I'm a grandfather of five and probably one of the oldest here, but I console myself with the thought that many people have started successful careers late in life. I've always written things, mostly short stories for papers and magazines , and professional stuff. I started writing seriously a few years back when I started to ease into retirement. I've been a family doctor for thirty five years and in the last fifteen I've also been medical director of a specialty Alzheimer unit, so I've had lots of life experience. I'm retiring fully from the medical work in December. I loved what I did, but at some point you just realise that you've done it long enough. I love telling stories to the grandkids. We have a cottage on the shores of Lake Huron and on warm summers evenings (yes we have them in Canada) we play a "three word game" where everyone around the campfire says three words in turn to build a story. It's fun although the kids seem to end all stories with fire-breathing dragons eating everything in sight... So my first book was, quite naturally, geared to younger readers and is a coming of age tale in a sci-fi setting. I self-published it on Kobo as an indie author and I'm working on the second book in the series. I found it hard writing in isolation and from what I've seen on the site so far, I think I'll get some much-needed inspiration and encouragement to keep on going.
Welcome Genghis! I like how the kids end their stories, I think I would most of my short stories the same way if I could get away with it, and I don't even write fantasy. I think it is really cool that you like to tell stories to your grand kids, I think that should become a tradition handed down (if it isn't already). My grandpa just yelled obscenities at everyone and reminded everyone how they did not marry well. No he was not senile, just a jerk. My mom was a CNA for an Alzheimer's ward, and I sometimes volunteered there. My couldn't handle working there after 15 years though, it was emotionally exhausting for her. I look forward to seeing you around here and also look forward to seeing your work in the workshop area! Oh, also I really like your signature quote. It is so true. Lincoln was not only a great leader, but a someone with great insight in current social issues.
Congrats on your forthcoming retirement ! I can't think of a more beautiful location to spend your retirement - the shores of Huron. I'm in Echo Bay (near Sault Ste. Marie). For the past couple of months we have been looking for our own retirement spot on the shore (up here on the North Shore, but our preference is currently either Manitoulin Island or the Bruce Peninsula). My partner is retired from the steel industry - retired early. I continue to work part-time from home (on line) as an acute care medical editor for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (I think they call us "medical records specialists' these days). Also congrats on your unique ability to get the grandkids outside and gathered around the bonfire instead of stuck inside the cottage/camp with their electronics! That's quite a feat these days . I'll take fire-breathing dragons as an ending any day versus moaning and groaning that they're missing something important on their iphones LOL. Our grandkids are in Ottawa so only see them once a year or so. You'll definitely find encouragement, companionship, and inspiration here. I've only been a member for six week or so and love the community here. I'll especially appreciate it once the snow starts . Cheers, Jeff
My grand-daughter (14) volunteers in my unit too. I think it is good experience for her and she loves it. I have great respect for the front-line staff there and can see how it can be overwhelming emotionally. When you are with residents on a daily basis for many years you do develop emotional ties that go way beyond the professional relationship. That isn't a bad thing, but it makes it especially hard as the illness progresses to its ultimate conclusion. Thanks for the welcome. Genghis
Echo Bay! That is the Great White North! I used to canoe in Temagami. That's quite a bit East of you but it's the farthest North I've been so far. It's all great countryside up there with the white pine reappearing again. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm finding my way slowly around the site and it looks very good so far. All the best with your retirement plans. Genghis
Welcome to the forums Genghis! Always glad to see another experienced writer join the forums! If you have any questions feel free to ask any of the staff members including myself for help, or post a thread with your question in the corresponding forum. Hopefully you're learn a thing or two while on here. Of course it sounds like you've got a pretty good grasp of how to write already.
Thanks monsterman. I'd hate to masquerade as an "experienced writer" though. I'm still picking up tips and advice anywhere I can. Onward and upward....
Welcome! By the sounds of it you have a wonderful river of experience and depth to draw from and I am glad you are sharing your life and passions in the form of writing projects, I very much smile at the image of you all sharing three words around the fire! I hope you find enough here to enable you to persist and build upon the admirable achievement of completing your second book!
Welcome. Sounds like you'll fit right in! Here's our New Member Quick Start in case you haven't come across it yet. A must-read to all our members. See you around! -Katri
Welcome to the forum! I live in Scotland now, but I grew up in the Great White North on the shores of Lake Huron, too ...the other side of it from yourself. I'm not a grannie, but I'm old enough to be. Nice to think we've both had our toes in the same lake! I miss very little about the USA, but I do miss that lake!
Mrs Genghis and I were born in Kirkcaldy and went to high school there together. If you're ever in the Lang Toon, have a drink in the "Penny Farthing" on me.
You are joking! We've swapped ends! I haven't been to Kirkcaldy for a long time, and I'm not terribly familiar with the place. But the Penny Farthing sounds good. I always thought Auchterarder was the 'Lang Toon.' !! Didn't know Kirkcaldy was as well. I live in Hamilton, by the way ...south Lanarkshire. Only 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre. But I've had the luck to visit nearly all other parts of Scotland during the 30 years I've been here. My favourite place, where I go as often as possible, is Ullapool and the whole area north of Inverness, but I am really fond of lots of other places as well. Dundee. Keith. Kirriemuir. Barra. Perthshire. Callander and surroundings. Ayrshire. Cromarty. Tain. The Black Isle. The west coast, Mull of Kintyre ...etc etc. Actually I'm really fond of Scotland, full stop. Amazing how there can be so much difference between places that, geographically, aren't all that far apart.
You've done more travelling in Scotland than I have! For some reason Canadians seem to love Scotland and I've known quite a few who have ended up not far from where their ancestors emigrated. It's a funny old world. Cheers, Genghis
