Write Things: On when it is too late to start writing

Write Things: On when is it too late to start writing

Hello writers,

After a couple of speaking engagements about having the “write” mindset, a few questions are still rolling around in my head - one of which is, “Is it too late for me to start writing?” 

Let’s talk about it. 

Idea: On Mindset

First off, I need to get this off my chest: this is just the tip of the iceberg in this conversation. The stories we tell ourselves about our past and present are powerful indicators of where we will end up.

What’s "true" about our lives is simply the stories we have consciously or unconsciously chosen to believe.

And the stories we tell ourselves about our future—again, what we believe to be true—shape what we are aiming toward, whether we like it or not.

Now, back to the prompt: is it too late to begin writing?

The answer is a resounding no.

Writers draw upon their experiences, curiosities, frustrations, triumphs, and disappointments to craft their stories. A 70-year-old writer often has a better chance of accurately depicting a 25-year-old’s experience than the other way around.

Your age is part of your superpower.

Many of my writers wrote in their youth, then set their stories aside until retirement. Now, writing has become something fulfilling, healing, and exciting for each of them. And if you’ve ever worked in a writing group with me, you know that everyone has interesting stories inside them.

We only get to hear the stories from those who take the first step to tell them.

There’s so much more I want to share about this topic. If you’re interested, reply and let me know. But I promise you this: it’s only too late to begin writing if you choose to believe it is.

Consider these examples:

• Raymond Chandler turned to writing in his 50s, debuting with The Big Sleep and becoming a master of hardboiled detective fiction.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder began her beloved Little House series in her 60s, drawing from her childhood on the American frontier.
• Frank McCourt published his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Angela’s Ashes, at age 66, launching his literary career.

Each of these authors began writing later in life. If you’ve dabbled in writing or thought about storytelling earlier, you’re already ahead of the game!

If a quick conversation about how to get started would help, I’d love to give you that nudge. Book a free 15-minute conversation with me here. No strings attached.

Inspiration: “Left unsaid”

Set a timer for four minutes and write continuously on the prompt above. This week, lean into the images, feelings, or ideas that feel important. Afterward, decide whether to revise, continue, or leave it as is.

Forward someone this email and ask them to do it too! Then share what you’ve written. Sharing imperfect work is a powerful antidote to the poison that is our inner critics.

Invitation: To Journal

More and more, I’m understanding the importance of a writer’s ability to turn inwards for inspiration for their writing. Whether your stories are personal or fictional, the compass that leads to them is locked within your curiosities and imaginings, your fears and desires. 

This week, take 10 minutes and allow yourself to journal on what you feel curious about. What your feel pushed or pulled to explore. Make a list.

Then, once a day, do a quick-write on one of the ideas and see if it has legs - see if it’s going anywhere. You may choose to follow it or not. But at least you’ll be getting used to looking inward and trusting what you find. 

If you’re looking to start writing and you want to work together, I’ve got a few spots left in my Enhance Your Storytelling course and I’d love to talk to you about them.

Book a 15 minute 1:1 with me and we can figure out what your next step might be - whether it’s the course or something else, with me or someone else.

But the early bird offer ends tomorrow, so if the course is an option, I’d love for you to save some money and get the bonus before it’s too late! You can book it with me here.

I wish you and your stories all the best. 

Sincerely,

Trevor Martens