It’s Never Too Late to Start Writing (Even If You’ve Been Talking About It for Years!)

We’ve all been there. You’ve got a story to tell, characters floating around in your head, and a plot that’s practically begging to be written. But then, life happens. Work. Family. Life. And then you think, “Maybe I’m too old to start now,” or “I’ll do it next year… next decade…”

Some of the best British authors started their literary careers after they’d already had a full life of experiences. If you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, there’s no reason why you can’t dust off that pen (or keyboard) and get cracking. Trust me, you’ve got this.

British Authors Who Prove It’s Never Too Late

Let’s talk about Kit de Waal, for example. Kit didn’t get her first novel, ‘My Name is Leon’, published until she was in her 50s, and look at her now — she’s a bestselling author and an inspiration to aspiring writers everywhere. Before her writing career, she worked in social services, so you know she’s got a treasure trove of life experience to draw from. She didn’t let her age stop her. In fact, it probably gave her the kind of perspective you only get after living through a few decades of real life. Kit’s debut novel, full of raw emotion and powerful storytelling, has touched hearts around the world.

Then there’s Bernardine Evaristo. She was in her 50s when ‘Girl, Woman, Other’— a Booker Prize-winning masterpiece — became an international hit. Evaristo had been writing for years, but her breakthrough didn’t come until later in life. She’s a brilliant example of how experience — not just life experience, but the determination to keep going — can create magic.

Richard Adams didn’t get his first book, ‘Watership Down’, published until he was in his 50s. If that’s not proof that it’s never too late, I don’t know what is. Adams spent years working in the civil service, and while he had a passion for storytelling, it wasn’t until his late 40s that he decided to put pen to paper. The result? One of the most famous books of the 20th century. So, what’s stopping you?

Doris Lessing, who didn’t win the Nobel Prize in Literature until she was 80, is another prime example. She’d been writing for decades before she was officially recognised, but it was her later works that earned her global fame. If that doesn’t show that the writing world has absolutely no age limit, I don’t know what does. I’ve recently helped publish the early memoirs of a women in her mid 80’s!

The Perks of Writing Later in Life

Here’s the thing: writing when you’re older is like having your own superpower. You’ve lived through decades of history, seen the highs and lows, and you’ve got plenty of stories to tell. You’ve also got a pretty sharp perspective. Not to mention, you’ve likely developed a level of patience and resilience that younger writers may still be working on. You can sit down and get on with it — no distractions, no self-doubt. You’ve had enough of that in your life already!

And let’s be honest — there’s no pressure to impress anyone. No need to follow trends, no concern about being ‘on-brand’ for the youth market. You can just be yourself — and that’s what makes your writing unique, whatever you want to write.

There’s also the fact that you’ve got time. You’ve learned how to finish things, how to stick with something, how to keep going, even when the going gets tough. All these life lessons will make your writing journey much more fulfilling. You’re not rushing, you’re enjoying the ride.

Why It’s the Perfect Time to Start Writing

Still not convinced? Just think about it: you’ve likely got decades of life experience under your belt. You’ve probably dealt with a few curveballs, had some heartwarming moments, and had a lot of time to think about what really matters in life. You’ve lived, laughed, and probably shed a few tears along the way. And now, all those stories are ready to come out.

The world is ready for your stories — your stories. Whether it’s a memoir, a novel, or a collection of short stories, your perspective is valuable. In fact, it’s what makes your writing stand out. You’ve experienced things that younger generations can only imagine, and that wisdom is priceless.

But here’s the thing: getting started can be a bit daunting. So, let us help.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve been thinking, “I’d love to write, but where do I even begin?” then you’re not alone. Starting can be the hardest part. But here’s the good news: we’ve got you covered.

Join our NeverTooLate community and connect with like-minded individuals who are embarking on their own writing journeys. It’s a space where we celebrate the fact that age is just a number, and creativity doesn’t come with an expiration date.

If you're feeling ready to take the next step, our Beginner's Writing Course — available online or as a self-paced option — is the perfect way to kickstart your writing adventure. Whether you’ve got an hour a day or a few minutes here and there, you’ll have all the tools and support you need to start writing and finish what you begin.

So, what are you waiting for? You’ve got a story to tell, and it’s about time the world heard it.

Join us today and let’s start writing — together.

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