The other morning I was getting ready to go out and spotted a slip of paper from a fortune cookie sitting on the corner of my desk. I remember collecting it months ago and had forgotten about it. Somehow, on this particular morning, it magically showed up.

As a person of an age where every moment counts, I was happy for the reminder. I’ve been working on my fantasy novel ever since I retired over eight years ago, and questioned the wisdom of starting a writing career at this point in my life. I ignored the doubt and persisted. The novel is complete and in final edits. It’s been a wonderful journey where I’ve met many other writers, both young and old, who have inspired and encouraged me on my journey.

I remember how overwhelmed I felt when I realized it wasn’t just about writing a book. There was an author’s webpage to build, social media to engage, workshops to attend and organizations to join. I’ve managed to navigate it all even though I knew nothing about any of it when I started. It took a lot of time attending workshops, watching YouTube videos and Googling for answers. I’ve learned a lot, and all this creativity has kept my mind sharp and my curiosity honed.

I recently started a YouTube Channel where I interview indie and small press women fantasy authors. Did I have any idea how to start a YouTube Channel and do interviews? Absolutely none, but I decided to do it anyway and realized it’s something I absolutely love. It’s very sobering to set a critical eye on yourself in a video, but I keep improving and my channel is growing. If you’re interested, please check it out here: Women Fantasy Authors Channel. Also, if you are an indie (or small press) female fantasy author and would like to inquire about being interviewed, please email me.

Need some inspiration?

• Tamae Watanabe (73) is the oldest women to climb Mount Everest
• Doris Lessing won the Nobel Peace Price in Literature at age 88
• Deidre Wolownick climbed El Capitan in Yosemite on her 70th birthday
• Drag’n Fly hiked the entire Appalachian Trail at 74
• Jane Champion continues to make award-winning films at age 68
• Nancy Birtwhistle won the Great British Bake-off at age of 60 and now has a new career teaching, writing & judging
• Lynn Wilder (a high school friend) landed a contract to design a fabric collection for a major company at age 70
• Meet Tao Porchon-Lynch, the world’s oldest competitive ballroom dancer.

It shouldn’t matter whether your goal is to learn to paint, write your memoir or climb a mountain, you can find support and resources to help you attain your goal. You may surprise yourself, and your grandkids and friends will be impressed too.

Create an Adventure!