Friday, July 27, 2012

Are You Too Old to Write?


Imagine living longer than you ever thought you would and in good health.  At each Doctor's visit, the Doc says, "Your doing great.  For your age, you're in excellent health."

The day you turned 90, you thought surely this was your last year.  "I can't live this long.  It's too amazing." 

"Can you guess how old I am?" you ask strangers.  Shaking their heads they wait for your response. "I'm 90. Can you believe it?"

Soon, your 91st birthday is only months away, then weeks, and then days.  You are 91!  The celebration is wonderful.  Your children and their children give you hugs, kisses, and gifts.    

Your "To Do" list is short and so are your worries. 

1. De-clutter the house.

2. The driver's license expires this year.  Will the state of Texas let you renew? 

3. Prepare a story draft for your critique group.


This biography snippet is about my friend Ilma who turned 91 this month..  She and I attend the meetings at our local SCBWI.  She's a children's writer and brings her stories for critique just about every month.  These wonderful stories are of a time long ago.  They are everyday stories and have historical value.  When her stories are read aloud, I am transported to a time I could not imagine without her.  Her words come to life and take me there.

From her, I have learned that I must never stop writing.  One day, my stories will have historical value.  I will be able to transport my readers to a place and time I knew well, and they will experience it afresh through my eyes. 

I remember when I was young...

my house didn't have central heating or cooling. My brother has a burn scar on his bottom from when his derriere touched the heater at bath time.

the day young girls were coaxed by TV commercials to exchange their classic hard plastic Barbies for the "new and improved" posable Barbies.

the moonless night we saw "The Night of the Living Dead", in our old station wagon, at the drive-in theater.  Oooh, scary!

Mom sewing all my dresses, because it was cheaper to buy 2 yards of cloth and notions than a ready-made dress.

Can you think of what life was like when you were young?

11 comments:

  1. What wonderful inspiration this is to me as I turned 57 this year and wonder if I have anything to say that others might read. Now I know I must keep writing.

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    1. I agree. Her stories are amazing. I always feel as though I've traveled back in time and am there with her. I pray my stories will touch everyone the way hers do. :)

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  2. What wonderful inspiration this is to me as I turned 57 this year and wonder if I have anything to say that others might read. Now I know I must keep writing.

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  3. I also have a 90 year old writer friend! And I just talked to my 88 yr old grandmother today. I love hearing her stories! Maybe u can get a story idea from these precious memories!

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    1. Have you gotten any ideas for stories from your grandmother? Dad talked of writing down his autobiography often. I know he started writing his life story , but I don't believe he's completed it.. Now that he's frail he may not ever be able to finish. I wish you success. :)

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  4. I was so happy to read your post today because, earlier this morning, I had been lamenting about getting such a late start at serious writing (I will be 55 in October). This was just what I needed to help me appreciate all the time I have left to write! Thanks so much for posting this!

    On a similar note, my brother did a video interview of my mother where she talks about her childhood and our childhood . . . If you have that chance to do that with your parents or grandparents, you definitely should!

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  5. It makes me happy to know I cheered you. That is such a great idea about the video. My dad's very ill so, it will mean a lot to the family to capture his words. You're an angel. :)

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  6. It's my first visit to your blog, and I absolutely LOVE it, and I absolitely love Ilma and your dad. I'm so glad I happened by (after your url languished on the 12x12 collection for way too long). See you again soon.

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    1. Thanks Genevieve, that means a lot to me. See you soon. :)

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  7. Thanks for putting things into perspective, Brenda. I would love to have you interview your 91-year old-friend and read more about why she writes. That would truly be inspiring!

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    1. That's a good idea. I will ask and see what she says. I'm hoping to see her tomorrow.

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