When to start a writing career? The second best time is now (#IWSG)
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Chinese proverb
This post is part of the Insecure Writers Support Group monthly blog hop, co-hosted this month by Erika Beebe, Olga Godim, Sandra Cox, Sarah Foster, and Chemist Ken. This month’s optional question is: What’s the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?
Before I get to this month’s question, I want to share some exciting news with my IWSG friends (and anyone else who missed my announcement last week): I’ve published another short story! It’s a Christmas horror story, published in this year’s Deathlehem anthology, The Colour out of Deathlehem. See the announcement at the top of my blog for details.
Now that the shameless self-promotion is out of the way, let’s get on to this month’s IWSG post:
What’s the one thing I regret most about my writing career? That’s easy. I regret that I started my writing career so late. I’ve told the story before (in my very first IWSG post) about how a high school English teacher assigned us to write a short story without teaching us anything about writing fiction and how I assumed from that experience that I had no talent. But I can’t blame that teacher for my illogical belief that one high school assignment should determine my fate as a writer. I majored in English. I could have put aside concerns about my GPA and taken a creative writing class as part of my degree program. I could have read some books about fiction writing when I was in my 20s and 30s and teaching myself other skills. I could have, could have, could have.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I clung stubbornly to the idea that writers were born, not made, and I didn’t have the required talent. Reader, I clung to that idea for 30 years after the high school short story assignment.
30 effing years.
I didn’t start trying to write fiction till I was 47.
Don’t be me.
If you have a dream, go for it, even if you think you can’t do it. Don’t let other people or a single bad experience deter your dreams. Try. Just try.
Anyway.
Since time travel doesn’t exist outside of fiction (including some of my fiction), I have only 2 options: 1) decide it’s too late to build a writing career, I’m too old, so why bother, or 2) do it and make the most of the years I have left. Spoiler alert: I chose (and continue to choose) option 2.
Some days the regret really gets to me. I could have 20 or 30 years of experience as a writer. I could have (maybe) built a writing career and even supported myself and my family as a writer. Every time I read about how lots of successful authors labored for 10 or 15 or 20 years before getting a novel published, the regret twists in my gut like a bad burrito. I’m 54 years old. I don’t have that kind of time.
But then I come back to those 2 options. Give up or do it now. I think about how I’d feel if I gave up. Really think about it. Let myself feel the disappointment, the regret.
Then I pick up my manuscript and get back to work.
28 Comments
Michelle Wallace (@mishy1727)
Happy New Year!
Congratulations on the double publication!
I must say that your story sounds very familiar! When it comes to writing, I’m also a late bloomer.
Great attitude – just pick up the manuscript and get back to work.
Happy IWSG Day!
Janet Alcorn
Thanks! Happy IWSG Day!
joylenebutler
Happy new year, Janet. I think there is something smart about maturing first, writing second.
Janet Alcorn
I have to mature before I write? Crap. There goes my writing career.
Happy New Year!
joylenebutler
LOL. Okay, yes what I wrote sounds slightly silly now. But you know what I mean. Not maturing actually, but just experiencing life. Look, I know what I’m talking about. LOL. I’ve got decades under my belt.
Janet Alcorn
Oh, I knew what you meant, and you’re right. I just refuse to grow up 🙂
Bobbiem91
I get it. I waited until I was 65 to start writing. Yeah, it was a bit late, but you know what–It’s a great retirement job. One that I can do as long as my fingers can move and my mind doesn’t decide to quit working. It’s never to late to start something that fascinates you and for me, that is writing all the stories I daydreamed but never put on papre.
Janet Alcorn
You’re right on all counts. And really, a dream deferred is better than a dream denied.
Mary Aalgaard
I’m also 54 and feel like I’ve frittered away my time. I regret not being more dedicated to the writing craft and have a book or two to show for it. But, I have other things: articles, an active blog where I write theater reviews, a play that I produced, and lots of ideas and notes. We’ll persevere. Who knows how old we’ll grow and what things we will accomplish. I love your quote of the day!
Janet Alcorn
You’ve got some solid accomplishments—congrats! And yeah, we’ll persevere. And have fun along the way.
Loni Townsend
Congrats on the release! And so sorry to hear that experience disrupted your writing life so much. I’m glad you’re writing fiction now. I was one of the anthology judges and was surprised when one of my picks didn’t make the cut. I asked who the author was, and I wanted to let you know I thought your story was super cute and enjoyable. I look forward to checking out your other stories!
Janet Alcorn
Thanks, Loni—especially for your kind comment about my story. It sounds like the competition was fierce, which is great for the IWSG and for the anthology. I look forward to reading the winning stories and submitting again next year.
Kim Elliott
I have the same regret, but late is certainly better than never. Glad you’re doing what you love now!
Janet Alcorn
Thanks! And sorry for the late reply. WordPress flagged your comment as spam (no idea why), and I just now saw it.
emaginette
Be shameless. Be proud. Enjoy it all. And congrats!
Anna from elements of emaginette
Janet Alcorn
Fabulous advice! And thanks!
Sarah Foster
Glad you chose the second option because it’s never too late! Congrats on the publication!
Janet Alcorn
Thanks! And you’re right: as long as you’re still alive, it’s not too late.
Elizabeth Mueller
The fabulous thing about it, Janet, is that you are doing something about it NOW. Be good to yourself!
Happy 2022!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
Elizabeth Mueller
Oh, and congratulations on your publication. So exciting!
Elizabeth Mueller
Um, it looks like my first comment was skipped!
The good thing is that you’re doing something about it now.
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
Janet Alcorn
Yep! Thanks for stopping by!
Janet Alcorn
For some weird reason, your first comment went to moderation. Sorry about that.
Janet Alcorn
Thanks!
3mpodcast
Congratulations on the short story! Now is definitely better than never. Continued good luck!
The Warrior Muse
Janet Alcorn
Thanks!
Ally Bean
Congrats on your story and finding your passion. Not everyone does.
Janet Alcorn
Thanks!