you! Whatās the name of the novel you just published? We can keep an eye out for it. Yes, itās a happy book birthday. This baby just took a looong time to gestate.
No shame in age! Ever. I just got a book deal and I am 58. Maybe I can get another by the time I am 68! Always good to have goals. Thank you for telling your story.
I released my first book at 50 and my first novel at 69. Now Iām up to 10 books total with more coming in my Midlife Moxie novel series. Never give up!
What is so interesting is that I was scared and upset the closer I came to turning 70, but working on the novel series changed my outlook on aging. Now I prefer to think of it as next-staging!
I am four months away from turning 70. Something about that number sounds more like seven years older than 69, rather than one. I wonāt be writing, but your comment is a good reminder that my life is what I make of it. I am free to explore!
I really think people need to have a purpose. Something to get excited about in the morning, to reach for, to do and finish. Could be a book, could be an amazing garden or a new career.
Ordering this right now. I know, as a published writer myself, how important it is for us to support one another! Also: I so needed this post this morning.
Thank you so much Marcelle. Let me know what you think of it. I hope you enjoy and LOL as you go along. And Iām glad the post came at a time when you needed it. Good book karma
Congratulations, Ruth. Iād wanted to be a writer from the age of 13. I published my book last October at age 72. Never too late.
Congrats!
Yeah! Congratulations, Michael!
Good for you! Whatās the name of your book? Let the world know!
The ABCs of Storytelling: Reflections of a Story Coach. Part memoir, part compendium of practical tips, techniques, and musings on the art of storytelling.
Thank you!
Thank you! This 64 year old is currently querying to agents for my caregiver memoir. You helped me persevere one more month.
Good luck!
Don't give up, please. The world definitely needs a brilliant caregiver memoir.
I hope to get to where you are, Janina, and am celebrating the completion of your memoir. All the very best finding the agent of your dreams and of getting your book out into the world!
Keep going. Itās like hiking, one hill at a time, rest, repeat. Youāll get there.
Well done Ruth, I started at 76 writing a novel and got it published and launched a couple of weeks ago. I'm 78 tomorrow and already.have two further drafts ready for when I have the money to publish. Already got a good review on Green Cat Books of Derby.
, England. ,So you are not alone, how many more septagenerians out there are novice authors , published or not. This is The Yorkshire Fenix from England in the UK signing off.
Just loving the comments by so many even older than I and DOING it! The best of birthday wishes for your special day tomorrow, Keith. I sense an unstoppable spirit in you which I admire deeply. Way to go!
Youāre in England! Wow. Donāt be shy - tell us the name of the novel. You never know. Maybe you can find a small press to publish the next ones for you so you donāt have to pay for printing.
Huge congratulations, Ruth! And what wonderful comments, as well. š
Iām 73, and my sixth book was just published two weeks ago. My first one came out just before I turned 55 - it truly is never too late!
In my latest book, The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life, I talk about the importance of continuing to envision the future you want to create in your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Brava to you for embodying that! ššššš
Wow! Way to go Erika! I'm inspired.
Thank you!
Thank you Erika! Yes the comments have been so much more than I ever expected. And of course Oldster has such an amazingly supportive community. We lift each other up. And congrats on such a prolific output. Motivates me to keep going.
Yay! Hereās to your next project -
Great piece, Ruth, about your long road to publication. Love the photos and I loved your novel. My first book (a memoir) came out when I was 66 and my second memoir dropped when I was 72.
Thank you Kate! I do have one of your books. Iāll have to see which one Iām missing!
Absolutely love this interview, and the back story of @Ruth Bonapaceās new novel! Brava Ruth, at 70! whatās next??!
Thank you Debbie. Iāve been doing essays (nonfiction) and have a rough draft of a novel whose characters hail from the Jersey City neighborhood in which Tina from The Bulgarian Training Manual grew up. But - itās more of a drama dealing with people who were once in love and, you got it, reconnect late in life. Will see where it goes. And whether the publishing world wants a romance of 60-somethings.
I was so confused as to who was 70 because I couldnāt see anyone who looked 70, wow! And congratulations š
Aw thanks.
So inspiring, Ruth! Brava! At 72, I was just accepted for the low-residency MFA inaugural program at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Wow. Congrats!
Oh my goodness!! And I thought I started my MFA late in life. I must share that I enjoyed almost every single workshop and formed lasting bonds with so many students and faculty. Especially those of us who had many years between BA and MFA. I also got to know great writers - some heroes of mine - I never would have met. Iām sure even with low residency youāll find your circle of supportive peers and teachers that will keep you moving forward.
My mom did a low-residency masters in her sixties. Not only did she thrive but she met all these great younger people who became friends. I really liked them all.
Love it!
Well done, Ruth! All of it ā your family, your business ventures, your MFA. While I used to shock people by telling them my age ("No! You don't look 70.), now when I say "79," they say "Ah." Thud. When, if ever, will I get my newly polished debut novel published? Will I still be alive? I'm focusing on what's just ahead of me, on next steps.
I hear you loud and clear! Yup. We just keep going. Focusing on whatās ahead is the only thing we can do. Itās easy to get lost in the past. Iām cheering for you. Sincerely. We live for as long as live whether we finish projects or not. So might as well keep at it.
Thanks. This means a lot.
So much in this post I could relate to: Ruth's journalist roots to her time as a stay-at-home mom, divorce, renewal. I'm 67 and just published my first novel. I hope to follow in her footsteps and have another one in the world by the time I turn 70. Happy book birthday month to The Bulgarian Training Manual!
Sunshine Girl is a wonderful book!
Thank you so much, Jennifer, for your kind words!
Thank you! Whatās the name of the novel you just published? We can keep an eye out for it. Yes, itās a happy book birthday. This baby just took a looong time to gestate.
Thank you for sharing your story, Ruth. This is what I needed to read today. Congratulations! ā¤ļø
Thank you for sharing that
No shame in age! Ever. I just got a book deal and I am 58. Maybe I can get another by the time I am 68! Always good to have goals. Thank you for telling your story.
My pleasure to do so. Congrats and you are so right. Good to have goals.
I released my first book at 50 and my first novel at 69. Now Iām up to 10 books total with more coming in my Midlife Moxie novel series. Never give up!
Absolutely correct. Youāre inspiring me to get to work finishing my next one.
Amazing.
What is so interesting is that I was scared and upset the closer I came to turning 70, but working on the novel series changed my outlook on aging. Now I prefer to think of it as next-staging!
I am four months away from turning 70. Something about that number sounds more like seven years older than 69, rather than one. I wonāt be writing, but your comment is a good reminder that my life is what I make of it. I am free to explore!
I know what you mean about the number. It just sounds so old!
I really think people need to have a purpose. Something to get excited about in the morning, to reach for, to do and finish. Could be a book, could be an amazing garden or a new career.
Such a wonderful story and I sense there is a memoir in the mix! Congratulations!!
Thanks Susan!
Ordering this right now. I know, as a published writer myself, how important it is for us to support one another! Also: I so needed this post this morning.
Thank you so much Marcelle. Let me know what you think of it. I hope you enjoy and LOL as you go along. And Iām glad the post came at a time when you needed it. Good book karma
So many of us keep on putting one word after another! I love reading your journey and adore Sari for collecting these gorgeous stories!
Thanks Sandra. I do love this Substack and Sariās careful curation and thoughtfulness.
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