I'm curious to know who's out there that writes as a hobby like me, but would like to some day write a book ...who is over 40? I'm actually nearing the big FiveO...yikes!...but have always wanted to write something to leave behind when I pass. Not to sound morbid. lol Anyway, it would be interesting to share ideas. Age is not really that critical. I only mentioned it in the title for the sole reason of sharing common experiences within an age group.
Well, I'm back to the drawing...or, writing board ...as would be a better way to put it. I scrapped the idea on my novel project after I completed my first chapter. (Of what I think would be a chapter length) There is so much to learn and before I waste precious time discovering mistakes, I want to look into a writing class, or some online instructional course. Because I'm a frugal person; can anyone suggest anything for me that is free information? I could always sift through the countless topics and posts on this forum but I think I need more structure here. If I'm going to put a lot of time into something I may seek to publish one day, I want to make sure I at least get closer to putting a solid plan together. Cheers!
I'm 54. I took a few of the Gotham writing courses a few years ago and I enjoyed them. They were also very helpful, not just in writing technique, but also in boosting my confidence. PM me if you want the website.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/start-writing-fiction/1/todo/508 While the course has finished, the resources are still there. All that you'll be missing is the interaction with other students, most important of which is feedback on a piece that you write...and you'll get a lot more honest and detailed critiques on the WF website.
The course looks fantastic: FREE and hosted by David Neal - head tutor a363/a215 OU Creative Writing...good find and good luck. Oh, 40 plus geriatric specialist.
Sponsored rather - you never see David Neal. Even on 363 you only get to crit his story, whoever he is - story called the Violin Maker - which is a little bit dull - you study the short story, radio and theatre version scripts...you sort of hate h personally, and violins, by end of course. Sent via mobile tocnology.
For me, it's all helpful right now since I've never had any official training. I just like to write. I'm looking forward to it.
Speaking as a relatively young guy, I'm jealous of older writers because they have much more experience. And by this I mean both life experience and experience with reading and writing. So consider yourself lucky. You have much more material to draw from.
I am definitely over 40 and would LOVE to actually finish writing a novel. I just can't seem to stick with one. Commitment phobia. I can't even use staples.
At least we don't have to write using an old typewriter these days! I can imagine how difficult that must have been but at the same time, I think true writers back in the day had the advantage because not too many people would tolerate writing on such a primitive device. Just like photography, with the advancement in technology it levels the playing field for many folks. The competition is enormous. I'm trying to figure out how to make my writings different. I get sick of reading, "It was a dark and stormy night as..." Creativity, intriguing characters and a good story line is my objective, for starters. I hope the recent fiction writing class I signed up for will help guide me in the right direction.
Funny you say that about the typewriter, I write in longhand. Words just don't come if I sit at the laptop but flow so free from an ink pen onto college ruled paper. A writing class - online? If so, which one?
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/start-writing-fiction I signed up for a fiction class. Browse the topics. Pretty cool!
Forget your age. I feel 100 at times and I am not 100. One can write at any age, and older the better, because of the accumulated experiences. Plus more words. And more ideas.
