As someone who had a lengthy business career in IT and consulting prior to becoming an author, the notion of why people take up writing later in life interests me. Some people have always wanted to write but knew that finding a secure income stream was paramount. Others have stumbled on writing as a new career.
John R. Bell told his story last week – From CEO to Rookie Historical Novelist – and I thought it would be interesting to ask others about their experiences.
If you think of yourself as being a second-career author, I’d be delighted to have your thoughts on any or all of the following questions:
- What sort of career did you have before becoming a writer?
- Was there a triggering event that prompted you to begin writing?
- Do you now write full time or part time?
- What parts of the writing career do you enjoy the most/the least?
- What parts of your former career do you miss/not miss?
- Do you have any regrets?
- What advice would you offer other second career writers?
Alternatively, if you’re interested in writing a guest post on the topic, let me know!
For those celebrating Thanksgiving today, I send my very best wishes.
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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel, TIME AND REGRET was published by Lake Union. Mary’s other novels, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads or on her website www.mktod.com.
13 Responses
I’d be happy to write a guest post. I worked in training during my career and ended as an Assistant Director at Revenue Canada and when I retired took up writing full time. I’ve finished one novel and am finishing my second with a plan for a whole series. See my website at https://www.historicalnovelsonline.com/ Keira Morgan keira@historicalnovelsonline.com
Celebrating Powerful Renaissance Women
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I’m not sure if I qualify as a second career writer. I worked as a PR writer-for-hire most of my first career, but always wanted to write fiction, and poetry, and, and, and . . . I was a junior in high school when I wrote my first poem about a senior out baling hay by himself. Got his hand caught in the baler and bled to death. I would love to do a guest post for you about my journey from that poem to my first historical novel released in August.
Sounds like a great idea, Faith. I’ll be in touch.
Hello M.K.,I’ve enjoyed your blog for years–thanks for all your effort!I’m a second-career author whose debut historical novel, Lucia’s Renaissance, came out five weeks ago, and I’d enjoy writing a guest post for your blog.Let me know please if you’d be interested.Thank you,Colleen Petersonclrpeterson.com
Many thanks, Colleen. I’ll follow up!
I’d be happy to contribute: I’ve been a teacher and researcher for over a decade before I became a full time (and broke) writer and game designer.
Thanks, Davide. I’ll be in touch!
Dear M.K., I was an art curator and then art history academic, before becoming a historical novelist after my daughter grew up and left home. I’ve now published four novels set in the early Middle Ages and draw on my art history knowledge in my research. I would be very interested to write a guest blog on being a second career writer.
Many thanks for your interest, Tracey. I’ll be in touch!
I loved this idea, so have written a post using your questions and providing a link to your site which I will post tomorrow morning, Monday, Dec. 11th at croywright.com Donna croywright@gmail.com “The thing about time is that time isn’t really real. It’s just your point of view…” James Taylor, lyrics “The Secrets of Life”
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As I mentioned, I’ve posted my answers to these questions on my blog. Find it here. https://croywright.com/2017/12/11/reinventing-myself-a-second-career-author/
Many thanks, Donna. I’m so pleased the questions resonated with you.