Wednesday, August 1, 2012

IWSG and Michael Pierce Interview


I can't believe it's already time for the August meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Thank you as always to Alex!

For this month's meeting, I'm re-posting a post I made back in March, 2011, when there were about five people reading this blog. I recently came across the article I referenced in this post again and found it as inspiring now as I did when I first shared it, so I thought it would be appropriate to share it again for the IWSG. Here is my original post:

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Too Late?

One of the biggest concerns I had when I started trying to become established as a writer was that I had waited too long to get started on this goal. I was certain it was too late, and I was too old. I thought everyone would think I was foolish for trying something new, and the voice inside my head insisted that since I didn't start this when I was 20, there was no point in starting it now.

There was never anything rational about this, as when I have come upon people my age or older who are trying new projects or pursuing new paths, I have never once felt that they were foolish, and I never would. So I'm not sure why I held myself to a harsher standard, except for the fact that I've always been my own worst critic, and old habits die hard.

As I still have these thoughts swirling around in my head, I was pleased to come upon this article by Richard Goodman called, appropriately enough, Never Too Late.

The title of the article, which originally appeared in The Writer magazine and was reprinted on the Gotham Writers' Workshop website, caught my eye immediately. I was hoping it was about what I thought it was about. And sure enough, it was.

It was inspiring to me to read that Goodman was older than I am now when he published his first book. I could totally relate to his thoughts and experiences, and I found myself nodding my head in agreement more than once.

While I found the whole essay inspiring, I particularly enjoyed reading about Harriet Doerr, who wrote her first book Stones for Ibarra when she was 73.

If it wasn't too late for Doerr at 73 or Goodman at 46, then surely it's not too late for me, either.

Or at least I hope it's not. See, old habits die hard. ;)

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As I mentioned last week, I interviewed Michael Pierce about his wonderful book Provex City for my Books column. The interview has now been published and is available here. Thanks again to Michael for sharing with me!

30 comments:

  1. Great article, well worth re-posting it! Visiting from IWSG and haven't caught up before, so hi!

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  2. Ah, you're definitely never too old to write a great book!

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  3. Great post/re-post, Julie. Thanks for sharing it/re-sharing it. :)

    Isn't it funny how we criticize ourselves for so many things (we're being silly, we're too old, etc.) but we will cheer others on for attempting those exact things? I don't get it. Sigh.

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  4. Onward and upwards. That's all there is, all there can be. Glad you're jumping into the pool. It's never too late to learn how to swim.

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  5. There's only now, and the blank page, and a desire to communicate. That's true whether you're new to writing or you've been in print your whole life. Welcome to the party!

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  6. It's never too late! Especially for someone as talented as you! I've read your excerpt, you've got something! Don't let it go to waste.

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  7. I love one of the final lines in the movie Vanilla Sky: "Every passing moment is another chance to turn it all around." It's never too late to do what you really want to do! Great post. And thanks again for the interview. :)

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  8. Thanks for giving me hope Julie! Glad you re-posted this, and I enjoyed your interview with Michael. Julie

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  9. We are never to old to do something that we are passionate about. Great post!

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  10. Sometimes it seems like the later in life people are the more interesting things they bring to their writing. It makes sense, after all. More time on this planet means more time to learn about all kinds of things and translate them into the written word.

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  11. Great post. I think mid-fourties is the perfect time to start writing novels. I have the discipline and the life experience I didn't have in my twenties.

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  12. @C.M, thanks, it's great to meet you!

    @Kyra, I think so too, thanks.

    @Madeline, it is funny, I would never criticize others the way I do myself. It's a terrible habit that I'm working to change. Thanks!

    @EJ, agree, thanks!

    @Derek, thank you!

    @Karen, good point, thanks!

    @Lisa, oh, thanks so much, that's very kind of you to say.

    @Michael, I love that line, never saw that movie so I'm glad you shared it. A good one to remember, thanks!

    @Julie, I'm so glad the post gave you hope, you're such a fantastic writer!

    @Julia, I agree, thank you!

    @Johanna, that's true, I have noticed that as well, great point!

    @Tonja, I feel the same, I think the life experience can definitely add to writing. Thanks!

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  13. It's never too late! I didn't start until my mid-forties. Not serious anyway. Think it made me a better writer though.

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  14. @Alex, oh, I didn't realize you didn't get started until you were older as well, that is very inspiring to know! Thanks!

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  15. Great repost.

    I got a late start, too. I don't think age matters so much in writing.

    Will go read about Michael :)

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  16. Definitely never too old! Great post.

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  17. Well as I am older than the hills out the front of my house, I hope you are right, Julie :)

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  18. Geesh, I hope it's not too late. Besides we only get better as we get older. All that life experience to draw on and make sense of, you know. Okay, some of us get grouchy and cynical with age too, but maybe that's just me. :P

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  19. You interview with Michael is awesome!

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  20. @Mary, I've been amazed how many of use got a late start to this, it's great. Thanks!

    @VikLit, thank you. :)

    @Carolyn, LOL, I definitely think I am right then. :D

    @LG, no, not just you LOL. But I think you are totally right, the life experience can make a big difference.

    @Carol, thanks!!

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  21. It's definitely never too late to write a book! :) Great post!

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  22. It's definitely not too late, but I do sympathise with your feelings as I've often felt the same way. It's funny when we voice our insecurities, we find we aren't actually alone.

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  23. I enjoyed reading this post, Julie. I definetely started out late as well. It's all about passion.It's about whether you enjoy doing what you do,I think and the rest is just droning noise in the background. I'm cheering you on! *picture me with pom poms :) It's never too late.

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  24. always good to find out its never too late!
    thanks!

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  25. @Krista, thanks!

    @Rebecca, that's a good point, it's nice to know there are many of us who can empathize with each other.

    @Cecilia, LOL, thanks for cheering! I am laughing thinking about you with the pom poms, thanks! :)

    @Tara, thank you! :)

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  26. With the changes in publishing it is never too late. I posted today with a link of self-published authors on the NY Times Best Sellers List. Its a wide open world out there!

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  27. I didn't have anything to say in my twenties. Now that I'm in my fifties, I can't shut up.

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  28. Never too old to write. I don't like bingo, so I'll be writing in the nursing home someday. :)

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  29. Great interview, Julie. Are you enjoying your new writing job? It sure seems like it!
    Now I'm off to read the Never Too Late article.

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  30. @Stephen, oh, I didn't see that post, I am anxious to look at that. It is amazing how many doors have been opened with self-publishing, very inspiring.

    @Gene Pool Diva, LOL, I can't shut up either. :D

    @Ciara, LOL LOL, I think I'll be doing the same. I hate bingo LOL.

    @Susan, I am, it's fun, thanks!

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