Writers who dream of being published someday often mistakenly believe they have to do it in their 20s. Wrong. I did it with Lives Charmed in my 30s. And, for many authors, that was young.
In this week’s Pub Tip, we’re going to explore first-time authors who were in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Audrey Niffenegger, first published at age 40
Artist. Professor. Writer.
Forty-eight-year-old Audrey Niffenegger does it all. She was born in Michigan and raised in Chicago, where she currently resides. Her passions include making prints, paintings, drawings and comics, teaching, and writing.
Audrey made her big debut when she was forty years old. In 2003, thanks to independent publisher, MacAdam/Cage, The Time Traveler’s Wife was a success – an international best-selling novel, and a movie adaptation.
A.S. Byatt, age 54
Novelist. Poet. Writer.
Englishwoman, Dame Antonia Susan Duffy (also known as A.S. Byatt), will be celebrating her 75th birthday in August. Possession was her first published, Booker Prize-winning novel.
According to Ted Gioia, “Possession has this same multi-layered resonance, but Byatt never gets caught up in the flashiness of her textual juggling, and every move she makes contributes to a holistic effect.”
She is a realist and it shows in her work.Her life clearly exemplifies that perseverance pays off.
Marilynne Robinson, age 65
Essayist. Novelist. Teacher.
American Author Marilynne Robinson was born in 1947. While attending graduate school in 1981, she wrote her first award-winning, Pulitzer Prize nominated novel, Housekeeping.
Since then, her career has soared. The University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop is where she currently teaches and shares her passion for writing.
Marilynne is known today as an admirable novelist. She never gave up, followed her dreams, and because of her diligence, education, and hard work, we’re talking about her now.
José Saramago, age 73
Journalist. Playwright. Writer.
Portuguese novelist José Saramago (born in 1922) lived his life to the fullest and did what he loved most. He wrote… and wrote… and wrote.
In 1947 his first novel, Country of Sin was published. Fame didn’t find him until he was in his 50s. Later, his legendary novel, Blindness was published in 1995.
Angela Rosati, age 80
Writer.
Eighty-one-year-old Angela Rosati is a New York native, raised in Astoria. When she wasn’t working on her father’s dairy, she was enjoying entertainment at a Broadway show, or an opera.
According to Angela, she “worked hard and read a lot.” That must explain why she was able to publish her first book later in life… when she was EIGHTY years old! Amazing.
The plot in her first paperback book, WANTED: HUSBAND (published by Moongypsy Press), is steamy and sweet, taking place in the1950s.
Helen Hoover Santymeyer, age 90
Writer.
Being a 90-year-old first-time author sounds too good to be true, right? Well, believe it or not, it IS true.
Helen Hoover Santymeyer wrote an American classic, the #1 New York Times bestseller – And Ladies of the Club. Her life began in 1895 and ended in 1986.
Helen is living proof that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Anything…
It really is never too late to publish your book. NEVER…
And, it’s never too late to appreciate someone you adore. As many of you know, my dear friend and assistant for the past 2.5 years—Natalie Kottke—started an exciting new job this week as a political documentarian. She and I are practicing our Skype skills so we can pretend to be in the same place at the same time, even though we’re far across town. I know you join me in wishing our Naters all the success in the world. I’ll be sure and keep you abreast of her good news!
Have a great week, everyone! Until next time,
Linda
