I’m thrilled to tell you that Dakota Blues just won the Next Generation Indie Book Finalist award! And it’s a triumph for all of us, because it’s affirmation that a midlife coming-of-age story is compelling in the modern marketplace. It’s also proof that we’re never too old to chase after our dreams.
As I think of all the writing classes I took, all the writing conferences I attended, and all the advice I got, the thing that stands out in my mind is one literary agent telling me that nobody wanted to read about “old people.” Ha, ha! Apparently they do, because sales are brisk!
Further, my new Midlife Fiction page on Facebook (you don’t have to be a member of FB to access the page) already has almost fifty book titles. The only two criteria: that the main character be at least forty, and that the story illuminate the experience of living in the second half of life.
Good thing there’s no age restriction on the writers, because thirty-year-old Christopher Hooks just contacted me about his debut novel, Henry, the a collection of day-in-the-life vignettes concerning an eighty-year-old man. I downloaded it on Kindle and the opening paragraphs look promising. I can’t wait to read it and I wish Christopher massive book sales.
On the other end of the author age scale is Monica Agnew-Kinnaman, who at age 95 just published So This is Heaven, a memoir of saving dogs throughout her life. That’s yet another cool thing about a writing career: you can still do it in your very later years if you’ve got all your marbles. For more about Monica, check out my friend Sheila’s blog post here.
I’d write more, but I need to practice being interviewed because a North Dakota TV station wants to feature me next week! And after that I’m going to break out a bottle of bubbly. Have a great weekend. I know I will. And Happy Mother’s Day to all my mother-friends.
Wow! Keep up the good work 🙂 I like reading posts full of positivity!
Thanks, Luck! It would be nothing without the back and forth with commentors such as yourself.
Congratulations on your book. Great to hear of mid lifers making it!
Thanks, Elizabeth. Me, too!
I am so proud of you!!!
Tricia, it’s great to see you here at Any Shiny Thing. Hope you’ll stop by from time to time and comment. Our neighbor, Pennie, does, too. Hope you’re feeling better.
Congratulations, Lynne! Well done. As we grow older, we seem to have to fight the same battles over and over. It reminds of the casting for the movie “Bridges of Madison County.” Clint Eastwood suggested Meryl Streep (then 45) for the part of the 45 year-old female character and met a lot of resistance and suggestions for much younger actresses. Clint finally prevailed, saying “This is what a 45 year old women looks like.”
Madeleine, I did not know that story. God. It reminds me of the miscasting, in my mind, of one of the Alex Cross stories, wherein Alex (the character was about 40) was portrayed by Morgan Freeman (around 70) and all the women in the movie were very very young. So stupid. But good for Clint.
More congrats! Well done and an inspiration. Good luck in your interviews.
Congratulations!
Wow, what exciting news, Lynne! Have a glass of that bubbly for me, my friend! Couldn’t happen to a nicer person. I’m particularly encouraged by that 95-year-old who’s just published a book. “Retirement” is over-rated — write on!!
Congratulations! What validation (not that you needed it). I’m very happy for you.
I DO need it, Donna! Only human 😉
To all my dear friends who have taken the time to comment this morning, I want you to know it would mean NOTHING without you to share it with. I am so grateful to have you in my live. XOXOXOXOXO!
WooHoo! Lynne, can you hear my east coast cheers resonating across the miles? Celebrating with you, my dear friend xoxo
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. My co-author and I were also told that we should make our characters younger — no older than 40. No way!
Sandra, I was also told to make my 50+ characters younger because “they don’t act that old.” Took a moment to stop laughing and get the NO out of my mouth. 🙂
Congratulations Lynn! You did it, and you did it your way! The elderly lady in your story, by the way, was my favorite character!
MUY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!! Also glad that sales are brisk. I’d read somewhere that the average sales for self pubbed books is between 150 and 500. You, and our mutual friend Judy, are proof that you can’t believe everything you read! YAY FOR YOU! Besides that: the largest demographic for book buyers and readers are women over 50, so tell that agent to “stick it.” LOL
Lynne, this is fabulous news. Funny thing: I was in a conversation this week with Libby Grandy, the author of Desert Soliloquy. She, too, had an agent tell her that no one wants to read about old people. Really? We old folks are the ones spending the money on books–and I’d buy a lot more of them if I could find more books with older protagonists. Hooray for you & Libby & all the other folks out there who are ignoring the young pups who would silence us as writers. We rock!
Congratulations, Lynne.
Oh Lynne I’m doing the happy dance (no you can’t watch it’s embarrassing enough that I’m doing it) but I’m just so psyched for you YAY!!!!!!!
Deb
So happy for you Lynne. Have fun on TV 🙂
Congratulations, Lynne! Woot! And thank you for mentioning Monica’s book – she’s inspiring on many levels. As are you!
What great news, Lynne! Have fun with your interview….. Now get busy on your next novel – we want more!
Congratulations, Lynne. It is a well deserved award as the book is wonderful. And here’s to many more awards! Cheers!
Wowza – Congratulations Lynne!!!! And thanks for sharing the Midlife Fiction page. Maybe my story with the midlife heroine will be up there some day. YOU GO, GIRL!!!
Congratulations! I suddenly realized that my novel, Hot Water, qualifies. Julia is 42.
Doh! (Homer Simpson slap to forehead.) I will put it up ASAP!
Congratulations Lynne! I wish you much continued success, and I’m so appreciative for the mention!
And best wishes to you, Christopher! You’re on your way.
Yay, you!
BIG congratulations on such exciting news!!!
Congratulations, Lynne, on your fabulous news. Like you said it is a victory in more ways than one. Not only is it a tribute to you as a writer, but also an affirmation to all mid-life story tellers. Wish I lived closer, so I could toast you in person.
Wonderful post about book for our midlife age group (and older!) Loving this post. Great job!
CONGRATULATIONS!! What awesome news! I’m so happy for you..