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Older Women Writers
I've just joined She Writes. It seems from the photos that most of the members are much younger than I am (I'm 74.) Though I certainly keep up with modern life and write in a variety of styles, I realize that despite my ample publications, editors of journals these days are interested in topics that concern
20 to maybe 30 year olds. Even Poets & Writers has a definite tilt towards the younger writer, especially if she is seeking an MFA program. Would like to start a discussion, and perhaps eventually a group, of more "mature" writers. Yes, I, too, hate that word "mature," but can't think of a substitute at the moment--except maybe "experienced." And I know there are exceptions to what I note here.
Comments welcome.
20 to maybe 30 year olds. Even Poets & Writers has a definite tilt towards the younger writer, especially if she is seeking an MFA program. Would like to start a discussion, and perhaps eventually a group, of more "mature" writers. Yes, I, too, hate that word "mature," but can't think of a substitute at the moment--except maybe "experienced." And I know there are exceptions to what I note here.
Comments welcome.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Carol Feiner on -
Barbara, I would welcome a group for "mature" writers. My situation is different -- I have NO publications. At 61 I feel that I have squandered my writing talent and that it's now too late to ever get published.
And while I might be "mature" I sometimes revel in being immature!
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Permalink Reply by Barbara F. Lefcowitz on -
I, too, value some of my "immature" thoughts and acts. But I don't think it's too late for you; the trick is to take a deep breath and send out something you've written to a journal--actually to more than one, because some take up to a year to respond! That includes online journals, the majority of outlets these days. Forget about money and expect to be rejected at first and also :(( when you've been published before, sometimes in the same journal. After a while you'll develop a thick skin. The most important thing is to continue writing and sending out your work. I'm lucky enough not to have to write for money; getting read is far more important to me, especially when it comes to poetry. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Judith Hope on -
What a good idea. I am 67, and becoming excited about my Next 30 Vital Years (cribbed from Dr. Francis McNab, a Melbourne - Australia psychologist.) I confess to being a bit taken aback by my aging, and my actual age ... I have been so busy living my life, I can't imagine how this happened. I AM now an older woman. Yet, I am keen to keep thinking outside of the age-frame, and hope to continue to having my behaviour appropriate for my age, and yet, free in spirit and often displaying joys which can be left behind in childhood. Whew!
I wrote, when I went to University at 40, to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Writing .. and succeeded to the degree of having fiction published, and also adopted for film by the Australian Broadcasting Commission. After that, Life overwhelmed my fiction writing. I have become a poet. And, I feel that my best writing will come from my maturity. It seems logical, anyway, that it could.
Willing to give it my best shot. And to write from within myself .. more deeply and more honestly than possible in the past.
Soooooooooooo .... let's keep with the positives about the older age group ... and recognize that this bracket of women ARE living on, are claiming life, defining this Chapter of their lives as important ... and interesting in living, creating and being all that is possible and open to them.
There are several books, in She Writes, that address people in this Chapter of our life; it is almost a genre in itself that is developing. Certainly there is a readership and, in sufficient numbers, to make this worthwhile and worth watching, I would think.
If this is in keeping with what you would want to hear, then count me in. Please.
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Permalink Reply by Barbara F. Lefcowitz on
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Thanks. I hope more people will reply and that someone will tell me how to set up a group. Barbara
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Permalink Reply by Ellen Appleby Keim on -
Count me in. I'm 58 and presently blogging like a fiend at Femagination. So much so that I rarely find time for anything else (like marketing, submitting, etc.). One thing I've found that's a bit disconcerting since I've finally found time for my writing is that all the good ideas I had when I was younger, and not writing as much, no longer seem germane. I'm having to re-invent who I am, as a woman and as a writer. It's hard work, but worth it, I think. At least it keeps my mind active. But I have to admit, I'd like to achieve more as a writer, to have a wider audience, to leave a mark on the world (yes, I want to be famous! Is that still possible at my age??). Actually, all I want to do is write, I can't help but write. I always have and I always will. But I would like to be read.
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Permalink Reply by Susan Ruane McConnell on -
Me, too. Just joined --- and perhaps the "baby" at 53 ---- but definitely not a member of the majority here. LOL. Ellen, I'm going to check you out at Femagination --- I've yet to blog; I'm trying so hard to finish a polished first draft of my novel this summer. I just passed 300 pages, and I know I can do it!
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Permalink Reply by Ellen Appleby Keim on
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I'm sure you can do it, too! I salute you for getting more than 300 pages under your belt. You may be wise to not get into blogging. It does take up a lot of time, although I do think I've learned a lot from doing it. I haven't gotten involved yet here at She Writes, but I think I'm going to enjoy it. Thanks for your "hi"!
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Permalink Reply by Martina Reisz Newberry on -
Hello!
I'd love to be part of this group. I'm 66, and have several books "out there." Three of my books are traditionally published, four are POD. I reinvent myself at every turn and that seems to keep my work growing.
You're right about the bias of editors toward younger writers. Though the work of more mature writers is often better, more skilled, more finely crafted, mature women writers tend to be ignored and overlooked. I believe the only way to battle this is to continue to write and continue to put our work anywhere we can.
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Permalink Reply by Martina Reisz Newberry on
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"Mature" works for me because it's more a state of mind than a number. Several of my books deal with issues of mature women and sexuality, fear and/or welcome of aging, etc. I was glad to see your post because I thought maybe no one was at this site. It seemed so quiet.
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Permalink Reply by RYCJ on -
I'll certainly keep an eye out for this group. I look up to and respect anyone, particularly writers, with the knowledge of life experiences that I couldn't surpass if I wrote a million books and banked ten times as many dollars. Wisdom is a matchless quality for writing, and I don't intend to look around it.
And please don't boot me out. I am 48!
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