I found out that the only thing fiction has in common with non fiction is that they both use words. Learning to write fiction was like asking a manicurist to become a brain surgeon. That said, it was worth every minute of angst.
I've just sold my first novel, which will be published in 2027. I will be 64 at that time. This bothers me more than it should. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
And I just published my first book at 86. Doesn’t bother me at all. Creativity knows no age—if anything, age can add wisdom, complexity and nuance that youth might overlook!
Thank you, Arielle, for the inspiration you so generously offer. I'm a lifelong nonfiction writer about to plunge into fiction in 2026, at the age of 69. I love that you said "I had no idea what I was doing" -- because I don't, either. 😄
Thank you for this-I began writing The Love Thief in my 60s. (Which, for the record, is a spectacularly underrated decade.) It speaks to me! Can't wait to read your book
What a gorgeous interview. Your description of betrayal —and all the ways age gives us more room and opportunity for creativity —was resonant, and I saved the language to read over and over.
OMG I am reading this post and it is so very inspiring and on the mark for me ...the way Arielle describes the flow of having the words come for the story as a dream sequence, snippets, messages...And her surprise at being given the messages to start writing her first novel. While I am not yet at the novel writing stage...ha...very far from it...however as a brand new (one month old now ) sub stack writer...(please consider having a peek at my substack called #letlovelead) I read your words and felt so inspired and also re-affirmed in my taking the step out of comfort zone to begin...dare I say..'publishing'..in the teeny steps that I am...my own 67 years human writing too. It feels liberating, vulnerable and in my life...absolutely on time.
5 and a half years! From my research, that is right on target. Malcom Gladwell speaks of this: 10,000 hours or 5 years to become successful in a passion like writing. To tackle a new genre takes great courage! Also, impressive is the story of the whisper that nudges us to do the thing that scares us the most! You did it, and you gave others a map to follow, to listen to that whisper, and take action. You have inspired me and countless others with your hard work. Way to go!
Dear Arielle, I can't wait to read your book! I totally agree with your sentiments. It was only after I had left a 30 year abusive marriage that I found my voice. In 6 years I have had 16 pieces of writing published. I am a short story writer and poet. I am 63 years old in 4 days time!
You got a book blurb from MARIANNE WILLIAMSON! Dang, that's gotta feel fantastic. Well, and writing your first fiction book! 🙌😅 The quote on creativity and aging I feel needs to be written down and posted in front of my desk. I definitely feel in this age of fast moving information overload that we're forgetting that with age comes a different kind of flow ~ one filled with nuances and plenty of stories to tell! Thanks, Arielle and Sari! xo
I love this, Arielle. Especially the part about not choosing the story....it choosing you. That’s how the best work usually starts: with a whisper that won’t leave you alone!
I too started writing fiction in my 60s, mostly terrified that I'd never finish anything at all, let alone a novel. Now I've got my debut novel, the first in a middle-grade fantasy series, coming out from Disney-Hyperion in May — and I'm 72 as well! So this piece resonates with me big time, and I'm ordering The Love Thief for my own reading pleasure. Cheers!
I found out that the only thing fiction has in common with non fiction is that they both use words. Learning to write fiction was like asking a manicurist to become a brain surgeon. That said, it was worth every minute of angst.
I've just sold my first novel, which will be published in 2027. I will be 64 at that time. This bothers me more than it should. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Congrats, Jacqueline!
Congratulations and way to go!
And I just published my first book at 86. Doesn’t bother me at all. Creativity knows no age—if anything, age can add wisdom, complexity and nuance that youth might overlook!
Congrats!
Thank you, Arielle, for the inspiration you so generously offer. I'm a lifelong nonfiction writer about to plunge into fiction in 2026, at the age of 69. I love that you said "I had no idea what I was doing" -- because I don't, either. 😄
I think it was Graham Greene who said, "There are three rules to writing a great novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." You're not alone!
Love that, Jan! Thank you.
Thanks for this inspiring piece. At 66, with a novel and a memoir in progress, I'm taking it to heart!
Thank you for this-I began writing The Love Thief in my 60s. (Which, for the record, is a spectacularly underrated decade.) It speaks to me! Can't wait to read your book
I’m not a woman, I’m a 54 year old male, but I needed to read this. Thank you for sharing your experience and giving me a nudge.
What a gorgeous interview. Your description of betrayal —and all the ways age gives us more room and opportunity for creativity —was resonant, and I saved the language to read over and over.
Agree - and “age is a room with a (better) view.” 🤓🥰
OMG I am reading this post and it is so very inspiring and on the mark for me ...the way Arielle describes the flow of having the words come for the story as a dream sequence, snippets, messages...And her surprise at being given the messages to start writing her first novel. While I am not yet at the novel writing stage...ha...very far from it...however as a brand new (one month old now ) sub stack writer...(please consider having a peek at my substack called #letlovelead) I read your words and felt so inspired and also re-affirmed in my taking the step out of comfort zone to begin...dare I say..'publishing'..in the teeny steps that I am...my own 67 years human writing too. It feels liberating, vulnerable and in my life...absolutely on time.
You’re an inspiration too:
“ absolutely on time.”
This is SOLID insight and words to live by. Best of everything to you in your endeavors! 💐
Thank you so much for this! I’m tickled and smiling reading your reply appreciate your encouragement thank you ✨
5 and a half years! From my research, that is right on target. Malcom Gladwell speaks of this: 10,000 hours or 5 years to become successful in a passion like writing. To tackle a new genre takes great courage! Also, impressive is the story of the whisper that nudges us to do the thing that scares us the most! You did it, and you gave others a map to follow, to listen to that whisper, and take action. You have inspired me and countless others with your hard work. Way to go!
I've found the same. Age deepens the story, the courage, the magic. Thank you for this.
Dear Arielle, I can't wait to read your book! I totally agree with your sentiments. It was only after I had left a 30 year abusive marriage that I found my voice. In 6 years I have had 16 pieces of writing published. I am a short story writer and poet. I am 63 years old in 4 days time!
You got a book blurb from MARIANNE WILLIAMSON! Dang, that's gotta feel fantastic. Well, and writing your first fiction book! 🙌😅 The quote on creativity and aging I feel needs to be written down and posted in front of my desk. I definitely feel in this age of fast moving information overload that we're forgetting that with age comes a different kind of flow ~ one filled with nuances and plenty of stories to tell! Thanks, Arielle and Sari! xo
I love this, Arielle. Especially the part about not choosing the story....it choosing you. That’s how the best work usually starts: with a whisper that won’t leave you alone!
Love this sentiment!
I too started writing fiction in my 60s, mostly terrified that I'd never finish anything at all, let alone a novel. Now I've got my debut novel, the first in a middle-grade fantasy series, coming out from Disney-Hyperion in May — and I'm 72 as well! So this piece resonates with me big time, and I'm ordering The Love Thief for my own reading pleasure. Cheers!
Arielle, Love this interview and I'm fascinated with your work now. I subscribed to you and will be reading your books soon too.