Today’s (Optional) Writing Prompt: Have you reached the prime of your life? What do you want to be your legacy?
I've been writing as far back as I can remember, but I didn't start writing for publication until 2005. I was 28. I had my first short story published for pay, making me a professional writer in my own mind, around my 29th birthday. Do I wish I had started earlier? Sure. I was still happy to be able to say I got started writing in my 20s.
Writers, it's said, hit their stride in their 40s and 50s. I've published five novels now, but I'm just getting started. By no means do I feel as if I've already made my major contribution to world art and literature. This is just the appetizer. The main course is still on its way.
Some writers start even later in life. Anne Patchett's mom has written several successful novels now, and she spent most of her professional life as a RN. She was in her 60s before she decided to follow in her daughter's footsteps.
I still hope my mom will follow in my footsteps and write her vampire late-life romance novel. I want her to call it You Can Have My Vampire When You Pry Me From His Cold, Dead Hands.
Remember what Aaliyah said: "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number."
Anne Patchett's mom is Jeanne Ray. I couldn't remember it during my free write, but I looked it up afterward. I should be ashamed, because I met Ray at a literary event at my local library.
