Lifelong writers and late bloomers: how old are first-time novelists?

[Elizabeth Zelvin]

I wanted to be a writer from the age of 7, when I first read L.M. Montgomery's Emily of New Moon. At 11, I learned more about the writer's burning desire to write and the travails of trying to publish from Little Women. While I was in college, historical novelist Cecilia Holland published her first novel at the age of 24 to critical acclaim. She became my role model, not as a writer but as a success. I wanted to be a published novelist at 24. It didn't happen. I did make several attempts at writing full length fiction, including three mysteries that a very good agent took on but failed to sell when I was in my early 30s. I went through a midlife career change. I published two books of poetry and a lot of professional material, including a book, before turning back to fiction five years ago. And now my first mystery will come out in 2008, beating my Medicare card by a short length. I'd like to hear from or about writers who published their first mystery or other novel after 60. Was writing fiction something you always told yourself you'd like to try? Or have you been at it all along, like me?

[Robert Gregory Browne]

Does 50 count? I've wanted to be a novelist since I was 12 years old, inspired by Donald Westlake. After getting sidetracked by songwriting and composing, then by screenwiting, I finally finished and sold my first novel at 50.

What I've noticed since is that many, many first time writers are in their 40's and 50's. This would be a nearly impossible task in Hollywood, which puts you out to pasture when you turn 40.

[Laura Benedict]

My first "big" story came out in EQMM when I was 38. My first novel will be out two months after my 45th birthday. So, early middle age vs later middle age? Still a late-bloomer.

[Dave White]

I wrote a Sherlock Holmes story when I was in fourth grade. I picked up writing again in college. I'm 27 now, my first book comes out in September, beating my 28th b-day by a month.

[Naomi Hirahara]

Forty-three for me. I'm so glad that I broke into fiction in my forties versus my thirties or twenties. I have a level of confidence in my former professional career and those experiences have certainly helped in other areas of publishing--promoting, marketing, etc. Plus writing is such a solitary affair, so I'm glad that I was part of a work community in which we kvetched together, celebrated birthdays, sorted out conflicts, etc. After going through that, I was ready to be on my own. But to lead this kind of lonely writing life for forty years or so? Hmmm. Doesn't seem appealing. I think I learn more from daily contact with folks very different from me.

[Sandra Ruttan]

Congrats to both of you.

Despite my age listing, I'm not even 40 so I have no comment.

[Karen Dionne]

Hey, Elizabeth - I think you're not getting responses to your question because no one wants to admit how close they are to 60!

However, I did want to offer congrats on your first novel. It's a terrific feeling, isn't it? My first is coming out in 2008 as well.

To your question, while I won creative writing awards when I was in high school, I never had any particular desire to be a writer. I wasn't even the kind of mom who made up bedtime stories - just read 'em straight out of the books.

It wasn't until my son was in high school and I was encouraging him to enter the same writing contests I had that I thought, 'Hm, I used to be a pretty good writer. What about me?'

And here I am. :)